Quickly Fix Small Paint Chips On Your Gmc Acadia

If you're looking to fix a small paint chip on your GMC Acadia, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to identify your vehicle's colour code, as GMC uses the same colour across multiple models, but with different names for each model. Once you've found the correct colour code, you can purchase touch-up paint specifically designed for the GMC Acadia. This paint is available in various forms, including pens, brush cap bottles, and spray cans, depending on the size of the chip and your personal preference. When applying the touch-up paint, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully and ensure that the application surface is thoroughly cleaned before starting. With the right tools and attention to detail, you can effectively fix small paint chips on your GMC Acadia and restore its original appearance.

Finding the correct paint colour

The first step is to find your car's exact colour code. This code is usually located on a label in a few places, including the driver's door jamb, under the hood, in the trunk, inside the glove box, on the firewall, or near the radiator. It may also be on the door edge or B pillar when you open the driver's door. Along with the VIN and other information, you should see an abbreviation like "EXT PNT" or an identifier like "BODY COLOUR CODE".

If you can't find the paint code on your car, you can retrieve it using the VIN on the manufacturer's website or by calling your selling dealer. Once you have the paint code, you can easily find the right match for your vehicle. It is important to always use the paint code for touch-up paint, as even among black cars, for example, there are dozens of variations.

If you know the colour description rather than the paint code, you can search this way, but it leaves room for error. It is also important to note that some colours, especially for classic and vintage cars, are no longer manufactured in off-the-shelf touch-up paint pens, so you may need to take an extra step to obtain the correct paint.

Additionally, most vehicles use a two-stage paint process: a base colour followed by a clear protective layer. Skipping the clear coat may result in a finish that does not shine like the original and may wear away faster. For cars with tri-coat finishes, the process of matching paint is more complex due to the additional layers of colour.

Using a pen for small chips

If you have a small paint chip on your GMC Acadia, you can use a touch-up paint pen to repair it. ColorRite and Freddy's Touch Up Paint Kits offer touch-up pens for the GMC Acadia. These pens are designed to be an exact match for the original colour of your GMC Acadia.

The ColorRite Pen for GMC Acadia Automotive Touch-up Paint comes in an all-inclusive package that includes three 1/2 oz (14.8 mL) touch-up pens - primer, factory-matched colour, and high-quality clear coat for a long-lasting, durable finish. The package also includes prep wipes to remove wax or grease, latex gloves, 3M sandpaper, masking tape, tack cloth, and polishing compound.

Freddy's Touch Up Paint Kits also offers an exact match for the GMC Acadia Red Jewel Tintcoat Tricoat (80, WA301N) paint for model years 2008-2011. Their kit comes with one touch-up pen and one basecoat touch-up pen. The pen has a chiseled nib that is easy to use and control.

Before using a touch-up paint pen, it is important to clean the surface and ensure that all dirt, wax, and polish are removed. It is also recommended to perform a ""spray-out" to test the colour match before applying it to your car.

Once the paint is applied, smear it flat across the chipped area with your finger or thumb while wearing a protective glove. Leave it to dry for a few minutes, and then apply a gentle amount of the CorrectNClear solution to a towel to remove any excess paint.

Using a brush for larger chips

If you have a larger chip on your GMC Acadia, you will need to use a brush bottle to apply the touch-up paint. You can purchase GMC Acadia touch-up paint online, which will be custom-mixed to match the original factory colour chip for your vehicle.

Before you begin, ensure that the application surface is clean and free of dirt, wax, and polish. You can use a patented cleaning solution to do this. Once the surface is prepared, you can start applying the paint.

Use a microbrush to apply thin layers of paint to the chip. If necessary, you can use your finger or thumb, while wearing a protective glove, to smear the paint flat across the chipped area. Make sure the paint is smeared out evenly. Allow the paint to dry for a few minutes. Drying time will depend on the temperature and the amount of paint applied, but it should be anywhere between 40 seconds and 5 minutes.

Once the paint is dry, you can apply a gentle amount of a patented blending solution, such as CorrectNClear, to a towel and gently wipe away any excess paint around the chip. Leave the paint to dry again for a few minutes.

Using a spray can for the largest areas

Spray painting is an inexpensive way to paint your GMC Arcadia, but it's important to use it safely. Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area, and wear a mask and goggles to protect yourself from paint fumes and dust. Choose a sheltered location to use the spray cans, as aerosols work best in warm, dry, and sheltered conditions.

Before you start painting, clean the surface of your car using a dry cloth to remove any dust or dirt. If there is any wax or stubborn dirt, try wiping it off with cellulose thinner, which can be purchased at a hardware store. Remember to always use cellulose thinner in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be toxic. You can also wipe down the metal with a quick-drying liquid, such as paint thinner or denatured alcohol. Cover any areas that you don't want to be painted using painter's tape and paper.

Next, sand the car using 600-grit sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper back and forth over the metal surfaces of the area you are painting. Once most of the paint has been removed, switch to 1500-grit sandpaper. Make sure any rust on the car is thoroughly sanded off, as this will make your paint job look much better. If there are any holes in the metal after removing the rust, fill them up with putty designed for cars or metal.

Apply multiple coats of primer and topcoat to achieve a quality finish. Apply three coats of primer, waiting 15 minutes between each coat. Spray the primer from 25 centimetres away, gently pushing down on the spray button and moving the can across the area using even, back-and-forth strokes. Keep a consistent pace to achieve an even coat. After the final coat of primer, wait 15 minutes before applying the first coat of paint.

When painting, keep the gun nozzle perpendicular to the surface at all times, whether you're spraying the roof, side, or wheel well lip. Most painters like to start at the top of the vehicle and work their way down in a rotational pattern. This ensures that any overspray falls on the surface and gets painted over.

Finally, let the paint dry thoroughly before applying a clear coat. Usually, letting the paint dry overnight will be sufficient, but in temperatures below 70°F, it may take much longer. For best results, metallic paints should be blended into the surrounding area.

Removing excess paint

If the paint is still wet, a simple solution of soap and water can be used. Mix the soap and water in a bucket, and soak a microfiber towel in the mixture. Then, rub the paint in a circular motion until it is removed. Dry the area with another towel.

For dried paint, you can try gently scraping or picking off the excess paint. This method is most effective if the paint is flaking or peeling. If the paint is not flaking, you can try using a paint thinner or mineral spirits. Before using a paint thinner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the original paint. Then, apply a small amount of the thinner to a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub the cloth in a circular motion over the affected area. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth, and dry the area.

Mineral spirits can be applied to a cotton swab and carefully rubbed over the dried paint. This method may not be effective for all types of paint, and a more powerful solvent, such as a lacquer thinner, may be required.

Alternatively, you can use acetone to remove the paint. Pour some acetone onto a towel and rub the stain until the paint comes off. Rinse your vehicle to remove any remaining acetone.

If you are uncomfortable with using chemicals or solvents, you can always bring your vehicle to a professional, who will have the experience and tools to safely and effectively remove the paint.

Frequently asked questions