How do you properly touch up paint where rocks, doors, etc. have chipped the paint.

I would like to know the preparation, application and finish.

Is there a service that is out there that does this type of touch up, if so approximately how much?

Thanks,

 

I cant help,(Sorry) but I want to know too........

 

I've tried touch ups using the factory gm applicator (looks like a fingernail polish brush in a little tube you get from the dealership) only problem with that is that on metallic colors such as the one I used on my '03 I had, (pewter metallic) the metallic bunches up in one spot and makes it appear darker in the places you touch it up, so its really noticeable. They also make a touch up in a little spray can, that works better, but havent used it on actual paint chips.

 

Touch-up paint is hard because it almost never matches the rest of the finish of the vehicle. Paint color depends on so many variables that it is difficult to match. Anything from humidity to a few degrees of temerature can affect the paint color. My suggestion would be to sand down the area with very fine sandpaper (only if it is a deep or very large scratch), wash it out as best as you can and try to paint it out of direct sunlight and a temp of around 70 degrees. I'm not sure at what temp most manufactures paint at, but my guess is room temp so aim for something around that. I would also suggest masking off the area and use the spray. Try to use the touch up lipstick thing as a last option. Spray very very fine coats on the sratch. I mean fine. It is much better to do many very thin coats than one or two heavy coats. If you have clear coat you can also use this. I have not used clear myself when touching up scratches so I can not say how well this works. Do so at your own risk. It would be a good idea to use the same clearcoat as gm uses. Good luck with the scratches.

*Oh ya if you want to make it really quality use a primer on the bare metal*