stone chips...how to handle them

[bb_zetec]

Hey Guys,

My Black Sapphire Focus has a few stone chips on the front bumper and the bonnet.

Whats the best way of dealing with these? I've got some of the Ford touch up paint and i've tried it on a few of them and while it helps its not the best.

I thought i might try some of those coloured waxes, but other than respraying is there anything else that can be done?

Cheers!

[rancidpunx]

Less is more and take your time.

Put a tiny amount of touch up paint in the chip to start with and let it dry. Try to build up the chip with more touch up paint once the last drys. Try to smudge the paint into the edges in an attempt to disguise them.
I like to add a couple of layers of clear coat last to build up the chip to a slighly higher peak than the rest of the panel.
Once the paint has cured for a day or two use some 2000 grit wet and dry to level the chips and blend them with the rest of the panel.
Then you will need a polish capable of removing the 2000 grit marring (something like Menzerna 203S) and then a finishing pad with a finishing polish (Menzerna 85RD is perfect). Thats the bes tyou will get it without a respray.
Take your time and be prepared to start again if required.

[Velociraptor82]

excellent advice!!! I've tried to takle stone chips myself in a similar fashion but I find the touch-up paint too sticky and very difficult to apply a small amount, especially without leaving trails everywhere. Maybe I need some more skill points so I can level up.

[rancidpunx]

You will also find that you can chop out most of the brush in the touch up, and shake it really well. If its still too thick, add a drop at a time of paint thinners.