Scratch & Chip Repair - good plan?

[walletless]

I am trying to fix this:
http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii496/walletless/WP_000319.jpg

Basically, while trying to pull into a very narrow parking spot, I scratched the bumper of my brand new Nissan Altima with some paint transfer. I removed the paint transfer, but there are obviously some scratches and chips remaining.

Here is what I plan to do - please critique and suggest. I am on a super-small budget, so spending big $$ is not my preference - I will sacrifice a little quality to save some $.

My plan (not mentioning the obvious cleaning, degreasing steps)
{I'll try these steps on a test area first before going straight to the damaged area}
1) Use touch-up paint (universal black from AZ) - 2-3 THIN layers using a toothpick with 20 minutes drying time between each layer
2) Let the paint dry for 3-4 days, then wet-sand it with a 2000 or 3000 grit sand paper
3) Use PC 7424xp with a 5.5" cutting pad and Meguiar's Ultimate Compound until satisfactory
4) Use PC 7424xp with a 5.5" polishing pad and Meguiar's Ultimate Polish until satisfactory
5) After 90 days, apply wax

Good plan? Any improvements suggested? If UC/UP does not work, I might step up to M105/M205..

I have gone through several videos on how to use a DA Polisher. Most of these videos demonstrate very well how to do section passes, but the demonstration are on a flat surface like hood or door panel. For a bumper, are there any special instructions I should follow since there are so many curves on the surface?

The car is generally clean, so I don't think claying will be necessary, but after washing, if I feel the need I might do that.

[walletless]

Couple other points:

1) I have already bought the 5.5" 3D Polishing (green) pad to use with UP.
For UC, what pad would you suggest - wool or foam cutting pad? Any particular brand you suggest? My walmart is one of the selected few that will be carrying Meguiars pro line stuff, and some pads as well (they dont have them on shelf yet) - to save shipping, would you suggest using a Megs pad for cutting?

2) Any advice on using PC XP near the curves/edges? I could use painters tape, but as you can see in the picture above, some of the scratches are right on the edge - so I will need to do something to it.

[walletless]

Looks like this message was lost in several othernew threads over the weekend.. Will appreciate if someone experienced with chip/scratch repair can comment..

[richy]

I'll give you some advice that will put you on the safe side of this repair. I would get some Dr Colour Chip (that's the Canadian version, LOL) or some touch up. For the narrow areas, use the pointy toothpick. Take your time. Try to get the paint down as deep into the crevice as you can. Stop with the toothpick in there and allow it to wick down. Repeat as you go along. Do not try to get it above the surrounding surface. For the deeper and wider areas, these nifty little brushes are cool. Griot's Garage sells them too:

Yellow Microbrushes - Small Size - 10pk | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yellow-Microbrushes-Small-Size-10pk-/380395273812?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5891533e54)

This is why I'm saying be safe. You're working on a painted bumper. A plastic bumper. A plastic bumper that hates heat and will warp, distort the plastic if you aren't super, super careful. It's better to try to level the paint chemically vs mechanically. So, there are 2 ways to do it: Dr Chip or Langka. You'd use Langka if you use factory touch up paint or touch up paint supplied from a paint supply house. If you use chemicals to level any overflow paint, you stand ZERO chance of burning the paint. Plastic is not at all like working metal. It is not forgiving. I would not advise wet sanding or compound. Do it chemically. You'll be amazed at how well you can get it. Any time I have burned paint over the years, it has been trying to correct plastic. It happens faster than you can say "Son of a bi$*h"!

[walletless]

Thanks richy. That's good advice, and I will follow it.

One thing though - I looked at Langka. Basically, it is a $40 kit which consists of 3 bottles of 2 oz each:
1) Looks like degreased/wax remover
2) "Blob remover" - looks like some kind of diluted lacquer thinner.. with possibly some compound added to it
3) Looks like a paint sealant

$40 kinda seems expensive for that.. Bottles (1) and (3) are easily obtainable OTC. The real "magic" happens in the blob remover. I am wondering if there any way to cheaply manufacture it at home my mixing lacquer thinner, rubbing compound, and somehow diluting it..

[walletless]

Hope it is OK to post links from Autopia here..

Similar threads here for Langka=laquer thinner

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/11360-what-they-dont-want-you-know-langka-%3D-lacquer-thinner.html
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/11360-what-they-dont-want-you-know-langka-%3D-lacquer-thinner-2.html

[Vegas Transplant]

Thanks richy. That's good advice, and I will follow it.

To do so otherwise may result in more harm than good,imo.


$40 kinda seems expensive for that.. Bottles (1) and (3) are easily obtainable OTC. The real "magic" happens in the blob remover. I am wondering if there any way to cheaply manufacture it at home my mixing lacquer thinner, rubbing compound, and somehow diluting it..
Sir, you have received a definitve response from the foremost respected scratch specialist on the AGO forum (again - imo). No time to penny-pinch now. Brand New Car/$40 - no brainer.
My apology if any disrespect is perceived (not my agenda).

[richy]

Hope it is OK to post link's from Autopia here..

Similar threads here for Langka=laquer thinner

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/11360-what-they-dont-want-you-know-langka-%3D-lacquer-thinner.html
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/11360-what-they-dont-want-you-know-langka-%3D-lacquer-thinner-2.html

I've read through those threads and in both it states that laquer thinner may cause cc damage, although I'm assuming that's if left on the paint without wiping off. Langka works. I've used it many times. To me, the cost is more than offset by the peace of mind that I know it works and I know it's safe. The Dr Chip may be a better way to go as you get both paint and the leveler. Langka is more finicky than the Dr Chip IMO. Post up pics, I'll be looking forward to seeing how it goes for you.

[walletless]

Thanks Richy. Sure thing - I will definitely post pics, and possibly also a Youtube video.

Aight, you guys have talked me out of using PC and OTC Lacquer Thinner. I will likely go with either Langka or Dr.Colorchip!