Suggestions for fixing paint chips

[luca1290]

Hello guys,

I need a suggestion on the best approach on how to fix a couple of paint chips from debris.
Specifically, I don't understand if I have to put primer on the paint chip or if I can paint directly.
By looking at the photos (which are larger than what the eye can see) it looks to me that the primer is still there in both cases.

This one is on the hood:

This other one on the lower part of the wheel arch:

I was planning on degreasing the surface with alcohol and then filling the spot with those little pens with a mini bucket on the end and a 0.5mm needle drop at the end.
Let it dry, make multiple passes of it, then clearcoat and polish.

Any suggestion to make the best job possible?

Thanks,
Luca

Sponsored

 

[Crew4991]

I think your process you already described it top notch already.
I personally clean the area, fill in with touchup paint, apply a clear coat over top of touch up spot once dry, then apply a wax to the area and call it a day. Has always worked for me and does a nice job repairing the area. I think your process is even better.

 

[luca1290]

I think your process you already described it top notch already.

There is no limit for improvement and if a couple of the right guys stumble upon this tread (and I guess/hope they will ), I'll be better equipped before beginning.

 

[geep81]

I use the needle drop method.

If possible, like on the hood, I prop it open so that it's as level as I can get it so the paint doesn't move as much.

I do not use the primer. Just the paint. The alcohol cleaning method you describe is what I do. I make sure to let it dry/air out plenty before applying the paint.

With the needle, I recommend barely tapping the plunger and letting gravity do more of the work, resulting in way less paint coming out the tip. Even a gentle push ends up pushing out way more paint than you need.

I do not use a brush - just let the paint fall out and fill the area.

I don't have close-up pictures of all my fixes, but imo this method is pretty solid and looks near perfect from 5ft. And only like small blemishes up closer.

Get ready to do this a lot. After 4 years I have patched close to a dozen spots now on my hood/upper front bumper/roof above the windshield.

With the method you describe, I'm very happy with the results. I am very particular about keeping my car nice, but you can't stop these chips without spending a ton for PPF which brings its own set of problems. Filling chips this way is imo the best you can do without re-painting, which will just chip in the future anyway!

 

[MAGS1]

Layers are your friend. Do thin layers and build it up. Make sure you top it with clear coat too. I’ve had good results with the pens in the past. This paint is thin, I’ve got a few chips already too.

 

[GTP]

...

I was planning on degreasing the surface with alcohol and then filling the spot with those little pens with a mini bucket on the end and a 0.5mm needle drop at the end.
...

Please post an example of such product.

 

[geep81]

Please post an example of such product.

Something like this, with the smallest needle/tip you can get!

 

[geep81]

This paint is thin, I’ve got a few chips already too.

If it helps to know, my roof where I have a double layer of paint with the black on top of the blue also has chipped a couple times.

That area is a LOT thicker than the rest and it still sucks.

 

[GTP]

Something like this, with the smallest needle/tip you can get!

I'm not convinced that is what OP was referring to.

 

[luca1290]

I'm not convinced that is what OP was referring to.

This:

 

[luca1290]

Layers are your friend. Do thin layers and build it up. Make sure you top it with clear coat too. I’ve had good results with the pens in the past. This paint is thin, I’ve got a few chips already too.

How do you decide when you have put enough paint and it's time to go with the clear coat?
You use the drop needle method also for the clearcoat?

 

[MAGS1]

How do you decide when you have put enough paint and it's time to go with the clear coat?
You use the drop needle method also for the clearcoat?

I try to do about half paint half clear. It can be hard with small chips but even a thin layer of clear is better than nothing. I’ve not tried the needle drop method, I have only used the pens. If you build it up too high, wet sand with a fine grit sandpaper and a light polish will fix that.

 

[JetGray_Mach1]

Someone suggested this on Amazon?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YD4J6J6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3NH62PVIF1NYU&th=1

also where can I get a good clear coat?

 

[luca1290]

Someone suggested this on Amazon?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YD4J6J6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3NH62PVIF1NYU&th=1

also where can I get a good clear coat?

I think the "pen" device I identified is much more precise than that kit. I'm buying a USA-made one, it costs a little more but I've got more peace of mind compared to the Chinese clones which are cheaper.

For the clear coat just go into any decent color shop and they will provide one. I bought my paint cans from a local color shop and in an hour they mixed all the 4 different color cans I needed for my cars. The clear coat does not need preparing so they will just give you a small amount, usually with a little brush in the top of the can.

 

[DFB5.0]

Check out Larry's video on this topic, very informative -

Sponsored