Paint Touchup
One of the most difficult thing to do is to find matching paint. If you don’t have any touch-up, try riding your bike to the nearest Sherwin Williams paint store. They make automotive paint, and should have color samples there. Pick the one that most closely matches. Another source for paint is a hobby shop. Testors makes model paint in more colors than you can imagine. Still can’t find what you need? Try nail polish. There’s a ton of colors available, and while you’re there, pick up a bottle of clear. You’ll need it later. Auto parts stores have many colors in “fingernail polish” like bottles as well as spray cans. Spray touch up paint is fine. I wouldn’t spray it on the bike unless I needed to cover a pretty large area, ex. 1sq “ or larger. I’ve successfully used it for small areas by spraying the paint into the cap, then using a toothpick of brush to apply it.
OK! LET’S GET STARTED
1. Clean the damaged area thoroughly with alcohol.
2. Carefully inspect the chip or scratch to see that there is no chipping or peeling paint along the edges of the damaged area. If there is, take a sharp Exacto knife and carefully chip the peeling paint away until you have a clean edge that won’t lift.
3. Assuming you have found paint that matches, shake it up very thoroughly – very thoroughly. After you’ve done that, shake it up very thoroughly again. If you’re using nail polish you can skip this step.
4. Apply the paint using a small brush or a toothpick. If it’s a scratch or a chip the size of a half a pea, I’ve found the toothpick works better. Depending on the size of the damaged area you might want to apply several light coats instead of one heavy one. You can do this pretty quickly because the paint will dry within 15-20 min. Don’t be afraid to ”color outside the lines.” When you’re finished it won’t show.
5. After you’ve applied the paint it’s very important to inspect the area to make sure the paint you’ve just applied is HIGHER than the surrounding area. If it isn’t – apply more paint until it is. It MUST BE HIGHER than the surrounding area.
OK! Here comes the “scary” part for most people.
6. Gently wet sand the repair using 1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper. If you have trouble finding it, look at an auto parts store. Be careful here! Go slowly. Don’t press hard. You don’t want to sand the paint off the surrounding area. Tear off a small piece of the sandpaper and dip it in a container of water. Your goal is to just smooth out and blend in the repaired area. Sand a little – check it---- sand a little – check it. Use plenty of water. Check to make sure the paint is level by running your fingertip across it.
7. The paint will be “foggy” from sanding. Get some polishing compound (NOT rubbing compound). Rubbing compound is more abrasive than polishing compound. Polishing compound is almost always white, and comes in a can that looks like paste wax. In a small container put a finger scoop of polishing compound and some water. Stir it up. I like to get so it’s about the consistency of cream of tomato soup. Looser is better than too firm or thick.
8. Using the mixed polishing compound, dip the corner of a clean, cotton rag in it and gently rub the “foggy” area until shiny. Rub a little, wipe it off to check it, rub a little more, check it, etc.
9. Apply clear coat if desired. You may have to rub the clear out with the polishing compound as well.
10. You’re done.