Paint Scratches

[clbieder]

I have a 2003 ES (alabaster) that has numerous scratches from parking lots. My husband asked the dealer about touching them up and was told that he could sell us the paint but that it wouldn't work. I would still like to try a touch up pen (if one exists) because I think it would still look better than what I have. Any suggestions on what I could do or where I could get a touch up pen?

[SW03ES]

You can get touchup pens from www.paintscratch.com

Can you post some pictures of the damage? Take the car to a professional detailer. Depending on how bad the damage is they may be able to make it look a whole lot better.

[TOGWT]

Alternative products-

a) Lanka Paint chip and scratch repair technologies, is both a chemical and mechanical process, once the touch up paint has dried, The Blob Eliminator® will re-soften the paint, and the light rubbing mechanically begins to "smooth" down the excess paint, with the touch up paint now appearing on the cloth - http://www.langka.com/blob-eliminator-p-31.html

Langka and Metallic Paint-the reason metallic looks different after using the product is the metallic flakes migrate to the upper level of the paint surface while setting up. To counter this, use the blue sanding card on edge immediately after applying the touch up, like a razor. This will remove most of the touch up while the metallic flakes are still suspended evenly throughout the paint, smearing the excess across the local area. Let dry and use the Langka to wipe away the smear tail left across the original (OME) paint. - http://www.langka.com /

B) A system called Sprayless Scratch Repair- http://www.magictouchinc.com/

c) AutoSharp pen the pen itself is very easy to use. You simply shake it, depress the felt tip a few times to start the paint flow, and then begin to "colour" paint into the damaged areas, much like you would highlight a section of text in a book. http://www.autosharppen.com/

Note: The newly applied paint will appear darker; it will eventually lighten to match once it has been exposed to UVR.

d) Dr. ColorChip™ Paint Chip Repair system - http://drcolorchip.com/

Paint chip repair companies- (UK) http://www.chipsaway.co.uk/index.asp

e) Touchup123- Use detailer’s clay on panel to be treated, Wipe on Final Touch Compound to prep surface,

Wipe Colorfill on ENTIRE panel to cover all the blemishes, Wipe on Final Touch Compound to remove excess Colorfill, Wipe off haze of Final Touch Compound to leave a polished shiny finish, Touch up any left over larger chips with a brush (can be built up and smoothed out later with Final Touch Compound if desired) - http://www.touchup123.com/

Metallic paints, silvers and gold’s, have to be applied with care to avoid problems with the "colour flop". Colour flop is the term given when metallic flakes in the chip reflect light giving you a lighter or darker appearance. This is a variable that cannot be controlled, for best results; shake the paint very well to get the metallic flakes evenly distributed before you apply

[clbieder]

You can get touchup pens from www.paintscratch.com

Can you post some pictures of the damage? Take the car to a professional detailer. Depending on how bad the damage is they may be able to make it look a whole lot better.

This is the worst scratch.

[mburnickas]

I know there is a thread on autopia and so far the outcome on Touchup123 is pretty poor.

[SW03ES]

I agree with the dealer, touchup isn't going to help that much and may actually make it look worse on the Alabaster.

My advice? Get it repainted. You'll pay, at most, $450 to repaint the whole rear bumper from a good shop with computerized paint matching. You'll gain probably 3 times that in resale value, and in your enjoyment.