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Advice/opinions on paint work?

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by idontknow, Jun 6, 2023.

  1. idontknow

    idontknow Junior Member

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    2018 Prius PHV
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    Business Edition
    My car has a deep scratch a while ago and I bought a touch up pen and thought that I could give it a try.

    Here is how I did it:
    1. surface preparation by cleaning up.
    2. Primer on the area that metal is exposed
    3. Paint coat and wait for overnight
    4. Sanding P800, P1200, P3000, P5000
    5. Polish

    I am not professional but I feel like if I know how to fix the deep scratch on my car should be fun and satifated. Any feedbacks are welcome. Did I sand enough or did I not use enough paint? Or I should have used the applicator while using the paint pen?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I don’t think it’s possible to DIY a seamless repair thus; I’d just bite the bullet, have a good body shop fix it. Verify they’ll use “blend” technique.
     
  3. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    paint can be hard to learn and mistakes frustrating and or (expensive relatively speaking). Catching mistakes early and stepping back is key to getting good, better, best results. Remember like most everything else in life painting is a learning experience. And getting tips and tricks for those that have put years of sweat and labor into their craft always helps anyone who's interested in learning the process.
    plenty for where these came from too
    youtu.be/VKgoc9QIH2Y
    youtu.be/4f9zqVbcZDQ

    I saw a tube a few years ago from a dude working on a blue beamer that was over the top, I hope you find it and agree.
    And don't forget, Toyota now uses waterborne paint which isn't always easy to find of learn how to use correctly. Most touchup paint is lacquer or enamel and waterborne isn't even listed on this page
    https://paintforcars.com/blog/auto-paint/types-of-automotive-paint-what-is-best-for-my-car/
    ;)
     
  4. andrewassurance83

    andrewassurance83 New Member

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    I have to agree with vvillovv. Paint is a different kind of animal compared to detailing and stuff. You better have a professional do it.
     
  5. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Don't be afraid to sand down and retouch what you've got already. You learn by doing.
    Prep work is 80 to 90% of the actual job. Sanding and resanding mistakes is how you get the job looking the way you'd like it to.