Smooth out stone chip paint.

[Matc1988]

The previous owner of my car has ago at fixing some stone chips on the bonnet.....badly.

They are raised and look terrible, what is the best way too smooth them out to get them to blend in with the normal paint, as these are quiet raised and looks like the owner just put a blob on and didn't smooth it over.

Thanks in advance.

Also I've used G3 scratch remover today which i think was poor, any other alternatives, my local halfords didn't stock any meguires, (eastgate Bristol) although they used to.

 

[Xtractorfan]

You can sand the high spots down with some 1200 sandpaper...
There are fine detailing blocks available for doing such work, but tend to be only available from specialist paint/body suppliers.
You can make your own with a small flat piece of wood...wrap the sandpaper round the wood tightly or cut the sandpaper to size and glue it to the block.
Just concentrate on the area where the paint is sitting high, and keep the sanding area small.finish off with 1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper and then polish up with G3..
Farecla G3 is superior to Meguires or any of the other detailing compounds.
An electric polisher is ideal for getting a superior finish.

 

[Matc1988]

Thanks for the reply, I'm a chippy so I'm okay at sanding but when it comes to paintwork it's a bit different, which G3 polish shoul I use after? Thanks.

I used the G3 clay mitt which I thought was really good.

 

[Windmill83]

I have used Bilt Hamber soft clay (due to the temperature in Scotland!) and been able to smooth the paint back down nicely.

it does take a bit of effort and time using clay, but i think that going in as gently as possible and using the minimal abrasiveness to achieve the job saves any other finishing. And Clay is for removing overspray as well as road grime!

Lots of lube and remember to seal the paint again after!!! (Carnuba wax or other product)

I have no official qualifications in this area, just experience.

 

[Matc1988]

Thanks for your input, I think I'm best trying to sand it as its a few spots about 1mm high, doesn't sound a lot, but when on a smooth paint surface it is.

I'll sand it, use a paint restorer, thenolish and wax it. See what it's like after

 

[umblecumbuz]

I would suggest not using a small block of wood - it's generally not sufficiently 'forgiving', especially on gentle contours.

Instead, cut a small block of polystyrene to size and use that (the kind that comes as packing when you buy a new toaster or a new Merc). It is still stiff enough to reduce the high spots but will mould to gentle contours better. Soapy water helps, along with patience and good eyes!

 

[Matc1988]

Okay thanks, give me a job this weekend.

 

[KeithJG]

Modern touch up paints even at Halfords have a built in erasure in the top for sanding down blobs of paint!, exactly for this type of thing...

I have the Mercedes silver one, although below is the Vauxhall colour.


...................................................................

From the Halfords website:

"The Halfords Vauxhall 'Black Sapphire' scratch & chip repair kit is compatible to Vauxhall manufacturer's code: 20R, 2HU & GBG.
The touch up paint is the ideal way to repair small unsightly scratches and stone chips on your car's bodywork, blending them in with an exact colour match.

Simply use the special glass fibre prep tool to remove any loose/flaking paint and all rust from the chip or scratch. Then apply the high build primer filler using the precision nib applicator or brush into the prepared rust free chips and scratches, building up the thickness in stages (leaving 10-20 minutes between coats) leaving 24 hours to harden.

Lightly rub down using abrasive side of special tool to achieve smooth finish, then apply your colour match using the precision nib applicator or brush to the prepared and primed chips or scratches. Build up the colour in stages by leaving 10-20 minutes between each coat*. Leave the paint for 24 hours to harden then simply buff the surface using fabric side of special tool to blend in the repair.

Features & Benefits of Audi scratch & chip repair kit

3 x 12.5ml pen set
Vauxhall manufacturer's code: 20R, 2HU & GBG
Compatible with the Vauxhall Agila, Astra, Combo, Corsa, Insignia, Meriva, Omega, Signum, Tigra, Vectra & Zafira from 2001 onwards
NB. Always test on an inconspicuous area.
Additional Information

* For metallic or pearlescent finishes allow your colour match paint 24 hours to harden before applying the Clear Protection Lacquer in stages allowing 10 minutes between each coat

 

[Matc1988]

Thanks, I've been a it busy but I'll take look at those pens.