Paint Touch Up Recommendations -- Pen?

[Ethan Blank]

I need to repair the bumper of my e90, took a small (1/8" wide, 4 inch long) scratch in the garage at work.

I found a paint pen on the web (http://www.expresspaint.com/productc...&idCategory=20).

Any thoughts, suggestions, practical experience?

It sounds like I need to use the primer, than the color paint, then the clearcoat. Sounds like a lot, but I do want to get it right.

Thanks!

[pseto]

you can get touchup paint at any dealer (Tischer will prob be the cheapest). that way you'll be guartenteed a color match and it comes with clear coat

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

http://www.drcolorchip.com is what the folks on m3forum say is by far the best option. If you go with the paint pen, make sure you also buy langka.

Otherwise, if you just use the paint pen or touch up paint, the "repair" will look worse than the scratch.

[Ethan Blank]

you can get touchup paint at any dealer (Tischer will prob be the cheapest). that way you'll be guartenteed a color match and it comes with clear coat

I was just at Tischer for the DInan Oil Cooler install, and they didn't want to repair the scratch, and didn't suggest that I get the paint from them.

I made an inquiry of Evan to see what paint repair items he has, he hasn't responded yet.

[Ethan Blank]

http://www.drcolorchip.com is what the folks on m3forum say is by far the best option. If you go with the paint pen, make sure you also buy langka.

Otherwise, if you just use the paint pen or touch up paint, the "repair" will look worse than the scratch.

Thanks, that's a very helpful suggestion. That website actually has a link to an article in the Wall Street Journal that evaluates some of the products, and mentions the Langka product as well. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/stor...792F39BC7C7%7D

At this point, I think I'll go with the Dr. color chip kit, and the langka as well.

Thanks!

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

IMHO, it's really an either/or. Langka is meant to be used with a touchup pen, the drcolorchip kit provides everything. You don't mix langka with the drcolorchip kit.

[gbauer]

I just ordered the Dr. Colorchip for my wife's light silver IS250. I'll post pics of it when I'm done. According to Dr. C's website, light colored cars are the toughest to get right. Metallic, in my experience, is also nearly impossible to make look good when touching up. This will be a pretty good test of their product.

It should be in by the middle of next week as they're in FL.

-George

[gbauer]

Sorry it took so long to respond.

I used the Dr. Colorchip and was very pleasantly surprised. It's NOT perfect, but it does seem to have taken about 40,000 miles off the front of my car's paint. It's MUCH smoother than before. I had two really bad spots and though it didn't do a perfect job with them, it is much better than before. I think with a second application the gouge in my hood can be fixed completely. I didn't take pics, but I have another set of paint for my wife's lexus. When I do her car, I'll post up some pics and give more detailed info on my take to the process. In the meantime, if you're thinking of using it, just send me a PM and I'll give you the skinny over the phone or e-mail.

[Ethan Blank]

I ended up using the BMW factory supplied paint, and the lagka blob eliminator as well.

I think I rubbed too hard with the langka, I took off too much of the paint. But, it still looks better.

I'm going to put another thin application of paint on tonight, and let it sit overnight and then langka (lightly) in the AM. Should be OK then, and ready for a seal.

No pics, not brave enough for that!