Prepping for paint correction (a couple of chips)

[GFrosty]

In another month or two, once the weather is sunny for several days, I plan to fix a handful of paint chips that need correcting.


Question: Got recommendations for your best process for preparing the surface? I'm looking for specific techniques you personally have used to appropriately touch-up small marks in the paint: prep, paint and finishing.

Will be doing this job as a touch-up, given the size and location of the corrections needing to get made. These are not sufficiently large or numerous to justify wholesale painting of panels. This is a touch-up job. So, for purposes of this discussion, let's focus on the techniques and basic tools you've found most useful for touch-up corrections.

Am particularly interested in experiences with correctly preparing the "chip" area to get all surrounding creeping decay/rust nearby that chip. Want best approach to fully halting/converting minor rust in such chips. Best method of applying the primer/base? Best way, with touch-up jobs, to minimize minor visible marks (brush, coverage). What's your particular experience?

Code=34K, Crystal White Pearl Mica, 3-stage (undercoat, midcoat, clear). Most are "dot"-sized. A couple are greater than 1/8" but less than 1/4" in diameter. And one is a bit more than a half-inch (where the paint looks like it flaked but the undercoat still seems solid). Forget the fact it's 3-stage, in terms of going to a painting pro. This will be a touch-up job.

I realize that the different companies will each have a somewhat different method they suggest.

Haven't decided yet on the provider (Dr. Colorchip, or whomever).

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R&E Paint --

https://repaintsupply.com/mazda-34k-crystal-white-pearl-tri-coat/

Dr. Colorchip --

Squirt ‘n Squeegee™ Plus Kit - Dr. ColorChip

Our Best Rated and TOP SELLING car paint repair kit is the Squirt ‘n Squeegee™ Plus. This touch up paint kit includes five pipettes and the Flex Clear™ squeegee which allows for precise application and a flush leveling of the paint squeegeed across your vehicle’s chips and scratches. The...

drcolorchip.com

I.L. Motorsport --

MX-5 Spray-Paint Set 34K - 250ml - crystal white pearl

Genuine mazda article. Colour 34K (crystal white pearl) Touch-up spray set: Basecoat spraypaint 250ml + Clear spraypaint 250ml. To repair stone-chips, small scratches and damage. Metallic paints are supplied with clear lacquer.

www.ilmotorsport.de

Automotive Touchup: they supply a groundcoat, midcoat and separate clearcoat --

2 oz Touch Up Paint | AutomotiveTouchup

2 oz. basecoat touch up paint bottle custom mixed to your original factory color code. at AutomotiveTouchup

www.automotivetouchup.com

 

[Papa D]

Honestly, with 3 stage colors, if you’re not an experienced painter, best to use a body shop. Even then you are apt not to be fully satisfied with the results. More than likely you will end up painting tons more of the car than you think you will. As an insurance adjuster, I never wanted to adjust a 3 stage color claim. Especially white pearls.

 

[Epiphany]

Honestly, with 3 stage colors, if you’re not an experienced painter, best to use a body shop. Even then you are apt not to be fully satisfied with the results. More than likely you will end up painting tons more of the car than you think you will. As an insurance adjuster, I never wanted to adjust a 3 stage color claim. Especially white pearls.

At least it's not Lexus white tri-coat. But I agree with this message, you'll likely end up with a bunch of dots all over the front of your vehicle that don't blend in and annoy you more than the chips it currently has.

 

[GFrosty]

I get the hesitation people have for 3-stage paints. But my goal, here, is to find out everyone's preferred and favorite techniques and tools for accomplishing touch-up on small paint "dings" and chips.

 

[zx10guy]

I've used the Dr Colorchip kit on my 2013 BMW 135i in carbon black. The match was perfect.