I have been wondering if anyone had any luck with a proper way to repair paint chips and "keyed" paint. I remember seeing a detail on this forum of a 911 that had gotten keyed, a beautiful repair was done, but the process was not explained. I have searched and have come up with some answers on rock chip repairs--some I have seen with clear coat, others I have not. I need some help. Any opinions/ pictures. Thanks a lot.
I would really like to see someone do a write up on this, I purchased both of my vehicles used in new england, and the sand has done a number to both of them. The paint is swirl free and wett looking and then you see the hood and front bumper speckled with chips, and it' driving me crazy.
It takes alot of time to fill in each little chip because you have to wait till one application dries and then apply another one, until it is level or above, and then you sand down with a high number like 2000 grit paper. This would be the only way i know. Otherwise get it repainted. I work in a body shop by the way.
I have been looking into this myself and came across the Dr. Colorchip system. I have read many positive reviews about it, but I'm sure there are some negative ones out there as well. Haven't ordered it yet, but I probably will very soon. Videos of the kit in action at the link: Demonstration Videos - Dr. ColorChip: Automotive Paint Chip Repair Systems
Would be nice to see someone do a step by step on paint chip repair. pecka13 explained it well. The one thing I would definitely add would be apply a layer of clear coat over the paint as well. Most touch up paints now come with both the paint and clear. If you don't apply clear you will only be touching up the paint often. I did a detail on a 3 series that had some rock chips a few months back and I made sure to use clear on it. Didn't take any pics though...
Sorry forgot to add that, but you are correct. Honestly it would be a lot of work lol I would think get the car polished, and then leave an afternoon or something just to touch it up, because it will take a while especially if you have many chips.
I'll share my technique as well as show you a job where you can see how it did on a very deep key scratch. I use a pointy toothpick to try to get the paint in the scratch as deep as possible. The best way is to do one coat, let it dry for a day or more and then come back and do another, etc, etc. The key (no pun intended!) is to use a small amount of paint and not "blob" it on. The pointy toothpick actually really helps in that regard. I have yet to see a paintbrush that has an end as narrow as a toothpick. Once you have built the level of the paint up to the surrounding area, do it again so it is now above it a bit. Wet sand it flat, and use a high number paper like mentioned above and then polish till you're finished. Here's the job I had reference above: http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/show-shine/5136-birthday-detail.htm
Thanks everyone for taking the time, I appreciate it very much. I guess there really is not need to clear coat on top of it. I got two nasty rock chips, literrally a 1/4 of an inch above my clear bra. Kinda of bummed. Thanks again.
I came across this as well, since they're a few of us interested on the topic I'll post it up Scary paint chip repair - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums Results look pretty good.