Hi Guys,

Been asked to do my best with a small touch up job on 1 hard sided saddle bag off a Harley. Owner does not want a re-spray. He supplied me with the tri coat bottles from HD. He understands that it will not be a perfect match and he will see the difference, he is fine with that. My first thought was to use my tiny brushes (see pic) and do my best. I am however thinking as more of an experiment to first to lightly sand the area and use my detail gun with the fluid nearly closed and mist it on in several layers and then give the area a very light cut/buff. How would you Pro's attack this?

Sorry for the double pic

I would only do a spray on of base coat feathering it out
and clear the entire surface.
No way with a brush will it look right

JCCLARK wrote:I would only do a spray on of base coat feathering it out
and clear the entire surface.
No way with a brush will it look right

I agree, the brush will only end up looking like drops of new paint--at least with me doing it.

Yes careful sanding, and I would use an Airbrush, you can really mist it on carefully for perfect small blends that become totally invisible.

Air brush is perfect for tiny small repairs after installing freshly painted panels that inevitably get a chip or scrape or scratch when installing. Airbrush is perfect. I have several my favorite is my Iwata.

Mini paint gun fan is just to big for tiny chip repairs.

Ideas for detail sanding, I have some of these :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZQ ... 1YUE&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY ... HO3E&psc=1

Cratex also makes some small rubber sanding points for a Hi speed for fine detail sanding, I use them on Turbine Blades. They are expensive though.

Doright wrote:Yes careful sanding, and I would use an Airbrush, you can really mist it on carefully for perfect small blends that become totally invisible.

Air brush is perfect for tiny small repairs after installing freshly painted panels that inevitably get a chip or scrape or scratch when installing. Airbrush is perfect. I have several my favorite is my Iwata.

I do have a cheap HF airbrush that I have never used. I would need to get some adapter fittings to hook it up to my air supply or get a dedicated mini compressor for it (probably easier and cheaper). Maybe an excuse to get another "toy", LOL. Just looking quickly I see several ones in the sub $100 range and a lot are rechargeable. Certainly not the quality a true artist would use I am sure but maybe for my application they would work for me. What set up do you have with the Iwata?

Decided to use the airbrush on some chips on the bottom of the bag (un seen area) as a test. I'll show the owner the results and if he is happy with the results, I will do the chips on the top (where he wants the repair). Looking forward to try out a new toy.

Well, after trying it a few times with the airbrush I could not get a smooth transition. After sanding and shooting it a few more times I have decide to just match the paint and use my small gun for the whole panel and clear it all-the owner is cool with that. I'm sure a pro with the airbrush could of made it right but that ain't me--yet. I'll play around with it with old leftover paint but this is a job that needs to get out in a week and I don't have the time for the learning curve I need. It is kinda cool to get the airbrush close and write my name so I know I can ultimately use it for tiny touch ups but just not right now. I am seeing that it will be a balancing act between pressure, speed and distance.