Repairing Faded Paint On A 2009 Honda Fit: Diy Guide

The 2009 Honda Fit is a popular car model, but some owners have reported issues with paint fading and peeling, especially on the roof. While some attribute this to sun exposure or UV rays, others believe it is due to Honda's cost-cutting on the primer and UV protection clear coat. There are several ways to address this issue, including repainting the affected areas, wet sanding, and polishing. Some owners opt for inexpensive fixes like vinyl wrapping or touch-up paint, while others choose to have their cars professionally repainted.

Wet sand the roof, then compound and polish with a buffer

Wet sanding is a process intended to smooth out and remove small, surface-level scratches from car paint. It can also help remove the orange peel effect, where car paint becomes pebbled and uneven, resembling the surface of orange skin.

Before you begin, decide which sandpaper is right for the job. Light damage can be restored using just one type of sandpaper, while more significant scratches often require extra sanding. For light scratches and scuffs or when working on a new paint job, you can usually reach for the 2000 or 3000-grit sandpaper straight away. However, it can be beneficial to start with 1200 or 1500 grit paper for scratches deeper than the clear coat of paint.

Next, clean the car thoroughly using a sponge dipped in a specialist car cleaning solution mixed with water. Once the car has been cleaned and rinsed, dry it carefully with a clean microfibre cloth. Ensure there are no streaks or smudges, as this can adversely affect the outcome of the wet sanding.

Now you're ready to start wet sanding. Use cloth tape to protect adjacent panels from damage. Avoid using a sander as it can leave swirls in the paint and provides much less control than hand-sanding. Instead, gently sand in straight lines, using the same pressure levels to create an evenly-sanded surface. Remember, it can be easy to sand too deep and damage the car’s paint, so take care when beginning the sanding process.

Once you've finished sanding, rinse off any soap or debris from the area and dry the roof thoroughly, away from direct sunlight.

Now you can begin the buffing process. Mix a buffing compound with water in a spray bottle or opt for a buffing cream, which can be poured directly onto the roof. Mount a buffing pad to the bottom of the machine, turning it counterclockwise to lock it in place.

Stand up straight with a good grip on the handle of the buffer and hold it away from your waist. Press the safety lock button on top of the handle before squeezing the handlebars to turn on the machine. Sweep the buffer from side to side, swinging it back and forth in arcs no more than 12 inches (30 cm) in length. Overlap each pass by a third of the way for a consistent polish.

Finally, apply wax to the roof to add a layer of protection for the paint. Use a soft cloth in gentle circular motions and wipe away any excess.

Claybar, polish and wax

Clay barring is an essential step in the process of detailing your car's paint job. It involves using a clay bar to remove contaminants from your car's paint, leaving it smooth and ready for waxing or polishing. Clay bars are made of a special detailing resin that allows you to grab and pull contaminants from the clear coat, deep-cleaning your finish and preparing your paintwork for polishing.

The modern detailing clay bar is like the ultimate sticky note for your car—this synthetic plastic putty yanks out all that stubborn, embedded dirt from your paintwork without causing any damage. With a clean, smooth surface, your car won’t be a dirt magnet anymore, and it’ll stay looking fresh for longer. Plus, you’re setting the stage for a wax job that’s not just long-lasting but also glossier and shinier.

If you’re planning to apply wax or polish your car, always decontaminate with a clay bar first. Skipping this step is like trying to paint over a dirty wall—the wax won't bond properly, making it fade faster and dimming its shine. Once you’ve used the clay bar and the surface feels smooth, you know you’ve done it correctly. This means your car’s paint is now a pristine canvas, free from any pesky contaminants.

After clay barring, give your car another quick wash and dry it with a clean towel. Finally, apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the paint and fill those tiny paint pores. Now’s your chance to polish away any swirls or scratches.

Repaint the whole car

If you want to repaint your entire 2009 Honda Fit, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, find a suitable location, preferably on grass, to place your car on jack stands and raise it off the ground. This will help prevent insects from crawling onto the car and ruining your fresh paint job. Next, dismantle everything from the car, such as fender liners and door handles, leaving only the panels to be painted. This step will save you time and ensure a cleaner paint job.

After dismantling, it's time to prep the car. Start by removing the existing paint with 400-grit sandpaper, being careful not to cut through the undercoats. If you do cut through to the metal, you can use a can of etching primer and spray it onto the exposed metal before painting. Once you've finished sanding, use the 400-grit sandpaper to smooth out any scratches, and then switch to 600-grit sandpaper to sand the rest of the car. You can find affordable sanders and sandpaper at stores like Harbor Freight.

Now, it's time to create a smooth surface. Use gray Scotch-Brite pads in circular motions to even out the surface by hand. Once you're satisfied, blow everything off with an air blower and compressor. Clean the panels first with water and then wipe them down with lint-free towels. Once dry, use automotive wax and grease remover to clean each panel thoroughly.

The next step is to mask off the entire car. Use paper specifically designed for automotive spraying, which is usually green and has a peppery smell. Cover the car with long sheets of this paper and tape them in place. Then, use a light and razor blade to cut out the areas you want to paint. This process is crucial to ensuring that over-spray doesn't get where you don't want it, so it's recommended to watch a YouTube video on masking a car for painting.

Finally, you're ready to start painting! Make sure to follow the instructions on your chosen paint carefully and allow adequate curing time. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to giving your 2009 Honda Fit a brand-new look.

Use touch-up paint

If you're looking to fix the fading paint on your 2009 Honda Fit, one option is to use touch-up paint. This can be an effective way to restore the colour and shine of your car's paintwork.

First, you'll need to identify the colour code for your Honda Fit. The colour code can be found on the driver's door jamb and may contain a combination of numbers, letters, and dashes. Knowing the exact colour code will help you select the right touch-up paint that matches your car's original colour.

When choosing touch-up paint, you have several options. PaintScratch.com offers touch-up paint in the form of paint pens, brush cap bottles, and spray cans. For small scratches on your Honda Fit, a paint pen can be a precise and easy solution. If you have slightly larger scratches or chips, a brush bottle will give you more coverage. For even larger areas of paint repair, a spray paint can will be the best option for a seamless finish.

Once you've selected the appropriate application method, follow the instructions on the product carefully. Take your time during the application process, as mentioned by some satisfied customers who have used touch-up paint on their Honda vehicles. They report excellent colour matches and are pleased with the results.

Using touch-up paint can be a cost-effective and relatively simple way to address fading paint on your 2009 Honda Fit. By taking the necessary steps and choosing the right products, you can enhance the appearance of your vehicle.

Contact Honda for a repaint

If you are experiencing issues with your 2009 Honda Fit, your first stop should be your local Honda dealer. They will be able to address any questions or concerns you have about your vehicle, including product recall and campaign information. You can reach your local Honda dealer by calling 1-866-864-5211.

If you are in the United States, you can also contact Honda Automobiles Customer Service by calling (800) 999-1009. They are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

For those with hearing impairments, Honda also provides a toll-free TTY number for in-car technology support: (888) 528-7876.

If you are outside of the United States, you can contact Honda Canada Customer Service at (888) 946-6329, Honda Motor Europe LTD. at 01753 590590, or Honda de México Servicio a Clientes at 01 800 368 8500.

It is important to note that Honda Automobile Customer Service can only address concerns related to U.S. products. For non-U.S. products, you will need to contact the appropriate customer relations group directly.

Frequently asked questions