When to touch up paint?

[falcaineer]

I'll eventually have a clear bra applied, but in the meantime, I really want to fix some rock chips/craters   .

 

On my daily, assuming these steps in order with a PC 7424XP for #3-5:

 

1) Strip wash

2) Clay

3) Paint Correcting Polish

4) Paint Finishing Polish

5) Liquid Paint Sealant

 

Between which steps should I apply touch up paint? And knowing it'll have to dry first, how long should I wait before moving on to the next step?

 

 

[BrianT]

I would do it after you clay. The reason I say this and this is just my thought, but after the car is clean I wouldn't want the chance of any products getting inside the chips and not allowing the paint to stick.

 

Edit because apparently I can't spell!

Edited November 12, 2016 by BrianT

[BluedogGMC]

I would do an Alcohol wipe down in the area you are going to touch up and then wait at least a few days before polishing. 

[marquez93]

I would do an Alcohol wipe down in the area you are going to touch up and then wait at least a few days before polishing.

Touch up paint dries pretty quickly, so that's a bit excessive. I would wait like 30 minutes to an hour and if the paint is still there after polishing then you're good to go.

[PostalTwo]

I would do it after polishing with an alcohol wipe down I would also sand the paint flat and Polish it to a shine it takes time but I feel it worth it

Edited November 12, 2016 by PostalTwo

[Ricky Bobby]

Heres my .02 on rock chips -

 

Unless you never drive your car you are going to get rock chips on the front end - and a clear bra doesn't last forever.

 

I call them "mileage chips" because as you put the miles on you are bound to get some - having excellently polished paint and defect free is more important to me than worrying about a couple rock chips on the front end, every time I go to wash the car there is a new mark on the bumper, front edge of hood, etc

Edited December 8, 2016 by Ricky Bobby