Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• bucket of soapy water or spray bottle with soapy water
• 2000 grit wet/dry sand paper
• spray can of color matched acrylic enamel paint
• small cup
• toothpick
• polishing compound
• wax
• microfiber cloth
• two soft lint free cloths
• isopropyl/rubbing alcohol
• soft cloth or microfiber applicator pad

Procedure:

• normally I would recommend washing the vehicle first to remove any contaminants which can affect the paint's finish, but if this is done, it needs to be done a day before so we know the chips are free from any moisture
• a heat gun or hair dryer can be used to dry the chips
• wipe down the chips using rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth, this remove any reside left over from wax, soap, or anything else that can affect the adhesion of the paint
• the paint I am using is a single stage acrylic enamel spray paint, therefore it doesn't need clear coat
• spray the paint into a small container, do not get any overspray on any surround objects
• using a toothpick, allow it to soak into the paint for a moment
• dab the toothpick into the stone chip and allow the paint to flow in
• larger chips you will need to help the drip of paint flow through the chip, similar to a paint brush technique
• we want the paint to be ever so slightly above the surface of the existing paint as it will shrink when it dries
• you can finish at this step or you can wet sand the chips to blend them in furthermore
• for wet sanding, allow the paint to dry for three to four days, this will be dependant on the thickness of paint, as well as your climate conditions
• ensure the area has been washed so we don't have contaminants when wet sanding
• have a bucket of soapy water or a spray bottle with soapy water, pre-soak the 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and ensure the surface is wetted down as well
• sand the surface applying light to medium pressure on the touched up areas
• we are just blending in the chips, smoothing out the surface slightly
• rinse the sand paper and surface frequently to remove any sanding debris
• once satisfied, rinse the area off, then allow it to dry
• using a soft cloth and a polishing compound, I am using Meguiars Ultimate Polishing Compound, apply the product to the cloth and then work it into the surface removing all the sanding marks
• once satisfied, apply a wax
• here I'm using Mothers Carnauba Wax, apply it with either a soft cloth or microfiber applicator pad
• work the wax into the surface, then allow it to haze over and remove using a microfiber polishing cloth