Scratched paint

[Ceri JC]

Yesterday, I parked in the works car park, opposite main entrance. I’m almost certain it wasn’t there when I parked the bike up, but when I left, found a large, deep scratch in the fuel tank that will need repainting. Where it was parked, it can’t have been from a car door, on that side. I don’t think it was malicious as it doesn’t look like it has been “keyed”. It’s more as if someone has been carrying a large box and accidentally banged the corner against it.

I've got some touch up paint from banditmania (after being on a waiting list for about 6 months, I eventually settled on the nearest suzuki colour to pearl nevular black, rather than the proper colour). Before I apply this (T-cut isn't going to do much good, the scratch goes down to what look like a grey undercoat), anything other than a bit of wet & dry/t cut that I should do? Similarly, what should I use to lacquer it afterwards?

[Ceri JC]

Incidentally, since this, I no longer consider my bike to be in any way new. Since it's now my sole transport I've gotten used to the idea of it as a workhorse, rather than something to be preened and polished. I'll still clean it, but, for example, I can't see myself buying an official Suzuki belly pan or aftermarket end can for it as I had intended.

[jambo]

A bit of touch up paint, then t-cutting it to blend it into the rest of the paint would be the way I'd go :wink:

[Ceri JC]

A bit of touch up paint, then t-cutting it to blend it into the rest of the paint would be the way I'd go :wink:

Cheers, that's what I'm thinking too. Any suggestions on what sort of lacquer to use afterwards? Is it neccessary? I'll end up re-waxing the tank afterwards anyway (it does add to the annoyance that my tank must of had about 6 coats of hard wax applied, so for the damage to be this bad it must of been some force that hit it).