SL/R231: getting there- a few paint chips
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
getting there- a few paint chips
Well, the new SL400 is almost where I want it to be for now. The dustless brake pads are ordered and I have detailed the paint to an acceptable level for me. Anyone have ideas about cleaning up a few paint chips?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
This procedure is a little over the top, but it appears to produce excellent results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9zqVbcZDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9zqVbcZDQ
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
I have a Lunar Blue 2013, and at times when I return from a road trip it is chip city. I have used both Dr. Colorchip and MB touch up paint on the front fiberglass portion of the car with similar results. On the aluminum hood and fenders, Dr. Colorchip has been the most consistent, but the reality is that my paint shows chips to the extreme, reminds me of my teen age years in some ways. Some day I may have it repainted, but as much as I drive the car, I am resigned to the touch up process to at least keep the pop ups to a minimum. Or at least I believe that the front facia is fiberglass; it well may be aluminum, or some other poly material.
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From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
You are correct. Silver and white metallic are very difficult in my opinion, but with some patience you can get decent results. I have a white metallic 2019 BMW X5 and I have had some fairly good success with it.
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
Best tip is not to drive too close to the car ahead of you. Chips are inevitable but keeping your distance makes a difference. I've done 16,000 miles and have 3 tiny chips (polar white) which could even be from on coming cars or when getting close enough to pass the car ahead.
I've found that building layers works best. You will always know the chips are there but any casual observer will not easily see a carefully repaired chip.
I'd expect that, like here. there are mobile chip repairers where you live that will come to your house for a reasonable price. My son had some chips & marks repaired on a metallic black BMW and I could not spot where the work had been done.
I've found that building layers works best. You will always know the chips are there but any casual observer will not easily see a carefully repaired chip.
I'd expect that, like here. there are mobile chip repairers where you live that will come to your house for a reasonable price. My son had some chips & marks repaired on a metallic black BMW and I could not spot where the work had been done.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
Likes: 85
From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
Best tip is not to drive too close to the car ahead of you. Chips are inevitable but keeping your distance makes a difference. I've done 16,000 miles and have 3 tiny chips (polar white) which could even be from on coming cars or when getting close enough to pass the car ahead.
I've found that building layers works best. You will always know the chips are there but any casual observer will not easily see a carefully repaired chip.
I'd expect that, like here. there are mobile chip repairers where you live that will come to your house for a reasonable price. My son had some chips & marks repaired on a metallic black BMW and I could not spot where the work had been done.
I've found that building layers works best. You will always know the chips are there but any casual observer will not easily see a carefully repaired chip.
I'd expect that, like here. there are mobile chip repairers where you live that will come to your house for a reasonable price. My son had some chips & marks repaired on a metallic black BMW and I could not spot where the work had been done.
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Joined: Jan 2019
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From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
Definitely the metallics are a pain. I have the Diamond White - it's a so-called tri-color paint. Touch-up kits include a base color, mid-color, and clear coat. Could not get a good color match. The mid-color made the result too grey. Luckily the chips were small.
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I have Diamond White as well, any way to blend the base and mid?
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 478
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From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
I tried that, but you have to use very little of the mid coat or it quickly gets too dark. For very small chips I found using just the base coat and clear coat was acceptable.
I used paint from TouchUpDirect and also tried OEM paint. I even tried using an air brush. The touch-up paint is too thick to spray and has to be thinned with the right solvent. There's definitely some skill involved. Next time I think I'll try having a detailer do the job.
I used paint from TouchUpDirect and also tried OEM paint. I even tried using an air brush. The touch-up paint is too thick to spray and has to be thinned with the right solvent. There's definitely some skill involved. Next time I think I'll try having a detailer do the job.
