I was offered an Amethyst (same colour as my car) bonnet for my SAAB 9000. As those who know him will testify, for the previous owner keeping cars clean and shiney is not particualrly high on his list of priorities - it had never been cleaned let alone polished in his two year ownership, so it would be interesting to see how well the bonnet came up with a bit of detailing
As you can see from the test section it did come up rather well.
So well in fact it showed up the multitude of stone chips.
So I thought I would explain how I plan on making these less noticeable. I am sure it is not the way the professional would approach it but I have used this technique before with some success.
Items required: A can or two of lighter fuel, small tub of matching or similar colour paint (Humbrol enamel paints are ideal - I used black), polishing pad (ideally lint free), protective gloves.
1. Wipe surface over with a cleaner - I use lighter fuel.
2. Squirt lighter fuel on to pad and add some paint.
3. Apply paint on to surface ensuring it is well rubbed in to the chips.
4. Leave for half an hour and repeat the procedure at least three times till the chips appear 'full'.
5. For large stone chips get a toothpick and dip in the paint and apply to hole.
6. Leave for a few days for the paint to dry.
6. Using 3000 grit wet and dry rub over the entire surface, taking particualr care with the larger toothpick filled stone chips.
7. Machine polish and finish with a wax.
This will get rid of 80-90 percent of pinholes.
UPDATE: I have given the bonnet a couple of coats.
Original photo for comparison
I know it may look a bit frightening but a steady nerve and taking time will reap rewards. As explained it will reduce thee appearance of chips rather than remove them completely. Anyway another coat or two and then I will leave it for a while for the paint to harden.
Here is the bonnet after a test section using Farcela Scratch paste on a rotary. You may find there are a few pin holes that may have been missed, so use a toothpick and paint to fill them.
It will then have some Menzerna Final Finish - test section shown here:
....and will be followed with a a cleaner and wax.
Almost complete.
Bonnet has not been waxed at this stage.
As you can see from the test section it did come up rather well.
So well in fact it showed up the multitude of stone chips.
So I thought I would explain how I plan on making these less noticeable. I am sure it is not the way the professional would approach it but I have used this technique before with some success.
Items required: A can or two of lighter fuel, small tub of matching or similar colour paint (Humbrol enamel paints are ideal - I used black), polishing pad (ideally lint free), protective gloves.
1. Wipe surface over with a cleaner - I use lighter fuel.
2. Squirt lighter fuel on to pad and add some paint.
3. Apply paint on to surface ensuring it is well rubbed in to the chips.
4. Leave for half an hour and repeat the procedure at least three times till the chips appear 'full'.
5. For large stone chips get a toothpick and dip in the paint and apply to hole.
6. Leave for a few days for the paint to dry.
6. Using 3000 grit wet and dry rub over the entire surface, taking particualr care with the larger toothpick filled stone chips.
7. Machine polish and finish with a wax.
This will get rid of 80-90 percent of pinholes.
UPDATE: I have given the bonnet a couple of coats.
Original photo for comparison
I know it may look a bit frightening but a steady nerve and taking time will reap rewards. As explained it will reduce thee appearance of chips rather than remove them completely. Anyway another coat or two and then I will leave it for a while for the paint to harden.
Here is the bonnet after a test section using Farcela Scratch paste on a rotary. You may find there are a few pin holes that may have been missed, so use a toothpick and paint to fill them.
It will then have some Menzerna Final Finish - test section shown here:
....and will be followed with a a cleaner and wax.
Almost complete.
Bonnet has not been waxed at this stage.