Going to try to do a paint repair this weekend...

[imported_ewiesner]

Someone hit my rear bumper in a hit and run in the parking lot a few days ago, right behind the passenger's side wheel. It left several horizontal scrapes, the biggest has a round spot about the size of a dime where the paint was removed. The other 3 scrapes are pretty much just lines.



I am going to do this with OEM Audi touch up paint, and it is a 2 part system. It has a paint bottle and a varnish bottle. First I was going to take some FI and clean all the residue off of the area, then wet sand the area with 2000 grit paper to smooth everything out. Then use an art brush to put the paint on.



When should I wet sand again? I was going to use 2 coats of paint and 2 coats of varnish. Should I sand after the last coat of varnish, or between every coat?



Since the scrape marks are about 1" apart, should I sand them all together or should I just try to only sand the mark and not the surrounding paint?

 

[Antym15]

I would say wet sand in between every coat. And use a combo of 50/50 water/rubbing alcohol to clean between layers and before painting too... use a lintess towel to clean, blotter with alcohol/water, or use a water bottle. I've had to do some repair in the past to my Passat, and I required more than the little bottles supply, so I had a spray can of paint mixed at a NAPA auto store... you only need the paint code. I used the paint and about 3 coats of clear coat afterwards, you probably only need two for very minor scratches.



Also, check out 3M's comprehensive web site. It will show you step by step what needs to be done if you're unsure of the different processes involved.

http://www.3m.com/us/auto_marine_aero/aad/solutions/index.jhtml



Also, I have used the small touch-up bottles... I make sure the surface is very clean, first by picking out the wax residue, then cleaning with the alcohol mixture. then I blot it on very carefully. I've even used toothpickes for those long skinny scratches. But I don't try sanding them or applying the clear coat for a least a month. I've found those very small areas of paint dettach very easily if they haven't had enough curing time. Then later, I'll sand and put the clear coat and wait a few days before wet sanding, one more lay of clear, wet sand/compound/polish/glaze. Oh, and I used a pencil with it's little pink eraser to put my sandpaper on so as not to make a big hazy area to clean up. Most, came out very good using this method... unnoticable in fact, other's where so-so and a little to big to go unoticed, but it suits me fine until another 10 years from now when I may repaint the car.



Good luck:up



Colin