Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

[tguil]

I’m working on repair of a paint chip on one of my Harleys. It’s irregular in shape but about 1/8 inch in diameter. I have the official Harley touch paint kit…. two small bottles -- Vivid Black and clear coat.

I have pretty much followed the procedure outlined by David Bynon ( a touch-up "guru"). http://guidetodetailing.com/damage-r...repair-clinic/ (Scroll down.)

So far I have carefully layered a four coats of black into the chip using a modeler’s detail brush (darn small). The paint, which I have applied, is still below the surface of the paint surrounding the chip.

I had this fender bead blasted and repainted several years ago. I know that the painter used a “ton” of clear coat.

David Bynon suggests not using clear coat for the final layers of the touch-up while most folks using clear. http://www.paintscratch.com/brush.htm

I have been doing touch-ups for lots of years (Would you believe 50!) and have never used clear for the final coats. By the way, I am really quite good at it.

I am striving for perfection on this touch-up. Any suggestions?

Tom

[tguil]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

The chip is about 1/4 inch in diameter. Makes a difference, right?

Tom

[mikek753]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

Hi Tom,

Would you guide me with my repair? pls.
I have those on my car hood
some from tar some from deep scratch



I went through guide and got from automotivetouchup Touch Up Paint Pen.
However, I wasn't able to apply pain as expected it dried up very fast and pen by itself dried in matter of minutes.
I started using toothpick, but it didn't help much ether as paint wasn't fluid enough.

I asked automotivetouchup about my dried pen and got answer to use lacquer thinner for the pen.
Can I add lacquer thinner to the paint to make it thinner without impacting color?

Another thing about pen wet sanding - it doesn't last long as it gets clogged by touchup paint I try to remove to make it even and as result I reapplied wetsand to 7 pen erasers. Not a big deal, just not sure it doesn't last long enough.
I use 1000 grit.

Thanks.
Mike

[mikek753]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

more pics

[tguil]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

Mike,

It appears that your dealing with something that is beyond me. It appears that your flaws are quite large and may require a repaint by a body shop.

The largest brush/tooth pick repair that I have ever done was about 1/2 inch in diameter and then while was a pretty good repair it was noticeable.

I have also used rattlecans for touchups, but that can be pretty darn tricky. Usually if spray painting is necessary, I head to a body shop.

You are working with metallic paint. They can be a real "son-of a gun to work with.

Check this out http://www.paintscratch.com/touch-up...paint-tips.htm It may help some.

Tom

[tguil]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

Mike,

A little more.

I have found that the pens are not all that great. I prefer high quality artist brushes of various small sizes. When using brush, you must allow lots of time between layers. Yes, the paint can be thinned with automotive lacquer thinner. I can wetsand small areas but I am very, very careful.

Tom

[mikek753]

Re: Clear coat layer -- chip repair?

thank you very much for your answers
looks like I have to lower my expectations ...