Paint Touch-Up, Where to Start Learning?

_Raven

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Hello all! I posted this topic in OT since paint touch-up isn't necessarily within the scope of Autogeek Online's intended purpose.

In the time I've spent browsing the forums, learning from this great collection of AGO'ers, I think I have finally got my "Game Plan" together for how I want to restore and protect my vehicles. Unfortunately, I've come to a bit of a hitch upon where I'm not sure how to proceed.

I'm a bit reluctant to compound and polish my vehicle while I have road rash / paint chips for fear of damaging the exposed areas. Maybe I'm just being too anal, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to... well, any project I take on.

I would like to fix the many paint chips I have on my wife's car and my truck. I own both vehicles, so I have no problems using them for whatever devious plans I may or may not be encouraged to undertake. I have researched the Dr. Colorchip system, but as I said before I'm kind of a perfectionist, and won't really be satisfied with mismatched or partially filled paint chips. I'm also looking for something more permanent. Also, the Duplicolor touch-up bottles just make me feel uneasy.

Yesterday, I went to the local Sherwin-Williams automotive paint store, and chatted up the rep there. The average price for a pint of paint for my vehicle is $85 (Ford silver birch metallic code: JP), and $95 (Kia dark bronze metallic code: S5) for my wife's. I'm not opposed to paying that price, but he encouraged me to buy some of their mis-tinted paint for $10/pint. I ended up buying some to practice with.

At home, I have ghetto rigged a 16 gauge 1'x2' weldable steel panel (Home Depot) for learning. I know it's silly, but it was cheap! I'm considering calling around to see if I can snag a hood from a local junk yard.

Now, if you've made it this far (thank you for reading), then my main question is this:

Where should I start if I want to learn how to properly touch up paint? I have access to an auto craft center / maintenance bay with services including paint booths, paint mixing, and presumably the proper supplies to air brush a vehicle (visiting that today).

Should I buy a book from Barnes and Noble? Online maybe? If anyone has a By Name recommendation, I'd appreciate it. Since I'm employed full time, I can't necessarily visit a school to learn, but I have future plans to professionally learn auto body repair.

Thanks in advance,
Chris
 
So, I was able to snag a damaged hood from what looks to be a Dodge Ram 1500. Someone had thrown it in the scrap pile at the autocraft shop, and the paint guy recommended I grab it. It's all scratched up and has a good sized dent. But, it has plenty of surface area!

The shop has two paint bays (rentable), HVLP guns, and a number of tools.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
 
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