Best way to use touch-up paint

[blundgren77]

Everyone here always has great tricks learned through the years, so lets see what I get tossing this out. :)

My '01 Boxster is Metallic Black. There are a few little spots here and there I'd like to touch up, w/o going to the body shop to have entire panels shot. Small little scratches and rock chips mainly. There is one spot in particular just above the passenger door handle that looks like a key scratch, about 3/4 of an inch long and 3/32 wide.

On past vehicles (domestic) I've always had mixed results with touch-up paint. It never seems to try level (always a lump), and sticks out like a sore thumb. Does anyone have tricks for applying it that work? Using thinner maybe? I know it will never match 100%, but I'd like to at least make the spots harder to spot than they were just left alone. :) Can you apply it, and then wetsand it to blend and buff with compound? One person told me I go to an art store and get an ultra-fine liner brush for oil paints, so that I have control, instead of using the brush that comes with the touch-up. Haven't tried that yet but seems reasonable.

Obviously cleaning the area with a wax-remover and prep is key. But what's the trick for doing it right without making it worse and getting a quality job?

Thanks!

Bill

[smartrepair]

Use a toothpick to apply the paint.

After the paint has cured, wetsand the "plump" with P1500 and P2000. Finally polish it.

You should get quite a decent result on dark colors...

Best luck,

Kare

Everyone here always has great tricks learned through the years, so lets see what I get tossing this out. :)

My '01 Boxster is Metallic Black. There are a few little spots here and there I'd like to touch up, w/o going to the body shop to have entire panels shot. Small little scratches and rock chips mainly. There is one spot in particular just above the passenger door handle that looks like a key scratch, about 3/4 of an inch long and 3/32 wide.

On past vehicles (domestic) I've always had mixed results with touch-up paint. It never seems to try level (always a lump), and sticks out like a sore thumb. Does anyone have tricks for applying it that work? Using thinner maybe? I know it will never match 100%, but I'd like to at least make the spots harder to spot than they were just left alone. :) Can you apply it, and then wetsand it to blend and buff with compound? One person told me I go to an art store and get an ultra-fine liner brush for oil paints, so that I have control, instead of using the brush that comes with the touch-up. Haven't tried that yet but seems reasonable.

Obviously cleaning the area with a wax-remover and prep is key. But what's the trick for doing it right without making it worse and getting a quality job?

Thanks!

Bill

[larez2]

I used something similar to this before:

http://www.drcolorchip.com/

And it worked great. I always see the dr colorship ads in Panamera. I believe the chemicals included with that kit could be purchased separately for cheaper though.

[timbo]

If its metalic its difficult to cut back the paint and get a good finish, I usually dilute with some cellulose thinners, then use a very fine brush to build up the paint, leave for a couple of days and lightly cut with T cut or similar. Altenatly the last bit of building up can be done with a clear laquer, but make sure its had plenty of time to dry befor you cut it back.

[Glyn]

For stone chips the easiest to apply and cover up the white blob thats left where the chip occurs is a simply black wide tip felt tip permanant marker.

Touch the spot, let it dry - about 30 seconds then a bit of polish over the top.

It doesnt fill the chip but it does get rid of the effect of dandruff on the bonnet - front boot or whatever you call that bit over there

dont know why no manufactures have produced a touch up paint based on a felt tip type marker pen

[blundgren77]

For stone chips the easiest to apply and cover up the white blob thats left where the chip occurs is a simply black wide tip felt tip permanent marker.

Touch the spot, let it dry - about 30 seconds then a bit of polish over the top.

It doesn't fill the chip but it does get rid of the effect of dandruff on the bonnet - front boot or whatever you call that bit over there

dont know why no manufactures have produced a touch up paint based on a felt tip type marker pen

EXCELLENT idea! I got my hands on a "Sharpie" industrial marker. The ink in those things is supposed to be super permanent. I did a little inconspicuous spot, and the ink color is a dead ringer, (minus the metallic fleck) for Porsche black. Probably won't do it all over the car, but it's a great idea for little things here and there.

[phillipj]

For stone chips the easiest to apply and cover up the white blob thats left where the chip occurs is a simply black wide tip felt tip permanent marker.

Touch the spot, let it dry - about 30 seconds then a bit of polish over the top.

It doesn't fill the chip but it does get rid of the effect of dandruff on the bonnet - front boot or whatever you call that bit over there

dont know why no manufactures have produced a touch up paint based on a felt tip type marker pen

EXCELLENT idea! I got my hands on a "Sharpie" industrial marker. The ink in those things is supposed to be super permanent. I did a little inconspicuous spot, and the ink color is a dead ringer, (minus the metallic fleck) for Porsche black. Probably won't do it all over the car, but it's a great idea for little things here and there.

I use a black Sharpie on trim pieces and it works great.