I'm in the process of sanding down my car and preping for paint. In doing so, i'm trying to remove a pin stripe that was applied to the car by the po. i initially tried just pulling it work. this did not work at all. i decided to try to sand it off. in doing this, it left some scratches that i feel would show back through the paint if i did not fill them some how. I was thinking of doing one of these three things: 1.) skim coat of vette panel adhesive/filler 2.) use "Icing" glaze to fill them or 3.) Use a high build primer and sand it down smooth. Which one of these do you guys feel would be the best way to fill these scratches. Also, is there a better alternative than these three?

I would use a high build primer and sand it.

As usual, more info needed. What grit scratches? Can you sand them out (are they just in the paint)?
For future reference, tape stripes can be taken off with an eraser wheel.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: As usual, more info needed. What grit scratches? Can you sand them out (are they just in the paint)? For future reference, tape stripes can be taken off with an eraser wheel. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver" Custom Fiberglass Parts

80grit scratches....i know i can sand these out using 180, 220 and so on before i paint but didn't want to sand so much that i create low spots....i'm painting back to the original metallic blue and want to avoid low spots at all costs. i sanded through the factory primer in some spots and can feel the roughness of the raw material.....i'm sure the scratches would come out w/ a "dusting" of high build primer but didn't know if it was ok to use high build primer on RRIM since it is flexible....

eraser wheel? may have to invest in one of these since the stripe is all the way around the car....

Hi-build or PPG epoxy will work fine to fill 80 grit scratches. If you use epoxy (I like to use that first anyway for best adhesion), let it dry for several days before wet sanding.
EDIT: make sure all the stripe glue is off of it by wiping it down with lacquer thinner or other compatible solvent.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

[This message has been edited by Tha Driver (edited 10-10-2011).]

I use primer to fill #80 scratches every day, especially in body filler. Be good if you did go back over the area with 120 or 100 (or even 320) though. I usually take stripes off with a single edge razor blade scraper held almost flat to surface, like shaving. Then either thinner to take off the glue, or an eraser wheel...depending on how much is there. When you sand the primer, use at least a pad or block to eliminate the lines. If you dont the 'ghost images' of the removed stripes will reappear in the new paint after a few weeks. This happens even on metal bodies when theyre stripped to bare metal. They will show more prominently on darker colors.

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: Hi-build or PPG epoxy will work fine to fill 80 grit scratches. If you use epoxy (I like to use that first anyway for best adhesion), let it dry for several days before wet sanding. EDIT: make sure all the stripe glue is off of it by wiping it down with lacquer thinner or other compatible solvent. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver" Custom Fiberglass Parts

I second this! In extreme cases I have heard of people using a skim coat of bondo to work as a "fast build" solution for DEEP scratches or gouges

"Evercoat" spot putty.

If your not that expirienced with body work I would just stick with the thick primer. It will do the job and is the most user friendly.

Allways remember,when useing sand paper rub the 2 pieces togeter,quickley to remove the surface tension on the new sand paper (allso remember that not all sand paper is the same,there are some variations in the Grit,even though you might buy the same grit as befor).

quote Originally posted by Indiana_resto_guy: I would use a high build primer and sand it.

Amen!