:mad:
At 980 miles, I was not expecting it but some moron in a white vehicle brushed up against me in the employee parking garage. Looks like a pick up that left a white paint streak from the door to the back. %$%$%$#$#.

I made the mistake of asking people I work with what to use and got 8 different kinds of removers to use including women's nail polish remover.

It doesn't look like a scratch but more of a paint calling card left on my Element, so just point me to what I should use that works absolute best. I am sure this bridge has been crossed in this excellent message board in the past. Thanks.

You might try a "cleaning wax" initially. This may be one of the "gentler" methods of removing the marks.

Regards,

I wouldn't use a paint remover. It might damage the original paint. Use a car polish that's advertised to remove imperfections such as light scratches and swirl marks. Or take it to a detail shop and have it buffed out by a professional.

Bofus, I wasn't trying to copy you. We posted at the same time.

Bofus, I wasn't trying to copy you. We posted at the same time.

The less aggressive methods are best to try first. Especially for us amateurs!

Regards,

I have used Goof Off (brand name) with excellent results. But, having said that, you must wash it off immediately with something like dish soap to remove ALL the residue, then rinse the area thoroughly then rewax. MAKE sure you wash the area VERY thoroughly, as it is very toxic to paint if left on very long (not just a couple of minutes, I'm talking excess Goof Off left on for 5-10 minutes). If there is only paint residue (from the "accident"), this will remove all of it quickly. If there are scratches, buff them out AFTER all the above is accomplished.
Good luck, hopefully this will return your E to its pristine self. :D

Just use rubbing compound.

The less aggressive methods are best to try first. Especially for us amateurs!...,

I TOTALLY agree. I still remember my first experience with a rotary buffer years ago! :???:

Start with a cleaning wax and move up to something with a bit more grit in it if the paint doesn't come off. I would not recommend a solvent to start with.

Maybe a Claybar?? Depends on how deep the paint is scuffed on there though. If it's sitting on top of the wax a claybar might just do it. Only a couple bucks at autozone.

I would eliminate all risk and have it done professionally.

J.