Fixing small scratches on tank

[jcart1590]

Anyone have any good ideas on how to fix some small scratches on a gas tank?

I had them covered by a sticker for a little but I want something more permanent.

Thanks.

[Raven080510]

try using a good leveling compound followed up by a polishing compound and then a wax. may take those little scratches right out if they aren't too deep. the only alternative you have if they are in fact deep is either repainting or touching up (very carefully or you'll make a huge mess of it)

[Raven080510]

Forgot to mention, if the scratches are pretty deep (you can feel them) you may want to try and wet sand the area with about 800 grit wet/dry paper, keeping the paper clean and wet. Then move up in grit to 1000, then 1200. Add a little dish soap in the water- aids in keeping the paper clean and also acts as a lubricant. After sanding, hand buff the tank as suggested above with a good leveling compound, followed by a good polishing compound until you get satisfactory results. You'll also want to wax the tank to give it a uniform shine. Hope this helps.

I'd also like to make clear that with any sanding/buffing you do, you'll want to be extremely cautious about how far down you get into the finish of the tank. You'll be through it before you realize it. Also if you sand, make sure you use a 'blocking pad' you can make your own out of a block of wood, but I don't recommend that for wet sanding. They make foam type pads, Durablock is a good brand, that can be bought fairly cheap at an automotive paint supply store. As I said before, be very careful how much sanding you do. Only takes a little too much, and you'll end up having to paint the tank or paying someone to do so.