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5 More Common Touch Up Mistakes
In our first touch up mistakes blog, we covered everything from color codes to dry time. Now we’re back with even more problems and solutions for you to ponder. Learn all about the wonders of the test card, where to touch up your car, and how to choose the right applicator.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Instructions
Solution: Follow the Instructions
We’ve all been there. Sometimes your eyes just skim the instructions because you think that you’ve gotten the gist. We would suggest a careful read and follow when it comes to your touch up instructions. You would be surprised how the simplest things can cause problems. For instance, please open your Brush applicators cap side up. If you open it upside down, the paint will pour out. You wouldn’t think we would have to put that in the instructions but we still get emails about it. And if you’re more of a visual learner, check out our incredible YouTube page. Walk through your touch up with some of our most knowledgeable employees.
Mistake #2: Wetsanding the Colorcoat
Solution: Do Not Wetsand the Colorcoat
Do not wetsand Colorcoat. Modern automotive Colorcoat tends to be water based. Wetsanding your waterborne Colorcoat will completely remove it. We’ve had a few customers try to sand out scratches and other imperfections on their Colorcoat. These customers end up having to reapply their Colorcoat. Save yourself some trouble. Say no to wetsanding your Colorcoat.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Applicator
Solution: Take the TouchUpDirect Product Recommendation Quiz
We carry an assortment of applicators and kits designed to address specific types of damage. You wouldn’t use an Aerosol spray to touch up a small paint chip, after all. But how can you tell which applicator is right for your damaged car paint? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our Product Recommendation Quiz. Our quiz will help you find the exact right applicator and kit for you. How big is the scratch? Is it deep enough that you’ll need Primer? Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll have you with the perfect kit and color for you.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Place to Do Your Touch Up
Solution: Well Ventilated Areas Away From Direct Sunlight
Where should your car be located when you do your touch up? Well, you need a place with good light and good ventilation for a good, safe paint job. That’s outside right? Not so fast…painting outside can lead to a world of complications due to the elements. First, you want to avoid cold, hot, & humidity as these can all affect the Colorcoat and the Clearcoat as they go on your vehicle. The ideal temperature is around 72 ºF. Avoid painting in direct sunlight. Since we’re gonna be inside, we want to make sure that the area has good ventilation and good lighting.
Mistake #5: Not Testing the Color First
Solution: Use the Test Card
When it comes to a touch up, the test card is your best friend. Not only does it give you the chance to practice your touch up technique before you work on your vehicle, it’s also a great color matching resource. Apply 2 to 3 coats of the Colorcoat and Clearcoat to the test card. Applying the Clearcoat to the test card is very important and a vital part of the color match. If you want an accurate match, this final step should not be skipped. Once everything has dried, you will have a great example of what your color will look like. And since it’s on a handy test card, you can hold it up to your car to see if the color is correct.
If you’ve somehow ended up with the wrong color, our Color Match Guarantee ensures that we will work with you to get you one free replacement with the correct color. Having a completed test card will help us if a wrong color situation has occurred. Having the test card will allow us to determine the variants and formulas to help our paint technicians find the best color match for your vehicle. The moral of this story? Don’t skip the test card!
