Scratch Removal

[bgandy]

So my wife backed her 2012 Kia into a bush at our apartment. This is what the scratches look like. I took this with the camera on my phone, but in normal light the scratches do not have that white appearance. What would could I try to work this out with, or will it be a trip to a paint shop?

Also, as the picture shows, the Florida sun is not very nice to the black moldings on the car. What can I use to restore the black finish on the trim?

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch Removal

A little ScratchX 2.0 or Ult. Compound and a foam pad should do the trick.

Would need some kind of dressing for the bumpers, possibly Ult. Black.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Scratch Removal

Paint: Ultimate Compound (UC), Ultimate Polish (UP) and Ultimate Liquid Wax (ULW).
Trim/Molding: Ultimate Protectant Dash & Trim Restorer or Ultimate Black.

The above products can be found at your local Walmart and/or automotive parts store.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Scratch Removal

For the scratches do as Murr suggests and pick up some ScratchX 2.0 and a foam pad. Stay away from using a terry cloth applicator as the cotton loops of that material are pretty aggressive and will very likely create some haze in the paint. Proper use of ScratchX 2.0 involves applying a small amount to the foam pad (like a dollop about the size of a 50 cent piece, give or take) and then working it fairly vigorously against the paint in the affected area, wiping it off before it dries. If you just wipe it on like a wax and let it dry, which is a very common mistake, it won't fix the problem. You may need two or three applications to remove the scratches completely, but it should do the trick pretty easily.

As for the bumper covers, wow - they're that faded and the car is a 2012 model?? By all means, Ultimate Black is a great choice here. Again, with a fresh foam applicator pad, apply a small amount to the bumper and work it in really well. A little bit goes a very long way here so don't over use it. Also, once you've worked it in really well, just step back and let it dry. There should be no excess product to wipe off - if there is, you've used too much product. See this thread for more info on using this product (note: the thread linked to shows the original product name "Ultimate Protectant" and not "Ultimate Black", but it's the exact same product)

[bgandy]

Re: Scratch Removal

For the scratches do as Murr suggests and pick up some ScratchX 2.0 and a foam pad. Stay away from using a terry cloth applicator as the cotton loops of that material are pretty aggressive and will very likely create some haze in the paint. Proper use of ScratchX 2.0 involves applying a small amount to the foam pad (like a dollop about the size of a 50 cent piece, give or take) and then working it fairly vigorously against the paint in the affected area, wiping it off before it dries. If you just wipe it on like a wax and let it dry, which is a very common mistake, it won't fix the problem. You may need two or three applications to remove the scratches completely, but it should do the trick pretty easily.

Thanks for the advice. What wax should I use after I am done? I am ashamed to say the car is 8 months old and I have not waxed it once

As for the bumper covers, wow - they're that faded and the car is a 2012 model?? By all means, Ultimate Black is a great choice here. Again, with a fresh foam applicator pad, apply a small amount to the bumper and work it in really well. A little bit goes a very long way here so don't over use it. Also, once you've worked it in really well, just step back and let it dry. There should be no excess product to wipe off - if there is, you've used too much product. See this thread for more info on using this product (note: the thread linked to shows the original product name "Ultimate Protectant" and not "Ultimate Black", but it's the exact same product)

As with the scratches, the bright sun and camera do not do it any justice. They do not look as "grayed out" as the pictures looks. But in a few years I am sure they will. I am going to the auto store shortly to pick up supplies.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Scratch Removal

You can use any wax you like, really, but since the car gets so much exposure we would highly recommend our longest lasting, best protecting wax - Ultimate Wax. And since you haven't waxed the car in the 8 months since purchase, odds are it's going to benefit from a clay bar treatment before you wax it. If you're not all that familiar with claying, have a look at this.

[bgandy]

Re: Scratch Removal

Thanks for all the great info. I performed all of the steps, I bought the clay bar kit from Pep Boys, then I used the Scratch X on the area in the picture and a few other areas of the car. Then I used the ultimate polish followed by ultimate liquid wax. It has been a long process but it did pay off. The car looks better than new and the scratch is barley even noticeable. I will post some pictures later.

This has been a great resource for me, but unfortunately has unlocked some kind of OCD now......I find myself wiping off hand prints after my kids close their doors..LOL...