Touch up paints

Zep

Moderator
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9,110
Hi all,

After doing battle on Brunty yesterday and getting a couple of minor chips, it is time to sort out some nero carbonio touch up paint. Does anyone have any recommendations as to where I should get some? I'm loathed to get rinsed by Maserati, who I am sure will buy it for a fiver and sell it for £500....!

Zep
 

Andyk

Member
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61,039
When I had my 3200 my local dealer mixed me some paint for free as at the time they did do touch up sticks...Maybe worth asking first.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,593
Now don't laugh, a black permanent marker pen, dot all over the chips then use a light cutting compound then a clear wax like Harley's, you will be amazed.

The trick is not to fill the chips up with powdery wax.

If you want touch up paint Halfords will mix it for you.
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Now don't laugh, a black permanent marker pen, dot all over the chips then use a light cutting compound then a clear wax like Harley's, you will be amazed.

The trick is not to fill the chips up with powdery wax.

If you want touch up paint Halfords will mix it for you.

Brilliant idea, I'd never have thought of that! I always enjoy a trip to Halfords, they are always asking me what the reg number is for my non existent Alfa 166....
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,039
Our pictures do sort of look the same...He has a tiger on a tree I have a tiger under the bonnet.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Brilliant idea, I'd never have thought of that! I always enjoy a trip to Halfords, they are always asking me what the reg number is for my non existent Alfa 166....

Give it a go on a small area to see if you agree. Its an old car dealer trick. The problem with using paint is that its lumpy and draws your eye to the chip. Don't bother with those specialist chip fill kits they are rubbish.
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Previously I have used a touch up and then gently pulled a razor blade across the surface to even it up. Let it dry and then use some cutting compound and its good as new. I agree, those chip fill kits do seem too god to be true....!
 

2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,220
If you are using touch up, remember all modern cars have a clear coat over them, it is well worth buying clear coat with your touch up paint. Clay the area first as this will remove any raised areas around the chip, dry thoroughly, prep the hole thoroughly; you can get a fibreglass stub brush that will get right in there! Don't over fill the repair with colour paint, allow it to fully cure and clay again to remove any excess around the repair, then when thoroughly dry, finish the repair with clear coat, again not too much but slightly overfill the hole. When fully cured again use clay to flatten the clear coat back, wax as usual... This is a non-abrasive information service brought to you by Newton...

Clay was invented to remove overspray, it is perfect for this application too....
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,593
What I find with touch up paint is that the paint shrinks as it dries, its a long laborious task to get it right.

The tiny chips or rash respond really well to the marker pen you will be amazed.

Did mine 6 months ago and still looks good too.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
If you are using touch up, remember all modern cars have a clear coat over them, it is well worth buying clear coat with your touch up paint. Clay the area first as this will remove any raised areas around the chip, dry thoroughly, prep the hole thoroughly; you can get a fibreglass stub brush that will get right in there! Don't over fill the repair with colour paint, allow it to fully cure and clay again to remove any excess around the repair, then when thoroughly dry, finish the repair with clear coat, again not too much but slightly overfill the hole. When fully cured again use clay to flatten the clear coat back, wax as usual... This is a non-abrasive information service brought to you by Newton...

Clay was invented to remove overspray, it is perfect for this application too....

I have seen people mix clear coat in with the base and use as touch up. This way you can colour sand it and it buffs up to a shine.
 

2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,220
Not saying the marker pen doesn't work but it is only ever a mask which is why dealers use it.
 

2b1ask1

Special case
Messages
20,220
I have seen people mix clear coat in with the base and use as touch up. This way you can colour sand it and it buffs up to a shine.

I'm suggesting using clay as opposed to sanding as modern paints are so thin, the inexperienced (and often the experienced) are through the clear coat in no time.... My front wing being a prime example by the previous owner!