I realize this is an old subject, and I’ve searched much of this forum (and others) on the issue, but I thought I’d check one more time before taking the plunge. I have two “touch up” paint issues:
1) A number (maybe a dozen) small
rock chips in front. Most are 1 mm or less, a couple may approach 1.5-2 mm in size.
2) Multiple
hairline scratches (dozens) underneath in front where (shortly after getting the Box) I stupidly bottomed out pulling too fast into an inclined driveway.
My thoughts:
Rock Chips: I’m thinking about using Grizzly’s technique with the fiberglass pen (if needed--- I’m actually not sure any of these are through the primer), artist’s brushes, superfine wet/dry sand paper mounted on pencil erasers, etc. (see:
working with touch up paint ) Have people generally had pretty good luck with this approach? I am pretty handy, can be slow and methodical when called for, have a steady hand, etc. Do the fine brushes work as well as the toothpick technique I've read about? At the polishing stage, he referred to using 3M’s Finesse-It II, which I Googled and found bunches of products with that name---not sure which he’s talking about (Griz??). On my shelf currently, I have Poorboy’s SSR 2.5 and Menzerna Final Polish. Also some 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Think those might do the job following the wet-sanding? (PerfectLap, you out there?) I have the factory supplied touch up paint and clear coat; it’s now at least 2 years old---is that a problem? Also, I have heard metallics are tough---mine’s seal grey. Thoughts? One thing that drives me crazy is that “they” always recommend practicing your technique in an inconspicuous area---problem is, with rock chips they are, almost by definition, essentially ALWAYS in a conspicuous area.
Hairline scratches: These are too numerous to fill in individually. Am considering the Dr. Colorchip approach because I need to be able to smear paint in a bunch of small scratches. (Or possibly the Langka stuff, but I think that would be more labor intensive.) One good thing is that it’s in an area that no one will ever see. Any additional opinions on the DrCC?
Finally, regarding the rock chips (since they are what people can most easily see): Anybody have a good idea, ballpark figure-wise, what a good body shop would charge to airbrush them? I figured I might check with my local P-car dealership as to where they’d recommend, but I was curious as to whether people might have a rough idea as to what I’d be looking at, cost-wise. Assuming I find a reputable body shop, do they tend do a good job with the metallic paints?
Opinions (in addition to being free
) are greatly appreciated.
Linear Mode
