Dents, Dings, and Scratches Thread

[westcoastGT]

PPF wrapped all the way around the edge does the trick better, because you don't see it. Once the damage is done, touch it up first. The touch up pens work best here. An edge isn't hard to touch up. And then the PPF over it finishes the job.

..............If the hood was not damaged for an inch I would agree that clear PPF is the best solution , and wrap the wiper blades as well at the contacts points...........BUT with that much damage a paint pen will be a "hack" fix thus I suggest wrap the edge with a colored vinyl that matches the car

 

[David789]

Hey. Brand new to the forums. Just bought a 2020 GT1 RWD three days ago. I was out this evening and the sun was shining at such an angle that I noticed a huge scratch with swirl marks around it on the driver door. Literally nobody and nothing has touched this car since I drove it off the lot. Has 80 miles on it. I already spoke to the dealer and I’m going in shortly to have the ceramic paint protection put on and hope they can also fix this scratch free of charge. Does this look like something that needs paint correction? Clearly somebody saw it because it has the swirl marks around it. In fact it’s the swirl marks that brought my attention to it. Obviously a bad buff job. I do not want the whole panel repainted. Is this common with Kia? Is this sort of handling of the merchandise simply “You get what you pay for”?

 

[Robs]

Hey. Brand new to the forums. Just bought a 2020 GT1 RWD three days ago. I was out this evening and the sun was shining at such an angle that I noticed a huge scratch with swirl marks around it on the driver door. Literally nobody and nothing has touched this car since I drove it off the lot. Has 80 miles on it. I already spoke to the dealer and I’m going in shortly to have the ceramic paint protection put on and hope they can also fix this scratch free of charge. Does this look like something that needs paint correction? Clearly somebody saw it because it has the swirl marks around it. In fact it’s the swirl marks that brought my attention to it. Obviously a bad buff job. I do not want the whole panel repainted. Is this common with Kia? Is this sort of handling of the merchandise simply “You get what you pay for”?

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Probably happened during the delivery prep, happens often if you know what to look for. They should be able to remove the swirls when doing a paint correction before the coating goes on. Ask if the guys doing the coating are the same guys who did the delivery prep.

Knowing how crappy the dealership detailing was, I didn’t even let them wash the car after the first service. Had a pro groomer do my paint correction and ceramic coat.

 

[CeramicGT001]

Hey. Brand new to the forums. Just bought a 2020 GT1 RWD three days ago. I was out this evening and the sun was shining at such an angle that I noticed a huge scratch with swirl marks around it on the driver door. Literally nobody and nothing has touched this car since I drove it off the lot. Has 80 miles on it. I already spoke to the dealer and I’m going in shortly to have the ceramic paint protection put on and hope they can also fix this scratch free of charge. Does this look like something that needs paint correction? Clearly somebody saw it because it has the swirl marks around it. In fact it’s the swirl marks that brought my attention to it. Obviously a bad buff job. I do not want the whole panel repainted. Is this common with Kia? Is this sort of handling of the merchandise simply “You get what you pay for”?

View attachment 41822

Dealers are hit or miss for even a simple oil change (ask me how I know) and I definitely wouldn’t recommend dealer detailing services. I also refuse to let them touch my car with a sponge since I drove it off the lot.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Hey. Brand new to the forums. Just bought a 2020 GT1 RWD three days ago. I was out this evening and the sun was shining at such an angle that I noticed a huge scratch with swirl marks around it on the driver door. Literally nobody and nothing has touched this car since I drove it off the lot. Has 80 miles on it. I already spoke to the dealer and I’m going in shortly to have the ceramic paint protection put on and hope they can also fix this scratch free of charge. Does this look like something that needs paint correction? Clearly somebody saw it because it has the swirl marks around it. In fact it’s the swirl marks that brought my attention to it. Obviously a bad buff job. I do not want the whole panel repainted. Is this common with Kia? Is this sort of handling of the merchandise simply “You get what you pay for”?

