1) If I clean a small chip with alcohol, do I really need primer still if there is no dirt/rust in the chip?

2) Once I layer the touchup paint with a plastic toothpic....and it is a slight bump, now I begin wet sanding. Noone carries sanding blocks or such so should I:

a) holepunch the wetsandpaper (i have 1000,1500, 1800 and 2000 grit) and glue it to a pencil eraser?
b) use a block of wood?

Now, do I try and wetsand ONLY the little chip, or the general area (ie. 1.5"by 1.5") around it?

Afterwards, I will use 3M rubbing compound and then swirl remover in the small area.

Thanks for the help guys.

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Michael
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2002 Sunset Orange Metallic WS6 Coupe
GMMG Exhaust, MTI Clear Lid, BMR STB
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Sportside, 4.8 with 5spd
Street Scenes Grille,
HID Stage II Xenon Kit, Kenwood Speakers w/
12" Sub and Amp

 

1) If I clean a small chip with alcohol, do I really need primer still if there is no dirt/rust in the chip?

Probably not if the factory primer is till intact which is probably will be.

2) Once I layer the touchup paint with a plastic toothpic....and it is a slight bump, now I begin wet sanding. No one carries sanding blocks or such so should I:

a) holepunch the wetsandpaper (i have 1000,1500, 1800 and 2000 grit) and glue it to a pencil eraser?

You can, I just use a tiny piece and my finger tip.

b) use a block of wood?

No

Now, do I try and wetsand ONLY the little chip, or the general area (ie. 1.5"by 1.5") around it?

Try to contain the sanding to a small an area as possible

Afterwards, I will use 3M rubbing compound and then swirl remover in the small area.

sound good



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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

If the chip doesn't go down to metal, you should be fine. Primer is rarely needed, and it takes a pretty good whack to get through the factory primer.

Use care using a toothpick. They have a tendency to put too much paint on. When you try to use less paint, it can be hard to get enough to flow correctly. Be patient and you can get it, but it is usually harder than a good brush. If you plan on keeping your chips in check, spend the money on a good brush. It's worth it.

You want to wet sand with 1500 at the coarsest. Preferably 2000. The touch up paint is softer than the factory paint, and sands fast anyway. Besides, using 2000 grit means less work polishing out the sanding marks (marring).

Sand with a firm block, like a piece of rubber or hard foam about 1" square or larger if needed. I actually have a 1" block from 3M for this. Cut the paper in a 1" x 2 1/2" strip, center the block and fold the excess over the back so you can keep the paper in place with your fingers. A 1/4 inch thick piece of hobby plywood cut to size can be used. Bevel the edges of the block and sand the face smooth before use.

Alternatively, you can cut the paper in a longer 1" strip and fold it up into a firm square that will act as it's own block. There is a hazard of creating more marring at the edges of the paper with this method, so use care. Soaking the wet sand paper for an hour in water before use will soften the paper backing and help prevent this. In fact, it is usually wise to soak all wet sand paper before use for this reason. Be gentle while sanding with this method. It is possible to sand in a finger depression if you use too much pressure.

Use gentle pressure (remember the touch up is softer) and a circular motion. You are essentially using the surrounding paint to support the block while the sanding action smooths the touch up. Don't get aggressive, and don't sand back and forth.

Just sanding the touch up alone, like your pencil eraser method, will more than likely leave you with a depression that will need filled with paint again. Possible, but extra care is needed and it really saves no time. You gotta polish it anyway, and trying to polish an itty bitty spot usually leaves you with less than satisfactory results.

Look for pinholes (bubbles that were trapped in the paint) and fix them with a bit of paint on a straight pin before continuing on to polishing.




Jeff