General Rubbish touch up job

[Derbyfella]

So i attempted to use some touch up paint on a small section at the rear of the 500c. Now bearing in mind that I've got sections to do on the front, this just isn't anywhere near good enough...that's my fault, but also doesn't look the right colour.
So some questions, would this have gone on better if id added some thinner to the paint?
Am i going to be able to remove this and what is going to be the best way going forwards Id like to do this myself if possible but if i have to pay i will have to pay, i just don't want to, this feels like an important skill to learn.
Typecast boy said its looks a bit naff! Bless him, master of understatement, it looks like the stuff that comes out the other end after the dogs dinner.

 

[Derbyfella]

Here are the other sections i need to look at, the rear wheel arch one needs to have the dent pulled out but the paint isnt too bad there
conversely the front bumper has this scrape from the DRL to the side of the arch - im thinking that might have to be a proper job, ie taken back primed and the sprayed etc...


what do you guys n gals think

 

[jrkitching]

This is beyond the scope of rectification by touch up stick.

There's some noticeable hairline cracking and deformation in the rear bumper, just below the light unit. It might have been repaired there before. You often see this sort of cracking on plastic bumpers when someone has knocked it when parallel parking.

would this have gone on better if id added some thinner to the paint?

No.

One problem is that it's impossible to apply the paint thinly enough with the excuse for a brush that comes attached to the cap. If you must use a touch up stick, go to an art supply shop and invest in a couple of fine camel hair artist's brushes; you'll find it much easier to apply just the right amount of paint with them.

the rear wheel arch one needs to have the dent pulled out

That dent won't pull; it's going to need filler. Generally if a dent also has a crease or a sharp edge, you're out of luck.

this feels like an important skill to learn

It is. Once you've mastered paint refinishing, you'll see all sorts of opportunities to use your new found skill.

The good news is that solid white is one of the easiest colours for amateurs to work with.

I'd suggest you consider buying a modeller's airbrush; it's ideal for small spot repairs on car paintwork. Go to a professional paint supplier with the car, and get them to mix you half a litre of cellulose to the car; if they know their job, it'll be a near perfect colour match.

If you want the bumpers to look perfect, consider removing them and dealing with them off the car. It'll also give you an opportunity to sort out the cracking, and check for prior repairs.

Be aware also that the bumpers and bodyshell don't always match perfectly, even when new in the showroom.

@typecastboy, would you just send the bumpers to the local paint shop for refinishing?

 

[chris3234]

It's applied too thick by the looks of it ideally you want s couple of thin coats of colour so it's just below the level on the existing paint then the clear applied over the top

Then sand back a little with very fine wet and dry and polish back to a shine

I did it to my Tipo where it looks like sombdyt decided to key my car
While it's still visible it's a hell of a lot less noticeable then it was before

 

[2668GRIFFIN]

Hi
Never use touch up pens as the paint is to thick and gloopy
I always buy a tin of spray
Spray some in the lid and with a thin artists brush apply to the scratch/stone chip
As the paint is a lot thinner it lays itself in the scratch or stone chip
Leave it to harden right off and use 1000 grit wet and dry to flatten and blend, grab some colour restorer and rub blend the area and buff and polish
I have a white van and get fab results
Luigi

 

[2668GRIFFIN]

Here are the other sections i need to look at, the rear wheel arch one needs to have the dent pulled out but the paint isnt too bad there
conversely the front bumper has this scrape from the DRL to the side of the arch - im thinking that might have to be a proper job, ie taken back primed and the sprayed etc...


what do you guys n gals think

If you remove arch liner i bet you can push that dent out with your thumb
Luigi

 

[Derbyfella]

This is beyond the scope of rectification by touch up stick.

There's some noticeable hairline cracking and deformation in the rear bumper, just below the light unit. It might have been repaired there before. You often see this sort of cracking on plastic bumpers when someone has knocked it when parallel parking.

I had to replace that rear light unit, so yes suspect that was the case and has been touched up previously.

That dent won't pull; it's going to need filler. Generally if a dent also has a crease or a sharp edge, you're out of luck.

Id figured id need to do some filling to get a decent finish but thought id be able to pull and then fill....and then attempt a decent paint job...which is why i want to get some practice on this bumper (filler not required hopefully!!!)
Re the modellers airbrush, great idea, exactly the kind of advice im after thank you!
I do not want to send the bumpers away though - i can live with not being perfect, but want as good as i can do...that first is nowhere near being good enough.
So firstly can i remove and rectify that touch up?

I think id prefer rattle cans...to a airbrush, at least to begin with... but on an are this small? back to the dabbing on with a cotton bud?

 

[jrkitching]

I think id prefer rattle cans...to a airbrush, at least to begin with... but on an are this small?

You can use a rattle can, but an airbrush will give you much finer control. You sometimes find a basic airbrush & small compressor set in the middle of Lidl, for not much money (about £40 or so IIRC). A top quality modellers airbrush will cost you more, but will have a separate paint control lever for precise work.

So firstly can i remove and rectify that touch up?

Sure, just carefully sand it down

which is why i want to get some practice on this bumper

For practice, ideally you want an old panel; a door or boot lid would be ideal. If you're patient and can get to SE London, I'll bet @typecastboy will let you have one, probably even in BNW.

If you want to practice painting on plastic with an airbrush, you could always buy this, or if you want a real challenge to show off your new found skills, this.

 

[typecastboy]

@typecastboy, would you just send the bumpers to the local paint shop for refinishing?

Yes, I often do. White won't be a match problem unlike some of the pastel colours, or red. I'm about to do exactly that with my latest Blu Magnetico project. Both front and back and passenger wing.

I've bought painted panels from eBay painted to code with varying success. Always better to blend into doors and bonnet if possible but obviously that's gonna cost more. White is very forgivving.

 

[Derbyfella]

how much for the panels to be painted? to be fair im trying to keep costs down as already cost the value of this car - on the other and the wife is using it....to be fair its more likely that id buy another panel and look at that probably a lounge with the chrome - if i was going to have to spend £100 or so..

Any recommendations for airbrushes? a compressor or propellant?

 

[jrkitching]

Any recommendations for airbrushes?

There's always new stuff being developed. Check out "Best Airbrush Kits" on the internet.

a compressor or propellant

Compressor. Propellant cans don't last five minutes and will end up costing you a fortune.