Hello gang. I thought I would stop in and try and pass on some of the things Im learning with the GTP that could be used with the Focus.
One of my headlights on the GTP was scratched up some and kinda milky looking. I had in the budget to get a new set of lights but then I ran across a product called Novus that is a three step scratch removal process and restoration product. I decided to give it a shot and purchased some from a seller on ebay. I honestly didnt hold out much hope but figured if it worked it would ultimately save me some money.
I wish now, in hindsight, I had taken some pictures of the headlight. The stuff work AWSOMELY. I mean it (the headlight) looks nearly brand new, and this was by using the stuff by hand. If I had some buffing pads for the dremel Im certain I could have had it looking as clear as the other headlight and the clear corners on the car. I didnt take any pictures cause I really didnt expect a lot.
Well Im thinking to myself and I say "Self, I bet this stuff would do wonders on paint". So confident that it will work I walk over to the car, the wifes car that is (Come on, you didnt expect me to try it out on my GTP did ya), which is black and has a good selection of minor scratches and swirl marks on it. My car being hunter green you dont notice things like that so well so I wouldnt be able to tell if it was doing anything.
So I find a good spot on the hood to try out and go to work. I clean the area with the step 1 cleaner. Then I go to the step 3 heavy scratch remover (yeah, go figure) and rub it in the area for a couple minutes. Then I use the step 2 fine scratch remover (honestly folks, thats how the steps go) and I rub it in for a couple minutes. I clean everything up and imagine my surprise to find the scratches and the swirl marks in the area I treated gone. The scratches were just in the clear coat obviously but they arent there anymore.
I guess Im going to have to do the whole car now cause Im certain she's going to notice (thats what I get for experimenting on her car), she has a Pontiac too but its a Grand Am.
At any rate, with it being originally intended for plastics/acrylics I would test it on a non-obvious area of paint before getting too involved. However, its mild enough that Id wouldnt have a problem using it on the paint, but Id use a drill powered buffer or a full size buffer on a fairly low speed and test it out in a couple spots first. For plastics, such as your headlights, you cant go wrong. I got the 8oz kit but they do make a 3oz kit as well that is obviously cheaper.
I used to use a product called NicSand that was an ultra super fine silica sanding gel that was perfect for removing oxidation on paint and for removing scratches and swirl marks but I cant find it any more and you most certainly needed a buffer to use it properly and you had to keep the surface a little damp, like spraying the area with a spray bottle of water or it would dry out and kinda gum up a little. Didnt hurt the paint but became a nightmare to work with when it got to that point.
The Novus kit is a little easier to work with but Id still use at least a drill powered buffer with it just to work it in better and more evenly than you can by hand.
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
(Come on, you didnt expect me to try it out on my GTP did ya), which is black and has a good selection of minor scratches and swirl marks on it. My car being hunter green you dont notice things like that so well so I wouldnt be able to tell if it was doing anything.