Leo Martínez
ACDelco automotive touch-up paint is a great way to fix minor issues with your car's paint job. Chips and scratches can be easily covered up with the right colour and technique, keeping your car's exterior presentable. Before applying touch-up paint, it's important to clean the surface and remove any rust or rotten spots. You may also need to use primer, depending on the product you choose. Once you've prepared the surface, you can apply the paint with a pen or brush, using small brush strokes to create an even coat. After the paint has dried, you can lightly sand it down and apply a clear coat. With careful application, you can get pretty close to a flawless finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Perfect solution for minor issues like scratches, chips, and blemishes |
| When to use | When you're not ready for a trip to the body shop |
| First step | Picking out paint to match your car's factory color |
| Where to find the color code | On a sticker, most likely on the driver's door jamb |
| Where to purchase | Touch up paint pen can be purchased at automotive parts stores or specialty paint shops |
| Surface preparation | Clean around the scratch and remove any rusted or rotten spots with sandpaper |
| Primer | May not be required, but can be added if there's bare metal showing or if the kit doesn't specify "no primer required" |
| Application technique | Use small brush strokes to create an even coat |
| Drying and smoothing | Wait for the paint to dry, then wet it down and sand it with 3,000 grit sandpaper |
| Buffing | Apply rubbing compound and vigorously rub in a circular motion; a buffing machine can be used to speed up the process |
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$19.84 $20.83
What You'll Learn
Finding the right colour code
When it comes to finding the right colour code for your AC Delco lacquer touch-up paint, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to identify the specific colour code that matches your vehicle's paint. This code is usually a combination of letters and numbers and can be found in a few different places.
One of the easiest ways to find the colour code is to check your vehicle's identification plate or sticker. This is often located on the driver's side door jamb, but can also be found on the firewall, under the hood, or in the trunk. The colour code will be listed along with other vehicle information such as the model number and production date.
If you're having trouble locating the colour code, you can also try searching for it online. There are several automotive paint code databases and forums that can help you identify the correct code for your vehicle. You will need to know the make, model, and year of your vehicle to narrow down the search.
Once you've found the colour code, you can use it to purchase the matching AC Delco touch-up paint. This paint is designed to perfectly match the original colour of your vehicle, ensuring a seamless and invisible repair. The paint is available in a variety of colours, including black, white, grey, and metallic shades.
It's important to note that the colour code may vary depending on the specific AC Delco paint series and your vehicle's model year. So, it's always a good idea to verify the colour match before applying the paint. You can do this by testing a small amount of paint on an inconspicuous area of your vehicle to ensure that it blends in perfectly with the surrounding paint.
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Preparing the car's surface
Clean the Area
Start by thoroughly cleaning the area around the scratch, chip, or blemish that you plan to repair. Use a mild soap or car shampoo and water to remove any dirt, dust, or grease from the surface. Ensure that you rinse and dry the area completely before proceeding.
Address Rust or Rotten Spots
If you notice any rusted or rotten spots on the car's surface, you will need to address them before painting. Use sandpaper to gently remove the rust and create a smooth surface. You can use fine-grit sandpaper and work in the direction of the scratch to blend it into the surrounding paint. Be careful not to over-sand, as you want to maintain the car's original shape and contour.
Determine the Need for Primer
In most cases, touch-up paint pens and kits are designed to work without primer. However, if there is bare metal exposed or if your touch-up paint kit does not specify "no primer required," it is recommended to apply a thin coat of primer before painting. This will help the touch-up paint adhere better and create a more durable finish.
Choose the Right Paint Colour
Before you begin the painting process, ensure that you have selected the correct paint colour. Most cars have a sticker with a colour code, usually located on the driver's door jamb. Use this code to match the touch-up paint to your car's factory colour. If you have an older or unique colour, you may need to visit a specialty paint shop to find the perfect match.
Test the Paint in a Hidden Area
Before applying the touch-up paint to the desired area, it is always a good idea to test it in a hidden spot on your car. This will allow you to see if the paint still matches after drying and ensure that you are happy with the colour and finish. Choose a spot that is easy to hide, such as behind a door or under the bumper.
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Applying the paint
Before applying the paint, it is important to prepare the surface of your car. Start by cleaning the area that needs to be touched up. If there are any rusty spots, use sandpaper to remove the rust. If there is bare metal showing, or your touch-up paint kit does not specify "no primer required", you should also apply primer before the paint.
