Best way to proceed - Some paint blemishes on (new to me) A6

[ThermonMermon]

Hey guys, I am about to take ownership of this 2008 A6 with 56k miles. There are some scratches in the clearcoat, and some poor touch up spots in the rear bumper. In addition to that, the car has swirls everywhere.

The color is a metallic Night Blue.

What is the best way to proceed? I dont have ownership of the car yet, but am trying to get body shops to quote based off the photos (below). I also have no idea what to expect as I have leased in the past, and never had detailing or paint work done.

I presume they could do a full detailing job, buff out most in the clearcoat, and do a light blend on the trunk and bumper? Thoughts on procedure, and pricing expectations (Northern NJ). Recc for a paint shop would be appreciated too!

[SinCityA6]

For recommendations on a paint facility in your area, post in the regional forums...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/forumd.../21-North-East

[hugj]

Detailers Domain Norwood NJ is a forum sponsor. Check out their website and the blog of all the vehicles they do. I don't think they do actual painting but their detailing is top notch.

[CLEANA3]

What tools do you have and are you ready to do this on your own or have it done. Two great products are Meg 105 and 205 along with a orange pad and some white ,and black pads along with a PC buffer or even better a rupes buffer.

[Dad A3]

You're in Northern NJ, take the car up to Phil at Detailers Domain, he is a great and knowledgeable guy.
He will gladly look the car over and suggest products and techniques to use to remedy the problem.
https://www.detailersdomain.com/

He's also doing a clinic on the 30th of April which may also help your situation.

[ThermonMermon]

zero tools right now. purchasing the car in conjunction with moving from an apartment to a house. In a previous life, I waxed my car on a weekly basis, so I am not totally lost.

I am the type that doesnt like paying for something I could do myself. What's the downside? Could I permanently damage the paint?

[pdqgp]

First, congrats on the new ride! Nice color. Especially once it's all cleaned up. Sounds like you have a lot going on and with all that and no real hands-on doing a strong detail let alone touch up, my first thought is drop $300-$400 and let someone bring it back to 100% for you and fix the blemishes. I personally would go the body shop route after it's corrected and only IF at that point it still needs more to fix it to your liking. Body shops aren't going to "detail" it the same way and while they can likely easily fix the blemishes, most are not known for quality detail jobs. Just saying....

IF you want to tackle the detail job it's not difficult. The paint is pretty swirled up but you can do it. If you don't have a buffer and tools, etc. it's going to be about a $300 investment for products and tools to get you through it. It's a basic list not fully comprehensive but solid stuff. I can list it out if you wish. Then it's time and labor which to me is relaxing actually. There's little to no chance of messing it up detail wise.

I would be happy to chime in on the blemish repairs but would like better clearly larger and closer pics. Hard to really see what's going on in most of those except the rear bumper that appears to have some damage. Even that's not all lost. Best start there is $50 in Dr. Color Chip and perhaps another $20 in 1500, 2500 and 3500 grit Wet Sanding products. There too, happy to walk you through it. Not difficult and you really can't F-it up if you follow the process.

To test if the damage is just in the clear coat, spray them with soaping solution or detail spray. If the marks fade/disappear, it's more easily fixed as it's just in the clear coat. If not, there will be some paint/touch up work and if you want to blend it in 95-99% some light wet sanding. It's easy to do and quite rewarding to see the end results.

Let us know your thoughts.