View attachment 41822

That is not past the clear coat. So, no paint is required. You could fix this yourself. Use wet/dry sandpaper, at least 2000 fine, even finer would be better. Lots of water, sand very lightly ACROSS the scratch (never along it, and never circular motions) until it is gone: you are taking clear coat down to the depth of the scratch. Then rubbing compound by hand on the area of the scratch and the swirls. Follow up with polishing compound. Wax layer to finish up. But, as you are getting the whole car prepped for ceramic, never mind!

Welcome to the forum.

 

[David789]

But, as you are getting the whole car prepped for ceramic, never mind!

What do you mean?

I ask because, Technically, I paid $500 for the ceramic coating when I bought the car, I just haven’t had it applied yet. But now I am seriously doubting whether to take this car back to the same dealer like others have said...something worse might happen. Maybe I should just suck it up and hire a pro to do the whole thing (fix scratch and apply wax or ceramic). I don’t mind eating the $500 since I feel like I got a good deal on the car overall.

I have subsequently read that this xylenol ceramic won’t last (And will void the sealant warranty) if you to ever take your car through a NON-touch less car wash or have it clay barred. Since I live in Florida and the heat and love bugs are seriously tough on a car’s paint I want some kind of protection but I am confused now which is best.

What do you recommend I do?? Thanks in advance. I can already tell this is going to be a great group. For what it’s worth I sold my Porsche Cayenne Turbo to get into the Stinger so I am definitely an enthusiast!

 

[Nasscar]

From what I have seen from other Kia dealers, the guys that wash these cars are not professionals. They are lowly paid workers who don't give a toss about what they are doing, hence where the term 'Dealer Installed Swirls' comes from. Hopefully the guys they send your car too for the paint protection/correction are professionals. Welcome to the forum by the way Dave.

 

[Nasscar]

What do you mean?

I ask because, Technically, I paid $500 for the ceramic coating when I bought the car, I just haven’t had it applied yet. But now I am seriously doubting whether to take this car back to the same dealer like others have said...something worse might happen. Maybe I should just suck it up and hire a pro to do the whole thing (fix scratch and apply wax or ceramic). I don’t mind eating the $500 since I feel like I got a good deal on the car overall.

I have subsequently read that this xylenol ceramic won’t last (And will void the sealant warranty) if you to ever take your car through a NON-touch less car wash or have it clay barred. Since I live in Florida and the heat and love bugs are seriously tough on a car’s paint I want some kind of protection but I am confused now which is best.

What do you recommend I do?? Thanks in advance. I can already tell this is going to be a great group. For what it’s worth I sold my Porsche Cayenne Turbo to get into the Stinger so I am definitely an enthusiast!

I think Merlin was saying don't worry about fixing it yourself if you're getting your car paint protected as they should fix any imperfections on your paint prior to applying. If they know what they are doing that is.

 

[Nasscar]

There are threads on this forum on what to put on your car for protection. Personally I think that the paint protection from the dealer would be a waste of money. More of a scam really, just like rust and fabric protection. The dealer will try to sell you as much as possible prior to you walking out that door with your car. That and the servicing is how they make a lot of their money. However if the dealer scratched the car, they should fix it. There are products that you can actually apply yourself. A lot cheaper, just requires the time to apply.

 

[TwiceStung]

Try some Meguires ultimate rubbing compound. That’s a very light scratch and it’s worked great for me over the years. On my 2018 there was a dull spot on the hood I had to remove before ceramic coating it myself. Would never let a dealer touch it.

 

[David789]

Would never let a dealer touch it.

Yeah, I am starting to lean that way. I already have an auto detailer so maybe I’ll just eat the $500 and let my professional take care of it. Plus he comes to my house whereas I’d have to drive 50 miles one way to the dealer and sit there for hours while they poke at it.

Thanks everyone!