Next, find the colour code for your car, usually located on a sticker on the driver's door jamb. Use this code to find the matching touch-up paint. Before applying the paint to the desired area, test it on a hidden spot on your car to ensure it is still a good match.
When you are ready to apply the paint, use small brush strokes to create an even coat over the area. Wait for the paint to dry, then wet it down with a spray bottle and gently sand it with fine-grit sandpaper until it feels smooth.
Once the area is smooth to the touch, remove any painter's tape and dry the area with a rag. Apply a rubbing compound to the rag and vigorously rub the painted area in a circular motion to buff the surface. If you have a buffing machine, this process will be faster.
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Blending the paint
Start by ensuring the final paint layer is completely dry. This is important because applying the clear coat over wet paint can cause mixing or streaking, ruining your smooth finish. Once dry, lightly wet the area and use 1,500 to 2,000 grit sandpaper to gently sand down the paint. The goal here is to create a smooth and uniform surface, free of any ridges or bumps. Take your time with this step, as it is crucial for achieving a seamless blend.
After sanding, the area should feel smooth and even to the touch. Now, you can apply the clear coat. Unscrew the back of the pen to access the clear coat paint and brush. Lightly dab the clear coat onto the sanded area, using small brush strokes to create an even and consistent coat. Be careful not to over-apply the clear coat, as this can lead to drips or an uneven finish.
Once you have applied the clear coat, let it dry completely. After it has dried, use a spray bottle to lightly wet the area again. This step is important because it helps to soften the clear coat, making it easier to sand and ensuring a smoother finish. Take your 3,000 grit sandpaper and gently sand the area until it once again feels smooth to the touch. Remember to use light pressure and gentle movements to avoid creating new scratches or damaging the clear coat.
Finally, remove any remaining painter's tape and use a rag to dry the area. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to the rag and vigorously rub the painted area in a circular motion. This process, known as buffing, will help to smooth out any remaining imperfections and create a seamless blend with the surrounding paint. If you have access to a buffing machine, this process will be faster and may yield even better results.
By following these steps and taking your time, you can effectively blend the touch-up paint, creating a smooth and seamless finish that closely matches the original paintwork.
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Buffing the surface
Choosing the Right Materials
Select the appropriate grit sandpaper for the job. Start with a finer grit sandpaper if you want to achieve a smoother finish. The grit number ranges from 400 to 2500, with higher numbers indicating finer grits. For example, you can start with 600 grit sandpaper and progress to 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and finally 2000 grit. Additionally, ensure you have a sanding block or a buffing wheel for more accessible and efficient buffing.
Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is an essential step in the buffing process. Lightly wet the surface with water to lubricate it, then gently sand the area using the chosen grit sandpaper. Always sand in straight lines, avoiding swirls or circular motions. Gradually increase the grit number as you repeat the process, ensuring that you remove all sanding residue before moving on to the next grit.
Applying Polishing Compound
Once you've finished wet sanding, it's time to apply a polishing compound. Choose a suitable compound, such as auto polish or a specific product like Scratch-Out. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dab the compound onto the surface, working in straight lines as before. Ensure the cloth remains damp during the process, and use a clean portion of the cloth to wipe away any residue.
Buffing Techniques
If you're using a buffing wheel, mount it on a lathe or a drill. You can also opt for a buffing machine to speed up the process. Gently buff the surface, working in straight lines, until you achieve the desired smoothness and shine.
Additional Tips
Before buffing, it is crucial to ensure that the lacquer is completely dry and cured. Allow it to dry at room temperature for at least two weeks for nitrocellulose lacquer and four weeks for pre-cat lacquer. Additionally, you can use pumice and mineral oil, followed by rottenstone and mineral oil, to create a flat surface before buffing.
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Frequently asked questions
Somewhere on your vehicle, most likely on the driver's door jamb, you'll find a sticker with a colour code. This colour code will be instrumental in finding the right paint.
A clean surface is a crucial starting point to ensure even coverage and lasting results. Take the time to clean around the scratch. If you notice any rusted or rotten spots, you may need to use sandpaper to remove the rust from your car's surface.
Many touch-up paint kits and pens are designed to work without primer. But if there's bare metal showing beneath the paint chip, or your touch-up kit doesn't specify “no primer required,” adding primer before the touch-up paint is recommended.
Using a pen or brush, carefully apply the paint to match your car's factory colour. Once the last paint layer has dried, wet down the area, and lightly rub some 1,500 to 2,000 grit sandpaper across the paint. Sand it down until it feels blended in smoothly.
