Chipped paint repair (automotive)

[MPHSystems]

So, we got this C4 Vette, the thing is great. I wouldn't call it immaculate but it's really clean for 36 years old. the only thing that really bugs me is a few chips in the paint by the passenger side headlight. I know for a fact that the very best job I could do on it would make it look much worse. I don't particularly want to paint the entire car because then I would become anal AF about the paint and probably wouldn't enjoy the car as much (the thing is fun AF to drive) I've seen some really great looking gellcoat repairs, can it be done with paint?

 

[lbhsbz]

So, we got this C4 Vette, the thing is great. I wouldn't call it immaculate but it's really clean for 36 years old. the only thing that really bugs me is a few chips in the paint by the passenger side headlight. I know for a fact that the very best job I could do on it would make it look much worse. I don't particularly want to paint the entire car because then I would become anal AF about the paint and probably wouldn't enjoy the car as much (the thing is fun AF to drive) I've seen some really great looking gellcoat repairs, can it be done with paint?

Its just color. Got any pictures? If you can match the color, just get some touchup and dab it on with a brush in a few stages until the "repair' stands proud of the original paint surface, then after it cures for a bit...get after it with a sanding block and some 400 grit wet paper (sanding block for small scratches could be about the size out of a broken popsicle stick)....until you start getting into the original paint surface, then switch to 1200 grit without a block, then hit it some compound, polish, and wax....done.

 

[ChrisV]

Touch up and ppf

 

[MPHSystems]

Its just color. Got any pictures? If you can match the color, just get some touchup and dab it on with a brush in a few stages until the "repair' stands proud of the original paint surface, then after it cures for a bit...get after it with a sanding block and some 400 grit wet paper (sanding block for small scratches could be about the size out of a broken popsicle stick)....until you start getting into the original paint surface, then switch to 1200 grit without a block, then hit it some compound, polish, and wax....done.

How do I match the color? The paint is original and red.

 

[MPHSystems]

Touch up and ppf

What is Ppf?

 

[ChrisV]

What is Ppf?

Paint protection film. Really hides alot of blemishes.

 

[lbhsbz]

How do I match the color? The paint is original and red.

Start with the regular paint code touch up in a can from duplicolor....spray some in the lid and use a little kids paintbrush to try it in a spot nobody will see. See how the color looks after it kicks. Get a little brush touch up paint container of darker red/brown or some sort of lighter orange to mix a bit in to get it just right....or just use it out of the can and it'll look better than chips (depending on how bad the chips are).

You could always just put a full on 90s bra on it, or just wrap the affected panels.

 

[Backlash]

This is what I've used on my red trucks.

Clean the chipped area with a degreaser of your choice. Fill the chip with the paint and let it cure for a day or two. Smooth out the repair and the area around it. My painted surface on my tonneau cover was thrashed, so I sanded mine more than you would need to. After you run through the grits, up to say 1500 or 2000, hit it with a buffer and polish it up from there. It won't be perfect but it will look a lot better afterwards.

 

[Backlash]

Mine needed (And still needs a lot of work), but here are the final results of my inexpensive touch-up job..... I am happy with the end results.

 

[MPHSystems]

Its just color. Got any pictures?

I’m super afraid because every time I’ve seen a paint repair it’s been fuckd… I want one you don’t see

The paint isn’t perfect but it is pretty dang good. The rear plastic is SLIGHTLY “pinker” but it’s so unnoticeable that I’m not even worried about it. Just these 2 chips

Somewhere in here is supposed to be the paint code

 

[ChrisV]

yeap. I'll use paint touch up and get the front end PPF. Beautiful car

 

[MPHSystems]

yeap. I'll use paint touch up and get the front end PPF. Beautiful car

It is a beautiful car, we are fortunate to own it

how much do I need to pay or beg you to come help me do it? are you in SoCal?

 

[checkrdpast]

red sharpe!

 

[rlemn8r]

WA-8774 is the paint code...