Repairing paint chips

[Shad0wguy]

My door got damaged thanks to some a-hole in a parking lot a few months ago. I asked a few people if it would be wise to take it to a body shop, and they said that they would most likely want to repaint the whole door.

My question is what would be the best method to repair a chip in the paint that is about the size of a dime. I'd also end up using this method to fix a chip on the hood that was there when I got the car.

Keep in mind I do not have a garage, so I would have to do this outside.

[Shad0wguy]

Re: Repairing paint chips

This is the chip. I realize I will have to bang out the dent in the quarterpanel.

[Firebirdkid96]

Re: Repairing paint chips

Down to bare metal....eeek. How about that other grey stuff...looks like that might buff out.... well, for starter's, do you have a rotary buffer availible? And you'll need the paint code from your glove box. I can give you some instructions on gow to repair that better once I know what you have to work with...

[Cobalt camaro]

Re: Repairing paint chips

repairing the chips on your car wil be easy because it's white. Metallic cars are alot harder to repair because the color can vary and look weird. just take your time, and it'll look fine.

[Shad0wguy]

Re: Repairing paint chips

Anything I need I can purchase. The black scuffs should buff out. I am more concerned with where you can see the body panel. I will most likely need to primer the spot and a few coats of paint with some wet sanding. I just am afraid of screwing it up.

[pace2006]

Re: Repairing paint chips

Here's a write-up I'm using for the chips and spots on my beater.

http://www.projecttransam.com/Projects11.asp

[Firebirdkid96]

Re: Repairing paint chips

yeah, a rotary buffer is going to be needed for when you wet sand. I'd say just go with some scratch fix paint since it's such a small spot. You can get it in GM White made by Duplicolor at Advance or Autozone or you can get it directly from GM. Start off like you said, a little bit of primer in the spots. Then after that dries put in some color coat, let it dry and then wet sand with 2000 grit. follow that with another coat and another wet sanding, and then put on a coat of clear. wet sand that with 2000 grit, and then do another coat of clear. wet sand again. then take your rotary buffer and apply Meguiar's Fine Cut compound, and buff it by hand till it has it's shine back. this will leave swirl marks, so use Meguiar's Swirl Remover,apply by hand and buff that in by hand. Follow it with one a hand application of a polish (Meguiar's New Car Glaze, Meguiar's Show Car glaze, Turtle Was Polishing Compound, 3M Rubbing Compound, just to name a few) and then finish it off with a coat of wax. Should come out looking brand new.

BE CAREFUL WHILE WET SANDING. Don't go above 2000 grit if you don't have to. The factory clear coats on our car's aren't super deep, and without a paint gauge, you can't tell how far you can go. Just be conservative while wet sanding, touch up paint doesn't need alot of smoothing until you get to your final coat.

Overall, if you already have a rotary buffer, you're looking at roughly $30-$40 to do all of this.

[Shad0wguy]

Re: Repairing paint chips

Are you talking about touch up paint in a spray paint or the stick? It doesn't sound too difficult.

Also, what do you suggest for the spider cracks that run vertically from the damage.

[Firebirdkid96]

Re: Repairing paint chips

Touch up paint with a stick. You're looking at a whole new beast if you go with a spray can. It's not as accurate, and you'd more than likely have to do the entire door. As for Spider cracks, you could try to wet sand and buff with fine cut, but I don't know how much it would help. Looks like those cracks are through the clear coat, and if that's the case, then you're better off repainting to get rid of them. Once again, just be careful while you're wet sanding.

[Shad0wguy]

Re: Repairing paint chips

And whats a good product to get rid of the scuffs?

[savagecamaro96]

Re: Repairing paint chips

a rubbing compound should get rid of the scuffs and minor scratches pretty well.

[Firebirdkid96]

Re: Repairing paint chips

^^^^ I'd Say Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner.

[HokieBird]

Re: Repairing paint chips

If you have never used a rotoray or wet sanded I would highly suggest you take it to a professional. You can hardcore **** up with both of them if you don't know what you are doing.

If you don't mind the potential to screw up your door and you want to learn read up on it, try to find someone local who can help you, and go for it. You are also going to be spending a good amount of money after purchasing a buffer, multiple pads, a good compound, possibly a few polishes, paint, sandpaper, and a claybar.

[Shad0wguy]

Re: Repairing paint chips

If you have never used a rotoray or wet sanded I would highly suggest you take it to a professional. You can hardcore **** up with both of them if you don't know what you are doing.

If you don't mind the potential to screw up your door and you want to learn read up on it, try to find someone local who can help you, and go for it. You are also going to be spending a good amount of money after purchasing a buffer, multiple pads, a good compound, possibly a few polishes, paint, sandpaper, and a claybar.

I'd rather get it professionally done but from what I've been told, anywhere I take it is gonna want to repaint the whole door panel. Unless you know somewhere I can get small chips repaired then I am out of luck.

When it comes to cars, the mechanical part I am comfortable with. It's the bodywork that I am afraid to touch.

[HokieBird]

Re: Repairing paint chips

You may have to go visit a few body shops and talk to them. Most places will look at the issue with you and you can tell them what you want and what you are expecting from the final results. They can then tell you if what you want is possible and how much it is going to cost.

If the guy says repainting the whole door is the only way to get it perfect, but you are ok with just covering the spot and buffing the crack tell him that and see what he thinks.