Stone Chip Repair

[StevenLunn]

Hi,

I want to repair some stone chips on the car. Only small ones, but a few have gone back to

metal. I have some paint from paints4u, but what should I use as a primer?

I've got something called Zinc 182 Grey Primer. On the can it says, "can be applied to all ferrous

metals, such as car bodies. When dried further paint can be applied". Would that be good

enough? It's an aerosol but I guess I could spray a small amount onto something else then

quickly pick up the solution using toothpick / brush / whatever is appropriate and apply

using that.

Alternatively if someone could suggest something else it would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Ralf S.]

It should be okay. The things-to-check with primer are i) What colour is the top-coat and ii) What type of paint will you put on top of it?

If you have a dark paint, chances are your original primer was light grey. The zinc will be darker grey but on a chip, you won't see any difference.

Your primer and paint are probably both cellulose, in which case they'll be compatible with each other. Pro' paints are often acrylic and don't like sitting on top of cellulose primer etc.

The zinc will be good to protect the metal, since it will offer some galvanic protection. Build up the layers slowly (take your time, even over several days) so that the primer is almost the same level as the surrounding paint.. and then top off with the colour.

You want the colour to be "raised" ever so slightly so you can eventually polish it down to the same level as the rest of the paint.


Ralf S.

[StevenLunn]

Thanks for the detailed reply Ralf.

The top coat is Gabbiano Blue, which is a light metallic blue. There are a few chips that have gone back to the original primer too, which looks to be either white or light grey.

The paint is the 30 ml touch up from paints4u. Details from the website suggest that as it's a metallic, it will be mixed in with a basecoat. Only seems to be cellulose if it's non-metallic. Lacquer is mixed in with the colour.

Not sure if the primer is cellulose or not....doesn't seem to say.

[Ralf S.]

Most stuff in aerosols and those little touch-up sticks is. I think it'll be okay.


Ralf S.

[StevenLunn]

OK. Will give it a try soon. Thanks for your info - appreciated.

[mickmito]

Hi, A zinc based primer is best for metal areas. Try spraying a little into the cap or something simmilar then use a fine brush to touch it in.
As said above, leave this overnight before using colour which will be OK over this as its only a touch up process.
Beware, ir rust is in there it will reappear quickly but, can slow it down while you save your money for a pro-paint job (the only way)....Our Mito has 50+ chips and is going to be repainted in October (at Alfas expense)

MickMito

[kandrewsntl]

I will be at Alfarama for their open day this Saturday demonstrating paintless dent removal and stone chip repair. Feel free to pop along if you can and I will gladly run you through the process Inc mixing your paint with rocket, hardener and lacquer for you

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/south...2-10-10-a.html (Alfarama Open Workshop and Car Care Day 02/10/10)