Stone Chips - Modus Operandi

[rhud]

Have tried and failed to find a thread/post on recommended procedure for dealing with stone chips (from which I am a chronic sufferer). Something like:

1 Build up touch-up paint in the chip bit by bit using a toothpick (allowing each application to dry) until paint is slightly proud of the hole

2 Use a rubbing compound to level the repair back to surrounding area (this is the bit I would be nervous about as it would presumably dull the small area round the repainted chip - but this could be remedied - or not!? -by.....)

3 Using a good quality polish (Autoglym?) to restore the shine (one or more applications)

Is this over simplistic? I like simple as have few practical skills - but don't want to make matters worse on metallic black finish!

All suggestions gratefully received.

 

[kid-jensen]

rhud,

Your plan is about right, but don't expect an invisible repair on a conspicuous area (like a bonnet) it's almost impossible with this method. Other parts of the car, vertical surfaces mainly, should be ok.

You could try Lanka (http://www.langka.com/) which only really rubs down the blob and not the surrounding paintwork.. With rubbing-down compound, it's tooeasy to rub through surrounding paintwork and end up with a bigger problem..

Something which does help is to spray the whole panel with the topcoat lacquer once the repair has hardened a bit . This should enable you to get the surface smooth and fill-in any remaining snall imperfections.

Aerosols are ok for this (though you'll use a lot of them) but a spray-gun would be better....it's so much easier spraying lacquer than anything with colour in it. With a bit of practice you will get the gloss straight from the gun/aerosol and save hours of aching shoulders with the T-cut...

 

[Aussie Nick]

This problem has been the subject matter of previous discussion here recently.
I have ordered the Quixx as promised and am currently experimenting with it.
So far the results have been positive although the Manufacturer's claims would appear to be overstated. It will work on some scratches but fails to perform with the more serious deeply ingrained ones.

I have removed one scratch almost completely using the Quixx whilst a more deeper one has shown only marginal improvement.

Currently I have one deep stone chip in the front of the bonnet panel which dinted the metal deeply. Before applying any substance I have proceeded to use a curved metal implement from the rear to tease the metal back in to shape. This has significantly reduced the depth of the dent crater. I have then proceeded to apply touch up paint at staged intervals allowing each coat to dry completely, at least overnight. I have used a small artist paint brush to apply the paint. Gradually this has built up the crater to almost, but not quite the level of the original surrounding paint surface.

There is a colour differential in the touch up paint and original paint. Once I have levelled out the crater I will apply the quixx to attempt to elliminate the colour differential. I will report back shortly.

I would not recommend the painting with clear unless you are proficient with a spray gun as there are too many variables that can go wrong.

 

[Xtractorfan]

As stated dont attempt to spray clear over the panel, it will be a complete mess and will flake off, before attempting any repair get a magnifying glass and have a good look at some of the chips, if there are any paint edges ragged or sticking above the level of the surface cut them back with a small sharp blade, if the chips are right thru to bare metal then you have to use a primer, when dry touch up using a cocktail stick, rolled up masking tape (the best but not easy to roll).or a small artists brush, leave each coat to dry before adding the next coat, when the paint is built up use clear lacquer to finish off the repair and allow to dry for a few days.. then flat the proud area with an ultra fine sandpaper, 1500 -2500 will do nicely and polish up gently with a fine cutting compound..a good pro will touch them up for you and use his spittle loaded finger to flush off the paint.....using the magnifying glass should help you keep the paint inside the repair area...

 

[Xtractorfan]

Oh BTW just read some of the LANGKA.COM instructions, very good advice but one part bothers me..it states if ur really 'anal' you can wet flat the entire vehicle to make your paintwork as smooth as glass..........PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT WET FLAT ANY PART OF YOUR PAINTWORK it will take hours of polishing and buffing to restore your paint work and in extreme cases your car may need repainting ..so please dont attempt it unless you are an expert detailer, FEW modern day cars have enough paint on them to be wet flatted and polished up, a weekly waxing will produce a superior finish