Hey guys,
I just looked at my front bumper and the hood yesterday, and noticed that I have some paint chips (no clue where they came from since I usually look at it every day, but had pretty much nothing up until yesterday). The paint chips are really bothering me, so I'd like to know if some of you have had GOOD experience with touch up. Based on my search, it seems like most people do NOT recommend using it since it makes the chips more apparent. So, if someone here has used it with good results, can you please post, and also let me know a tip that allows the touch up paint to blend in.

Also, how much does it cost to respray the front bumper and potentially the hood? If it's only a couple of hundred bucks, and produces great results, I'll stop being so damn paranoid about these chips. And for the record, I try to avoid highways as much as possible, and keep a safe distance from cars ahead of me (try my best, but sometimes it's hard).

Thanks

 

Give the Turtle Wax Color Cure a try...... It is a pretty cheap fix that you only need to touch up every couple of months.

The rock chips are going to eventually come back........

 

I've had decent results by getting touch up paint from Nissan and using a toothpick to apply it. Make sure to shave the toothpick with a razor 1st to get the smallest point possible. Then dip in touch up paint, and get as much paint off of the toothpick as possible. Touch the chip with the tip, and repeat a couple times. You DO NOT want a gob of paint on the end of the toothpick. Use as little paint as possible to cover up. Then let dry for a couple hours, and go over with a cleaner wax. The little bit of abrasives will help it blend in. Oh, and before you do this, clean the area with some rubbing alcohol. Good luck....

 

Here's what you can try for near-professional results:

1) Clean the area very well. You may want to just wash the car and start from there.
2) Apply the touch-up paint and wait for it to dry. Wait hours, not minutes.
3) Use 1000 to 2000 grit sand paper to get the dry touch-up paint more flush with the original coat of paint. This will be the scary part because everything will end up looking very rough.
4) Use rubbing compound around the entire sanded area. This will save you because it makes everything look nice and smooth again.
5) Wax the area.

The high-grit sandpaper and rubbing compound can be purchased at your local auto parts store.

If you do it right, you will never notice that there was a problem with the paint at all.

Good luck. Peace.

 

Thanks for the "TOUCH-UP PAINT TIP". I got two chips on my front end that need some tending if weather ever permits me.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll give this a try once the weather here in Boston gets a little warmer!

I'm a little hesitant about using sand paper cause it sounds like if you're not VERY careful, you can do more harm than good. Can the 1000/2000 grit pose any serious problems if slightly misused?

Thanks all.

 

When I first used the sandpaper, I was WAY bummed out because of the very rough, flat, dull finish it left. But then I used the rubbing compound and it was a miracle. The shine and smoothness was instantly back. That stuff is really amazing.

Although 1000-grit sandpaper is already very, very fine, you can go with the 2000-grit one for even finer paper. It would take more work to sand things out, but it may not scare you as much.

But I can tell you that the final look is like no other 'easier' way of doing touch-up paint.

Again, good luck. Peace.

 

Kenny, thanks for the help. One more question for you. After using the rubbing compound (by the way, which brand do you recommend), do I need to periodically use it again to make sure the surface doesn't go back to being dull, or is it a one time only procedure?

Thanks bro.

 

After typing my reply I figured I'd put it here

Very fine sandpaper (1500-2000) will work also then wax using a buffer for a mirror shine.

 

I got the 3M brand which seems to be sold at places like Pep Boys, Kragens, Checkers, and Auto Zone.

You don't have to periodically go back to reuse it as the compound itself is an abrasive product that just polishes the heck out of everything you apply it to. So once it's done, it's done. Just remember to wax the area when you're finished.

 

Ok awesome, and I'm assuming once you wax it, and the wax eventually wears off, and you just happen to not rewax that same time, it'll still be fine? Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I do it right.

Thanks Kenny.

 

After you wax the area, just maintain the car as you normally would with regular washes and eventual waxing and polishing of the entire car.

Once you finish your touch-up, you really don't need to think about it. Just smile at the great job you did.

 

When using this if you rub to hard and in to large of an area you WILL start removing the surrounding clear coat and paint. So be careful. Nissan isn't known for thick paint as we all know.

 

Ok, got it! Thanks fellas.

Later

 

if u are afraid of the sand paper try wet sanding with 1500 or 2000. remember to use a soapy water to wet sand with..

 

I had my entire bumper sanded down and sprayed over at the Nissan dealership. They hire a company to do a lot of their used vehicles so I inquired about getting an appt. It was approx. $150 and looks awesome.

 

Damn, that's pretty cheap. So you did this because of paint chips? I wonder if all Nissan dealerships have this service available. Maybe I'll inquire around my area to see what's up.

Thanks.