pjoseph

I have a few rock chips on my hood some with a little rust, I have read many articles on the fixing method with the wet sanding and compound at the end.

the thing i am wondering is how to clean the spot before i paint it and do i need a primer, i have the acura touch up paint.
any help would be appreciated .

thanks

TOGWT

This is more information than you asked for but it may be useful for other readers who have the same problem (which is 99% of anyone who drives their vehicle)


Paint Scratch / Chip Repair:
Why repair paint chips and scratches; to improve the vehicles appearance, to prepare vehicle for lease return, increase retail value and to protect the vehicle from further (corrosion) damage. Chips and scratches aren't just aesthetically unpleasing, the exposed metal underneath may be prone to rusting or additional chipping. Fixing these spots with touch-up paint is an easy step in protecting your investment-

Methodology
1.Apply isopropyl alcohol (ISP) to a Q-tip and dab on the rock chip or scratch a few times.
2.Take a clean towel and dry the paint chip.
3.With a utility knife cut the paint around the edge of the chip, the edge of the paint chip indentation will be slightly higher than the surrounding area and/or the edge of the chipped area may have separated from the metal surface or there could be some wax/dirt in the area or the paint may have oxidized on the edges (it is not absolutely necessary, but it does improve the results and will avoid leaving a dark outline)
4.Angle your blade toward the centre of the chip and press down gently. Work slowly and carefully, removing a small piece at a time, it’s not necessary to remove a lot of material. Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) again and allow it to dry.
5.With painters masking tape cover the area surrounding the rust spot
6.Use Nikkens ™3000 grit finishing paper and a Unigrit Sanding Block to remove any rust
7.Or a Proxxon Mill/Drill Unit Micromot 50/E
- http://www.tool-shop.co.uk/acatalog/...eld_Tools.html
8.Use an AutoSharp paint pen (http://www.autosharppen.com) colour matched to your vehicle. The pen itself is very easy to use. You simply shake it, depress the felt tip a few times to start the paint flow, and then begin to "colour" paint into the damaged areas, much like you would highlight a section of text in a book.
9.Do not to try to fix the chip in one application, apply a small amount of paint and ensure that you cover a small area surrounding the ‘chip’, allow to dry, repeat over a couple of days. Once the painted area is slightly higher than paint surface, allow to dry.
10.Once completely dry, using a Nikkens™ 3000 grit finishing paper and a Unigrit Sanding Block (previously soaked for 4 hours or over night) to ‘feather’ and level touch-up paint with the surrounding paint surface
11.Use Woolite® or a car shampoo on the chip repair for lubrication.
12.Use a very light pressure on the sanding block, lightly wiping the area often to check your progress
13.Next, using a Nikkens™ 3000 grit finishing paper and a Unigrit Sanding Block to reduce the high spot off of the chip repair, using the block in one direction only. Do not use a circular motion (it will produce swirls) or a back and forth motion and ensure the sanding block is always wet
14.Keep the area well lubricated with water and shampoo; otherwise it will dull the paint. Once the surface appears level, use a block to squeegee off the excess water / slush (3M™ Wetordry™ Rubber Squeegee, P/N 05517, 2 ¾-inch x 4 ¼-inch) If the water you are using has a high mineral content, don't let it dry on the car, as it could leave spots which may bleed through the new paint.
15.Dry the surface with a clean towel and inspect with your fingertips.
16.If you can feel a high spot, repeat the sanding process.
17.If done correctly, you will hardly notice the repair.
18.A good car polish (Menzerna Intensive Polish or Menzerna Final Polish II ) will restore the paints lustre
19.Finally apply wax/sealant protection (See also Wet Sanding, Rust Decontamination)

pjoseph

Thanks a lot good info. A little nervous about doing it but i have done my reading and will give it a shot.

pttl

Post #2 offers some nice info, but what about if there are 15 - 20 chips on the hood bumper and fenders!?!?!?!?!

At what point should the car go to the body shop, then immediately to a clear bra installer? I'm afraid a body shop won't match may car properly.

Looking at my car you would think i drive in the dessert.