I could have sworn there was a detailing forum but I don't see it so I'll post here. I've got the usual accumulation of chips from 80k of street and track driving. I've been touching them up over the years but it's time to seek professional help. I don't necessarily want a respray so should I still head to a paint shop or is there another option people recommend? Any recommendations in the LA area would be appreciated.

PS-I plan on putting a clear wrap on after the touch up if that influences your advice.

 

I've been down this road several time. I've tried to do paint on my own, but nothing compares to having a highly skilled paint/body shop handle the job. I've even saved tons of money by removing the bumper skin my self and dropping it off. It can mean several hundreds in savings. The last bumper respray cost me $350. I would spend that on all the paint and equipment to do it right. Moral of the story is... To get a professional look, you'll need a ... yep, a professional.

 

Check this vid out, worth a watch. If you haven't seen Larry Kosilla's vids before he's great:
I bought that tool, it's just as he says, about $10 on Amazon. I have yet to do the repair though... but it looks straightforward enough.

Otherwise you'll just have to find a detailer that's as nutso meticulous as Larry and hope for the best (and I'm sure it won't be cheap).

 

Good stuff. Thanks for posting. I had never seen a pen like that. Might just order one, as well.

For those specifically interested in repairing rock chips, that segment begins around the 4:26 mark.

 

Thanks for sharing. I have just ordered the pen.

 

Great post. Thanks for that. Big fan of that guy, but I've never caught that video.

John

 

I never expected better than "5 foot" observer satisfaction with chip touch up, even with kits like Dr. Colorchip. IMO if you want better than that, time for a re-spray.

 

 

^^^^ Geez, what a killjoy!

 

 

Thanks for the responses. I agree on the 5' comment for most kits, but at least when I'm careful and fill a chip properly it's virtually invisible. I'm suggesting a pro that does the same would be nice instead of a full respray. Sounds like I need to talk to a body shop.

 

thank you, great info.

 

I watched parts of this video but since I'm at work, I don't have speakers and can't hear the guy.

That said, I've seen this guys videos before and he has several. One vid that I watched a while ago, he uses a pencil like took, cuts out fine sand paper and sands down the chip a bit. This makes room for the touch up paint. He then fills using the tool in this current vid and then polishes.

I definitely recommend watching some of his other videos and he's quite the professional.

 

Okay, I just watched the video. If you really can avoid the post fill sanding and polishing I might do it myself. I ordered the pen and will check it out.

 

There's no magical product for stone chips...

Best solution is don't drive the car.