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TouchUpDirect’s 5th Mailbag
Our mailbag is open once more! You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answer. Let’s look at 5 more of your most pressing queries!
Is Clearcoat Necessary or Just Extra Work?
Yes. Clearcoat is absolutely necessary to both the color and health of your vehicle’s paint job. In the early days of car paint, the paint had to do everything. It had to cover everything from color to adhesion to protection. In the ‘80s, formulators discovered a more durable and glossy topcoat. This coincided with a need to create more environmentally friendly paint, so they designed the new coats to work together. The invention of a multi-step coating system was a marvel where different layers did different jobs. Clearcoat, a thin layer of plastic, is the final step of the process. It’s chemically and UV resistant, creating a shield for the Colorcoat layer. But it’s also a vital part of the final color.
Why Does Some Touch Up Paint Smell So Strong?
To understand this, you need to understand the term Volatile Organic Chemicals or VOC. VOCs are what happen when the solvents in your paint evaporate. They are bad for the environment and they smell very strongly. Luckily thanks to environmental regulations, Modern car brands have switched over to more environmentally friendly options. The most popular of these are waterborne paints, which have a much lower VOC. Our touch up and professional Primers are waterborne, while our Clearcoat is also low-VOC. Both the waterborne paint and low-VOC urethane have a much less intense smell.
How Do I Test if the Touch Paint Matches My Car Before Applying It?
You’ve come to the right place. Every paint order from TouchUpDirect goes out with a handy test card that you can use to make sure that you have the right shade. This also will give you some practice before you start touching up your car’s paint. Paint on the test card, following the instructions sent with your order. Make sure that you don’t just apply the Colorcoat layer. Remember what we said before, the paint is not complete without the Clearcoat. If you really want to know what your color looks like, you will need to apply that topcoat. Once the paint is dry, take your test card to your vehicle and compare the shades.
What’s The Smallest Scratch Worth Using Touch Up Paint On?
A little scratch can be a big deal. It’s best to take care of it right away before it has the chance to grow into something more troublesome. If left to fester, that little bit of damage can transform into something bigger, like peeling paint. Even the smallest chip can cause huge problems if it’s deep enough. If you’re just driving around with bare metal, paint or substrate, your car has been exposed to moisture that can lead to spreading rust. Luckily for you, TouchUpDirect’s applicators are designed to accommodate a number of differently sized scratches. For very small scratches, chips, & nicks, we would recommend the Pen. With its chiseled nip tip, this marker-like applicator has the precision to do detailed work on the smallest of damages. If you have damage smaller than a pencil eraser, the Pen is what you need for your touch up.
Do I Need to Wax My Car After Using Touch Up Paint?
No. Waxing your car after a touch up isn’t a requirement. However, many people like to give their vehicle’s paint job that little extra something. A fresh natural wax job is beneficial in many ways. It bestows a deep, shiny glow upon your paint job that enhances the color. It also creates a protective layer. This coating can help repel UV rays, water, and other contaminants. Make sure to wait 48 hours after the Clearcoat dries before applying wax or polish.