 

[antonini311]

That is not past the clear coat. So, no paint is required. You could fix this yourself. Use wet/dry sandpaper, at least 2000 fine, even finer would be better. Lots of water, sand very lightly ACROSS the scratch (never along it, and never circular motions) until it is gone: you are taking clear coat down to the depth of the scratch. Then rubbing compound by hand on the area of the scratch and the swirls. Follow up with polishing compound. Wax layer to finish up. But, as you are getting the whole car prepped for ceramic, never mind!

Welcome to the forum.

If the scratch is indeed not past the clear coat, why would you need to sand at all? Isn't sanding reserved for scratching that goes into the paint itself, or larger areas? If there is still clear coat to salvage can't you just use a compound, then polish and wax?

 

[MerlintheMad]

If the scratch is indeed not past the clear coat, why would you need to sand at all? Isn't sanding reserved for scratching that goes into the paint itself, or larger areas? If there is still clear coat to salvage can't you just use a compound, then polish and wax?

Sanding just makes the job quicker. I lack patience for things like scratch removal. Perversely, you need to be patient when wet sanding: go light and take your time. It's the time it takes that taxes my patience, and sanding takes less time. A compound can accomplish the task. But the more gouged the clear coat is, the longer it will take.

"Large areas" are right out. Haven't had to deal with one of those so far. Anything that will fit under a business card is a do it yourself repair.

 

[STINGDADDY]

Do I win the cookie so far?

Two weeks into my ownership somebody ran into the back of my car and left.

This is why I don't buy nice things.

 

[RonNSoCal]

Try some Meguires ultimate rubbing compound. That’s a very light scratch and it’s worked great for me over the years. On my 2018 there was a dull spot on the hood I had to remove before ceramic coating it myself. Would never let a dealer touch it.

I am a big fan of Maguires Ultimate Compound and have been using it on both my Stinger and SL400 we picked up a month ago. Using it by hand with a polishing pad to increase its cutting ability, I have found it effective in removing many paint blemishes and scratches, and would start with it over wet sanding or other more aggressive remedies for paint defects. I have Maguires Ultimate paste wax on order and am also looking for Maguires Ultimate polish for correcting micro scratches and swirl marks, and increasing the depth of shine In addition I have been using PS Beadmaker and just got a synthetic clay pad from Griotts Garage that I love for smoothing out the paint by removing contaminants. If you do not have the time, hire a pro, but you can do it yourself, save a lot of money and keep your car looking amazing all the time. Detailing our two cars has become my hobby since I have retired and I really enjoy doing it.

 

[fendushi]

My car is only a week old and Ive already spotted scratches which looks like its caused my someone leaning over the car to look at the vent on the hood. Like a belt scratch or jeans button. I have been really careful where I parked the car.

Ive learnt that scratches on dark coloured cars are unavoidable. You will visually spot them.

I had a black Honda Accord that had scratches all over the drivers door handle by the time I sold it. I was actually careful and conscious not to scratch the door with my nails every time I open and close it. I don't even have long nails.

 

[RonNSoCal]

Smaller ones can usually buffed out with something like Meguires ultimate compound and a cutting pad. I am amazed at what I have been able to remove on my car.

 

[fendushi]

Smaller ones can usually buffed out with something like Meguires ultimate compound and a cutting pad. I am amazed at what I have been able to remove on my car.

Yeah I have used something similar before, it almost works like magic!!

 

[leomon]

Arghh had the car for two weeks

Down to metal, this is on the passenger side door near the bottom, looks malicious

This is the part I hate about car ownership. Some German fanboy i bet...

How do I fix this.....

 

[RonNSoCal]

Buffing out with a rubbing compound may reduce it but if it is down to metal and actually dented, a good touch up job would help and also prevent rusting. I have tried touching up small spots on my cars and personally have not had very good luck, but there are professionals who I understand can make it look better. Interestingly, dents can be fixed when the paint is not damaged by a good technician and you would never know there was damage.