I have a small paint chip on the passenger door i'm going ot be filling in with touchup. I hear using a toothpick to apply the paint is ideal. Any tips or tricks for me? What should i use to clean the area prior?

 

I've heard a tissue works well too. It can be dangerous to go in there with the brush. I think I remembering someone telling me to use a tissue, even though I have a Pen.

Twist the tissue up to a point, wet it with paint and away you go. I have never tried this but have been meaning to.

 

The advice I was given by a couple of detailing pros is to use a paper match and cut a point on it with a razor. I tried that and it worked pretty good. I have the pen too, but it's too "blobby" for fine work.

A while ago, someone posted a really detailed process for fixing chips involving wet sanding and so on. That would be the way to go if you have the time and patience, esp if your chip is in a noticeable area.

 

Check out this thorough Autopia tutorial on Repairing Chips & Scratches, extremely helpful: www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=27.

David suggests a toothpick or fine brush to apply, and citric oil-based cleaner. I've used the toothpick, a citrus solvent cleaner (degreaser potent enough for engines), and a little rubbing (isopropyl) alchohol. This method works great, and has given me the confidence that everyday scratches and chips can be managed with a little TLC.

 

I've got a few tiny little chips on my hood. Gonna try out one or more techniques listed here. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

You need to buy a fiberglass pen to clean out area before you apply paint.

 

rust pen:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=1824

 

Here's the link

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=27

 

I understood the paint pens weren't available in US. Thought about buyin one from the Canuck fella on here. Now I understand the pens are notso hotso.

Where, pray tell, do I get touch-up paint? I have one fairly deep scratch down on the rocker panel that I can feel but not see (would have to get down on ground to look at it). Should I nail polish it until i get some touchup?

Thanks

 

Use Langka (www.langka.com) with the touch up paint. You might alos consider getting touch up brushes from Eastwood.

 

Great thread...and advice! I need to tackle some chips as well. Thanks guys

 

Can anybody recommend a fix to clean off touch off paint? I was trying to fix some scratches on my bumper, when paint leaked out of the pen and drippled onto an area of a bumper. (doh!)

Used a paper towel, and subsequently a wet towel to clean off the excess, but there are still some remmants on it.

Any ideas?

 

try a cleaner wax... and then try to clay it.

 

As I understand, detailing clay was originally created to remove paint overspray from cars -- I'd try that first. Use plenty of car wash solution while gently rubbing the clay bar over the area.

Since you've just put the paint on, if clay doesn't work well you could try a little paint thinner on a soft cloth (e.g. microfiber), and gently rub the area. Petroleum solvent-based tar removers might also work the same way. Test on a hidden area first, although I'd expect paint thinner to be mild on fully cured auto paint.

 

Thanks for the tips- I'm new at this, so would you have any recommendations on the brand of clay and if I can get it at places like Autozone?

 

I believe Clay Magic and Mother's Clay Bar are the most available clays in retail stores like Autozone. I use and like Clay Magic, which I buy at a Pep Boys store near me; I've never tried the Mother's.

Clay does an impressive job "pulling" stuff from the surface of paint. The key is to use plenty of lubrication and gently rub over the area like an eraser. Either the lube that comes with clay or a car wash solution works great.

There is an article on how to clay your car on the Autopia tutorial site, www.bettercarcare.com . There's currently a link on the front page of that site in the list of recent articles.