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lawnmowerjh
06-10-2010, 07:06 PM
Hi everyone,

I recently acquired a 2003 A6 3.0 through the family. The car was purchased new back then, so I know about everything that has gone wrong with it since! It's actually a Florida car and had been there its entire life until a month ago, when it was brought up here to Toronto. In any case, the car suffered hurricane damage about 5 years ago and was subsequently repainted. Since insurance would only cover so much, it was not painted at the dealership but was painted with OEM Ming Blue paint. Unfortunately, we never brought the car back to them for a proper polish after the paintjob, and the paint condition has declined. The paint is quite dull and there are a number of chips on the front bumper, hood, and front fenders. There are also major scratches on the rear bumper. Here's the paint and hood chips (note that the car is somewhat dirty):

Paint Condition:
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/504/Rearleft_quarter_1.jpg

Hood Chips:
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Hoodchips_1.jpg

So essentially...I want to improve my paint condition! My question is, what would it take to improve the paint? I actually want to do it myself if possible, and I was thinking of getting a kit from detailer's domain. Would M105 with a 60PPI pad, followed by M205 and a higher pad, and finally wax be enough? Is there something more applicable to my case?

In terms of the chips, I have gotten the Audi pen style touch up paint and tested it out on some small chips on the lower part of the rear bumper (less visible if/when I screw up...). The colour match is perfect, but, as might be expected, the resulting area is a bit bumpy. Would the cutting compound deal with bumps of that nature? Am I applying the paint incorrectly? Anyone have good results with the Audi touch up pens?

I have more pics if people are interested in offering additional help, but for now I think I have asked my quota for the day! Thanks in advance for any advice, I'll appreciate any thoughts.

Rommulus
06-11-2010, 10:07 AM
For the paint chips, you might look into a product called "Dr. Color chip" It is a touch up system with a solution that wipes away excess paint. I am going to be trying it soon as I have read good things about it. Using a toothpick to apply TU paint is also a helpful tip for small chips.

lawnmowerjh
06-12-2010, 11:13 AM
Thanks for the advice on Dr. Color Chip, I'll look into it further. Does this imply that cutting compound would be ineffective for removing imperfections from touch up paint?

Anybody have any ideas on the severity of the paint condition and whether a regular detailing job can fix it up? (ie M105 and M205?)

gq9
06-12-2010, 11:53 AM
Thanks for the advice on Dr. Color Chip, I'll look into it further. Does this imply that cutting compound would be ineffective for removing imperfections from touch up paint?

Anybody have any ideas on the severity of the paint condition and whether a regular detailing job can fix it up? (ie M105 and M205?)

You can use brake cleaner to take off the touchup paint.

I've also heard good things about Dr.Color chip, but I haven't purchased it yet. Do write a review if you do go that route.