bfvol9

This is my first post so thank you in advance for any and all replies!

I have a chip on the hood of my new car and I took it to the nearest Lexus dealership and they suggested either having the entire hood repainted or using touch-up.

I'm going to use touch-up and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions regarding what the best methods of application are...

I was thinking of using a toothpick to apply the paint, allow to dry and then use 1500 grain wet sandpaper to try and flatten or smooth out any excess paint if necessary.

Images below...

Thoughts?

Jlin89

If rock chips really bother you then get a clear bra done after you touch it up to prevent more of these from popping up. If not then just touch up as they appear. Our hood is aluminium so rust shouldn't be a concern, just touch it up and save yourself some money from repainting.

dnasians

iTrader: (4)

touch up paint, and to prevent them from happening in the future, bra or deflector

bfvol9

Thank you!
Any tips regarding application?
I know it wont look perfect, but I'm pretty **** and want to do the best job possible...

chyeea03

I would probably say plastic toothpick if anything. Is your touch-up paint a bottle with brush? Do they have touch-up paint pens available for you to use?

I found this thread over in the detail section:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...y-touchup.html

LeapFrog

Many Lexus posters swear by Dr. Color Chip - your application looks like a perfect fit for it.

https://www.drcolorchip.com/

bfvol9

Thank you so much everyone!
Definitely going to look at the Dr. ColorChip!
I'll also make sure to post similar posts in the detail forum from now on.
I haven't gotten used to the format of this forum yet.
Thank you all for the insight and knowledge!

Glashub

^^^^^
I ordered the touch up paint from Lexus -- color matched by VIN. Not a great match as just a touch up. Maybe if applied professionally yes. It is noticeable when simply applied. Goes pretty good on my rims but not a great match there either.

bfvol9

Yea, I really don't trust myself applying touch-up paint.
The chip is in such a noticeable area and I'm so irritated looking at it already.
If the job isn't done as close to perfect as possible, I'll just be frustrated constantly.
I've done a lot of research on this already and I can't believe there isn't a more simplistic method to this other than shelling-out $500 for a whole new paint job on the hood.

computerwi

Remember the purpose of touch-up paint is to protect the metal from rusting, not for appearance. That said, you seem to know the basics and I would give it a shot if I were you. In Canada, we often have touch-up pens, which when fresh, allow for pretty accurate paint application. The secret is to use many thin coats and not a big blob. Leave at least 12 hours between coats and probably a month to cure before applying a sealant, wax or paint protection film.

cmiser

Personally, I'd find a good detail guy and touch it up. They should be able to fill the hole and sand it down to be even with the factory paint. No reason to break factory paint on a brand new car for a rock chip! Plus, they will probably have to blend both front fenders if you go the re spray route.

Taideee

you can take it to a detail shop and they can do a good job for like $100 ish ?

If you want to avoid rockchips in the future... you need a clear bra.
Nanotech doesn't stop rockchips but it does give protection too .