Touch up paint question
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Touch up paint question
I purchased a paint touch up "kit" for my 2010 ML550. Have a very small nick, no dent on the rear edge of the drivers door. The kit came with 2very small tubes. One paint and one clearcoat. No directions were furnished at least in english. My assumption is to apply the color on the tiny area first then the clearcoat. But does anyone know how long the color must dry before applying the clearcoat?? This is an MB kit and most all the writing on the package is in German
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 359
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From: Kelowna, BC
'09 ML550
I can't help with the instructions, but I do know from hard experience that nine times out of ten a small paint chip will look a lot worse after you have 'fixed' it than before! Most towns have an auto paint shop that specializes in chip repair, typically for around $40 to $50 a time. They often come to your home or office, much like the windshield repair guys. I used them for a chip repair on the front of the M3 and now you can't tell where the ding was.
Last edited by roadrutz; Jan 20, 2011 at 10:51 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I can't help with the instructions, but I do know from hard experience that nine times out of ten a small paint chip will look a lot worse after you have 'fixed' it than before! Most towns have an auto paint shop that specializes in chip repair, typically for around $40 to $50 a time. They often come to your home or office, much like the windshield repair guys. I used them for a chip repair on the front of the M3 and now you can't tell where the ding was.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 331
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From: Orange County, CA
'16 Jaguar F-Type R, '21 GLE63s
allow a minimum of 20-30 mins drying time for the basecoat before applying the clearcoat (assuming a temp of 70 deg. double the drying time for every 10 deg colder than 70). Or you can just wait a full 24 hrs to be safe.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
I'm no expert, but I have found that dabbing on the paint vs brushing seems to work best. Almost as if you are trying to fill in the chipped area. Allow ample time as well stated above between your color coat and clear coat. Make sure the area is clean and dry before starting.
The experts can most certainly do a much better job, but the touch up should do an acceptable job if you are careful and take your time.
The experts can most certainly do a much better job, but the touch up should do an acceptable job if you are careful and take your time.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
"This is an MB kit and most all the writing on the package is in German"
Best to learn Deutsch.
I just read my instructions as best as my German allows, and apart from some warnings about not putting it in your eyes, it recommends a thirty minute wait between coats.
For me, I had my wife apply the touch up paints, and told her to pretend she was touching up a chipped nail with nail polish.
If you are really handy, you could use a clay bar to blend in after all dries. For me, the chips still shows if you look carefully, but I have learned to live with.
A body shop is your best for a perfect job.
Best to learn Deutsch.
I just read my instructions as best as my German allows, and apart from some warnings about not putting it in your eyes, it recommends a thirty minute wait between coats.
For me, I had my wife apply the touch up paints, and told her to pretend she was touching up a chipped nail with nail polish.
If you are really handy, you could use a clay bar to blend in after all dries. For me, the chips still shows if you look carefully, but I have learned to live with.
A body shop is your best for a perfect job.
