Automobile Touch Up Paint

Your vehicle means a lot to you irrespective of its cost, size, make and how new or old it is. A small scratch over it makes you feel very bad. But what after such a scratch? Of course you won't prefer to keep it in the same damaged condition and feel sad every time you look at it. Then why not go for an automobile touch up paint and bring back the charm of your vehicle.

Scratches and dents are inevitable even if you drive with optimum care. Such scratches, however small they might be, tend to spoil the looks of your awesome automobile. Moreover, this damaged area also becomes susceptible to rust, worsening the appearance further. Hence, it is always good to fix the problem immediately to prevent any further damage. Touch-up paint is the right tonic for making your vehicle as beautiful as before in less time and cost.

Picking up a color matching to that of your vehicle and painting it on the damaged area is not all what automobile touch up paint is about. The process involves many other things and needs to be carried out very carefully to have a maximum natural effect and retain the original looks of your vehicle. The procedure involves the following:

Masking Tape: Masking tape protects the surfaces adjacent to the damaged area from the touch up process. A good quality masking tape will stick properly and can be peeled off easily without leaving any residue or damaging the color of your vehicle.

Masking Film/Paper: A masking paper blocks the adjacent panels from over spray. Do not use the masking film on the panel directly; this may lead to a visible tape line after its removal. Make a line with a masking tape first, then tape the masking film on the existing tape.

High-grit Sandpaper: This is the basic thing required to clean the damaged surface. The scratched area is much prone to rust. In such a case, use a higher-grit sandpaper and clean the rust.

Primer: A primer is applied directly to the bare metal to form a perfect surface to paint over. Applying a primer is a must in the touch up paint process because its bonding and filling properties make the damaged surface even and hence, suitable to be painted.

Base Coat: This is the actual paint, same as the color of the vehicle. While you purchase the color, you need to check whether it is metallic or acrylic and what is the make and model of the vehicle you plan to paint.

Clear Coat: As the name suggests, it is a clear, transparent and shiny paint. This protects the vehicle from UV rays and gives a classic shine to the colored surface.

The touch up paint comes in various forms. It is available as a paint to be applied with a brush. It also comes in the form of an aerosol spray, in which the paint is sealed in a pressurized container and is released in a fine mist when the button of the spray bottle is pushed. It also comes as a paint pen, which you can use directly on the surface.

Here is the procedure for automobile touch up paint for repairing the scratches on your vehicle.

1. Find the right automotive paint for your vehicle. While doing touch up paint job on your car, remember to first test the color on a hidden area. Once the color is applied on the car, you cannot change it.
2. Give your car a thorough wash and dry it off completely. If you can't have a complete car wash, clean the scratched area with a cloth dipped in the solution of mild soap and water.
3. Take prep solvent and a soft towel. Take the needed amount of prep solvent on the towel and use it to clean the grease, wax, oil and other surface contaminants.
4. Sand the problem area with high-grit sandpaper made for automotive paint.
5. Apply 2- 3 coats of the primer over the bare metal. Keep a gap of 5-10 minutes between each coat. If you want to blend the primer, use a wet sandpaper over this area after 20 minutes.
6. Apply the base coat. Apply as many coats as required to cover the damaged area. Keep a gap of 5-10 minutes between each coat. Remember to paint two inches width wise and lengthwise around the damaged area. Never use wet sand paper or prep solvent in between coats of the touch up paint.
7. Wait for 20 minutes after the application of the last layer of the base coat is over. Then start applying clear coat. You can apply 2-3 layers, but keep a gap of 10-20 minutes while applying each layer.
8. If the touch up paint isn't glossy enough, use a hair dryer to heat the area and have a smooth and shiny surface.

Alternatives to Car Touch up Paint: For minor scratches on the car body, you can use a scratch remover, a car wax or a polishing compound. These are the best options for minor scratches instead of using automobile touch up paint.

Scratch Remover:

• If the scratches are not very deep, they can be removed easily by just applying a scratch remover.
• Use a cloth terry towel and apply the scratch remover in a circular motion over the scratch.
• The scratch will be removed after a few applications.

Car Wax: Waxing the car gives an ultimate shine to it. It forms a thin, transparent film over the car paint which covers minor scratches, stone chips, prevents rusting of the surface and protects it from the harsh environment.

• Firstly, clean the car thoroughly and dry it.
• A quality wax with no abrasives, a soft sponge and a clean soft cloth towel is all that you require to wax the car.
• It is better to park the car in a shade and start working on one section at a time.
• Apply the wax with a sponge and wait for 5 minutes.
• Now, use a clean and soft towel and buff the wax in circular motion.
• Once you are done with the whole car, clean the unpainted areas of the vehicle.
• For best results, wax the car every 3-4 months.

Polishing Compound: Removing fine scratches on the glass of the car is not a big task.

• Go for a polishing compound which contains the finest abrasive.
• Take a little amount of polishing compound on a sponge and apply it over the scratches in a circular motion until they become less visible.
• Don't overdo.
• Now, wash off the area properly.
• Use wax over it in the above mentioned way.

Go for automobile touch up paints, the easiest way to repair the scratches and maintain the beauty of your classy auto.