Prep for touch up paint

[nookandcrannycar]

Ugh. After recently dodging a bullet, so to speak, re getting scratches from vandalism buffed out for free....I now have a side ding (happened in a different city) that 'chipped down to the metal'. My '14 Yaris (already added by the distributor for FL, IIRC) has that 'clear bra film' over the front bumper, both doors, and much of the rear bumper. I imagine a preoccupied kid was in the rear passenger seat of a 4 door and carelessly opened the door into the side (to the rear of the door) of my '14. My sales rep in Florida showed me how to best apply the touch up paint, but I don't remember anything re prepping for that. Should I get the car washed beforehand? Should I just put water on a cloth and wipe it? If so, what type odf cloth would be best. I might be over thinking this :redface::biggrin:?

[tykeeler]

Ugh. After recently dodging a bullet, so to speak, re getting scratches from vandalism buffed out for free....I now have a side ding (happened in a different city) that 'chipped down to the metal'. My '14 Yaris (already added by the distributor for FL, IIRC) has that 'clear bra film' over the front bumper, both doors, and much of the rear bumper. I imagine a preoccupied kid was in the rear passenger seat of a 4 door and carelessly opened the door into the side (to the rear of the door) of my '14. My sales rep in Florida showed me how to best apply the touch up paint, but I don't remember anything re prepping for that. Should I get the car washed beforehand? Should I just put water on a cloth and wipe it? If so, what type odf cloth would be best. I might be over thinking this :redface:[emoji3]?
I have the same exact problem but it's on my front bumper... Advice would be greatly appreciated!

[CTScott]

You need to make sure the area is clean and that all wax and oils are removed. I used denatured alcohol to wipe the area before doing touch-up.

[nookandcrannycar]

You need to make sure the area is clean and that all wax and oils are removed. I used denatured alcohol to wipe the area before doing touch-up.

:thumbsup: Thanks so much! Does the type of cloth used to wipe the area matter?

[NYC-SE]

:thumbsup: Thanks so much! Does the type of cloth used to wipe the area matter?

Just use a clean soft cloth. I've even used paper towels without any problems.

BTW in the past I have used Dr. Color Chip on chips and have had very good results. YMMV.

[nookandcrannycar]

Just use a clean soft cloth. I've even used paper towels without any problems.

BTW in the past I have used Dr. Color Chip on chips and have had very good results. YMMV.

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Thanks!

[justjesus]

just be careful with rubbing too hard with the cloth. Make sure the cloth is clean as well. No point in "correcting" your paint only to learn you added some marring (swirls, scratches, whatever term you feel like using).

And I've yet to try Dr Color Chip, but it was next on my list.

OH. and with the touch up paint. Take your time!!! Don't try and get it done with one swipe or whatever. Build it up using thin layers.

[NEexpat]

I got to watch some real pro's work on Maybachs and Benzes, and here is the secret Nook,




















toothpicks, seriously, toothpicks, sshhhhhhhhh.

[justjesus]

haha...yeah...forgot about that. Also, I found some super fine tipped "touch up brushes"
I'd have to find them, as I bought them, and paint, but haven't gotten around to doing the work.

OH... ANOTHER TIP: make sure to remove any rust that is there.

[nookandcrannycar]

OH. and with the touch up paint. Take your time!!! Don't try and get it done with one swipe or whatever. Build it up using thin layers.

:thumbsup:. When I picked up my car at the dealer in FL, it had a tiny chip...but even though tiny, it was to the metal (I later looked at the door plate and my MFG date = January and I made the purchase in August). My sales rep had been a detailer in another state, and he touched up that very small chip as you mention above :thumbsup:...I just didn't remember about the cleaning nor the type of cloth . It was on the same side as this new one (between the driver's door and the left rear wheel), but I've never noticed that initial chip again.

[nookandcrannycar]

I got to watch some real pro's work on Maybachs and Benzes, and here is the secret Nook,




















toothpicks, seriously, toothpicks, sshhhhhhhhh.

I used to take a past car to a detailing place that was down the street and a few blocks over from a Ferrari dealership. I seem to remember toothpicks being something that they did sometimes implement in their work.

[nookandcrannycar]

I'm now staying in a different hotel, an Extended Stay America that I've stayed in (this location) before without any issues (snapshot of the area....there are UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Charles Schwab offices a few blocks away). I went out to get in my car this morning, and someone had keyed the chip+ding that are the subject of this thread. About 40% of the length of the silver part of my Yaris key (the part that goes into the ignition). Ugh. Could have been worse....but still!!!! I still plan to follow the wonderful suggestions on this thread, it will just take longer.