Community Forums

TerryO · 08-11-2012, 07:35 AM

OK, I need some advice on the proper way to use touch up paint (clipped an 18" piece of retread on the interstate that left 3 - 16" scratches on the first bay door down to the metal). I'm assuming you just want to fill the scratch and not get any on the painted surfaces but I'm sure someone here knows the best way to do it.

Tha_Rooster · 08-11-2012, 01:57 PM

Auto dealers have touch up people going from dealer to dealer fixing dings it sounds like you might want to talk to one of them. I haven't had any luck on little things that don't look like a touch up job much less (3) 16 inch long scratches.

Midniteoyl · 08-11-2012, 02:19 PM

Most shops would hit the scratches with sandable primer to build them up, sand the entire door to smooth, then paint the entire door.

danandcarol · 08-11-2012, 02:26 PM

Haven't tried this technique yet, but someone told me the best way to apply touchup paint to scratches was with a toothpick and tiny dabs of the paint.

Midniteoyl · 08-11-2012, 02:29 PM

The boys on and Audi forum swear by this company.. Havent tried it yet myself and dont know how it would work on a long scratch.

Dr.ColorChip Custom Automotive Touch-Up Paint Kit - Dr. ColorChip: Automotive Paint Chip Repair Systems

Review - Dr.Colorchip paint chip repair system on 2008 Lexus IS F.wmv - YouTube

Midniteoyl · 08-11-2012, 02:35 PM

Found this procedure too.. doesnt have to be thier paint, but the way he does it..

I would think that after a few days, you could lightly compound the area to flatten and blend it in completely..

Scratch Repair Kit: Fix Deep Car Scratches - YouTube

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-11-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danandcarol

Haven't tried this technique yet, but someone told me the best way to apply touchup paint to scratches was with a toothpick and tiny dabs of the paint.

I had a guy from Lazydays use a paper matchstick. It worked well. Not so much when I tried it.

Steve N Sal · 08-11-2012, 02:38 PM

I think a visit to a body shop would be the best solution. I have touced up small specs with our paints but nothing that is 16" long and especially having three of them.

ahicks · 08-11-2012, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I had a guy from Lazydays use a paper matchstick. It worked well. Not so much when I tried it.

Exactly. The guys that know what they're doing... do know. When we try, it's pretty obvious. A rock chip might be a good exercise. 16" scratches in a place you can't help but see them any time you get in or out? That's pro or body shop stuff.....

doc · 08-13-2012, 07:33 AM

I suggest you check with a local auto dealer and see who they use for chip repair. We have a team that comes in to repair chips and dings in our new and used cars. I p/t for 3 dealers locally and they all use different teams. All these guys are GOOD. Much more reasonable than doing the bodyshop thing.

ajm12 · 08-13-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryO

OK, I need some advice on the proper way to use touch up paint (clipped an 18" piece of retread on the interstate that left 3 - 16" scratches on the first bay door down to the metal). I'm assuming you just want to fill the scratch and not get any on the painted surfaces but I'm sure someone here knows the best way to do it.

Hi Terry
First it depends on the paint color. I did touch up work for dealership for 10 years. If the paint is metallic or is not a solid color the chances or slim to have it match. The problem with a scratch is there is and valley now until you can fill that valley with the exact amount of paint the scratch will be noticeable. I with a lot of other people have tried different methods of do it to avoid filling and repainting. With enough patience you might get it to be less noticeable. Good luck.