Stone chips - there doesn't seem to be a consensus
 

hello,

was just browsing through the archives trying to find a consensus on the best way to get stone chips handled (bonnet, wings, etc)....

there really does not seem to be (historically at least) a consensus on how to do this, but there are also very few photos/descriptions of before and after.

while this might be a REALLY dumb question....

are there any actual experts here who can comment on the best way or repairing stone chips and the budget that would be appropriate?

hugh

I have had good success using a small artists brush and touch up
paint. Clean the area of wax, and over the course of several days and several applications, you can actually build the area up. It is a lot cheaper than having the hood(We call em hoods in the states) sprayed!

Good Luck!

I think the technique depends on the severity and number of stone chips. If the panel is blasted (i.e. 100's), then you need prep and respray. If there is a limited number, individual touchup can work very well as Huey suggested.

I repaired a small number of chips (<20) using a version of Car Care Specialities instructions. On my car with a clear coat, I had factory paint made at a local high-end paint shop (two part paint, two part clear), then applied the color coat to the chips (a few coats), covered with clear (a few more coats), using a 600grit small sanding block, leveled the clear repair, used a bit of polish to buff out and then wax. You can't find most of my repairs.

Good luck!

this is one way

Hugh,
I second Don's advice. Follow the instructions very nicely prepared by Car Care Specialties. Its a simple, reliable process that produces excellent results.

well,


from the description of the amount of work per chip i think i'm looking at the method that involves the complete respray.

any idea what kinda budget i should look at for front "hood" and front "fender"..

hugh

(bonnet and bumper)