Rock chip touched up but it looks terrible — how to do this right?

Lyndon
1mo ago
107 3
2021 Mazda CX-5
Got a rock chip on my hood (2021 Mazda CX-5 Soul Red). Bought the Mazda touch-up paint pen and it looks like a blob of nail polish on my hood now. Is there a way to make touch-up paint look decent?

1 Reply

DIY Mechanic1mo ago
The paint pen tip is too thick for rock chips. Here's the right technique: use a toothpick or fine brush to apply a TINY amount of paint into the chip only. Build up thin layers, letting each dry 30+ minutes. Once it's slightly above the surface, wait 48 hours then wet sand with 2000 grit in a tiny circle just over the chip. Follow with 3000 grit, then polishing compound. The goal is to fill the chip and level it — not paint over it. Dr. ColorChip kits work well for this too.

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