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Understanding how to paint small repairs | FT Paints

How to Paint Small Repairs Like a Pro

Even the best paint jobs can suffer from chips, scratches, or small areas of wear. Luckily, with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can handle these small repairs yourself without needing a full respray. Here’s a step-by-step guide to painting small repairs and achieving a seamless finish.

1. Assess the Damage

Not all imperfections need paint. Shallow scratches may only require polishing, but chips, rust spots, or deeper scratches often need a fresh coat. Identify the size of the repair before gathering your materials.

2. Gather the Right Materials

For most small touch-ups, you’ll need:

  • Sandpaper (various grits, usually 400–2000)
  • Masking tape and paper
  • Primer (if bare metal or plastic is exposed)
  • Paint (colour-matched to your surface)
  • Clear coat for protection
  • Spray gun or touch-up brush (depending on repair size)
  • Clean rags and degreaser

3. Prepare the Surface

Preparation is the most important step:

  • Clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and dust.
  • Sand the damaged area until smooth, feathering out the edges so the repair blends with the surrounding surface.
  • If metal is exposed, apply primer to protect against rust. Allow it to dry completely.

4. Apply the Paint

  • Shake or stir your paint well before use.
  • Mask off surrounding areas to avoid overspray.
  • Apply light, even coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid drips.
  • Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Typically, 2–3 coats are enough for coverage.

5. Seal with Clear Coat

Once the paint has dried:

  • Apply 1–2 coats of clear coat to protect the finish and restore shine.
  • Let it cure fully before handling.

6. Finishing Touches

After the clear coat has cured (usually 24–48 hours):

  • Wet sand lightly with very fine sandpaper (1500–2000 grit) if needed to smooth out the repair.
  • Polish and buff the area to match the shine of the surrounding surface.

Pro Tips for Small Repairs

  • Always work in a well-ventilated, dust-free area.
  • Keep a set of colour swatches or codes on hand to ensure the paint matches.
  • Patience is key—rushing coats or curing time will lead to visible repairs.

✅ With these steps, you’ll be able to repair chips, scratches, and small imperfections while keeping your project looking brand new.

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