Touch up stick...do i need to use lacquer?

[zakh]

Hi guys,

i touched up some of the stone chips etc on my car today...
i have a few questions...

do i need to use more coats? and do i need to use the lacquer stick that i got with the kit from MB?

many thanks as always!!!


Zak

 

[zakh]

Anyone???

 

[weebobster]

bump - I am interested in what replies you get because I have several stone chips that ill need to sort very soon.

/bob

 

[stats007]

How long is a piece of string?!?!

It all depends on the type of chip. If it is more than about 2-3mm then I'd do it in a couple of coats then apply the lacquer. If it is a metallic paint then you will need the clear coat applied on top to get a match.

Don't rush it - I usally do mine over a few weekends - trying to blob it on then lacquering it in 30 minutes usually means it will look awful.

 

[glojo]

It could be you never got the replies because:

a) Link

b) The dreaded Shude will be lurking getting ready to pounce and move you into perhaps the bodywork section (Why am I ratting on you?) Good question with lots of very informative answers, both here and on the link

Regards,
John

 

[jeremytaylor]

I would follow the instructions on the pack. Which IIRC say use lacquer coat. Makes sense to me.

 

[Goldfish11]

Yes but No but Yes but No But ............

It depends, generally if it is a small stone chip or I use the main paint with a fine artists paint brush or tooth pick to fill the chip. This leaves little room for lacquer and if you put this on top it just makes a mess (or little bump which you then need to polish down)

DO NOT USE THE BRUSH SUPPLIED WITH THE TOUCH UP STICK It will make a mess

However if the chip is larger you can paint it and then leave this to dry and then add lacquer.

On alloy wheels I do use lacquer for extra protection.

Also be warned, when touching up keep the paint in your pocket so it is nice and warm (not quite body temperature ) and do it on a reasonably warm day. Some touch ups actually state do not touch up unless ambient is over 15C. This enables the paint to flow nicely and dry, cold touch up paint on a cold car seems to make a mess for me.

The purpose of the "touch up" excercise is to make an invisible repair and apply some protection but there can be a trade off. If applying lacquer makes a mess I wont do it.

 

[glojo]

Also be warned, when touching up keep the paint in your pocket so it is nice and warm (not quite body temperature )

Make sure you screw the top on securely

John

 

[zakh]

Hey Goldfish...thats what has happened to me now, i applied the lacquer and theres this unsightly blob...almost like a rain drop...
HELP!!! is there anything that i can do to flatten this down?

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks!


Zak

 

[stats007]

Rub it down with some T-Cut and then a less abrasive polish. Use a cloth around a flat edge - like a credit card and the repair should be invisible.

 

[zakh]

Nice one stats! Much appreciated

 

[Goldfish11]

Hey Goldfish...thats what has happened to me now, i applied the lacquer and theres this unsightly blob...almost like a rain drop...
HELP!!! is there anything that i can do to flatten this down?

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks!


Zak

T Cut can be harsh and will get the paintwork around the chip, you need to focus on the local area. Get a pencil with a rubber on the end. Get some super fine wet and dry (from car body specialists) Get a file paper hole punch and punch out little disks. Super glue disk to end of rubber.

You can then just sand the chip and very little of the surrounding area.

Then get some polish with a bit of cut, Autoglym may do it, or even Meguiars Scratch X. (T Cut if you must but be careful )

Then you should have an invisible repair (in theory anyway )

 

[stats007]

I've used T-Cut plenty of times on a clear coat with no problems whatsoever - they do a milder version specifically for metallics if you're not confident using it.

 

[glojo]

I've used T-Cut plenty of times on a clear coat with no problems whatsoever - they do a milder version specifically for metallics if you're not confident using it.

Same here, but you MUST use a block of some description. Even the flat end of the pencil covered with a folded? cloth. Lots of T-cut and gentle application.

I have never used wet and dry for smoothing off little pin ***** touch-ups, but certainly cannot see anything wrong with using extremely fine wet and dry. Would you recommend using lots of water? I cringe at the thought of using it dry, just in case the paper clogs the paint? Great forum for learning new techniques and I totally agree about NOT using hte supplied brush on very small marks. Using a credit card is something I will try next.

John