I was washing my car the other day and noticed a small chip taken out of my hood, most likely from a rock launched from a car in front of me. (we got craploads of massive potholes over the winter) It is about 3-4 mm in diameter and the very center of it has a small rust spot starting. I have a small thing of touchup paint but I'm wondering what is the best way to apply it to smoothly match up with the surrounding paint? Also what is the best way to remove the rust so it can seal properly? Should I just take a small fine file to it or sand paper or what?

 

i want to know too... i just covered mine with some touchoup...but not nice looking...

 

you have rust already =( booooo rust

 

if you want it seamless, you need to go to a reputable paint shop and have them paint and blend it. a good shop should be able to do it without haveing to repaint the whole hood for around $100-$200. the DIY touch up will look ok from 10 feet or more away, but you will see the difference up close. that also won't do anything about the rust. i have more than a dozen rock chips in the front bumper, hood, widshield, and even a couple on the driver side door and front quarter panel. i'm just leaving them for now until it gets worse. maybe i'll get some custom paint further down the road.

 

Well the ____ty thing is I just had the whole damn hood refinished a few months ago. (stupid effin' auto car washes scratched the ____ out of it.) Seems retarded to do it all over again for one small chip.