How do I use the Smart-Chip® pen?
Shake the pen for a couple of minutes to ensure it is mixed. You can find full instructions here.
How do I use the brush?
Twist the lid anti-clockwise and unscrew the lid.
How do I use the nib?
Firmly hold the pen and pull upwards on the top. Gently squeeze the pen to release the paint through the precision nib.
What are the drying times?
This depends on the amount of paint applied and the temperature our paint differs from other brands as smart-chip® use a high solids resin rather than containing a large amount of solvents.
The resin takes longer to cure however this gives a far more durable finish & smart-chip® is the chosen solution for one of the UK’s leading dealer networks.
If you smear the paint then the paint will dry a lot quicker as this is a thinner layer.
Depending on the ambient temperature the drying time of the paint ranges from 20 seconds for smeared / small layer of paint and up to 60 minutes for a larger application.
We always recommend that for deeper chips and scratches you apply multiple layers allowing them to dry in-between each layer rather than applying one large single application, as this reduces the overall product drying time.
If you use the blending pads before the paint has thoroughly dried, this will cause the paint to wipe out.
It is important to note that the smart-chip® paint dries quickly when applied in moderation.
Do not leave the paint to dry for any longer than 60 minutes without removing it.
How do I fix both small and large paint chips?
On small paint chips you can either apply the paint and smear it or apply a paint droplet via the nib or microtip.
The smeared paint will dry a lot more quickly in around 2 minutes whereas a paint droplet will take around 5 minutes to 60 minutes.
On large paint chips we recommend that you apply multiple times to build up the paint film.
Will the alcohol blending pads damage my original paintwork?
The alcohol blending pads will not damage your original paintwork.
It is important to note that the smart-chip® paint MUST NOT be used if your car has been repaired in the past two months.
How should I apply the paint to scratches?
This depends on the size and depth of the scratch as to how the system will work:
Minor scratches: These will most likely be in the clear coat of the car, which is the lacquer finish, whilst they might appear to be down to the cars primer they might not be, as they have turned white which is due to the crazing that occurs to the clear coat when it is damaged. If you wet these scratches with water and they are hard to see, then it is most likely that they are a fine scratch in the lacquer.
The best way to have these removed is by a professional detailer – however it will be worthwhile applying a small amount of the cut & polish using the compound sponge (as in stage 3) as this is a unique compound that will both compound and polish.
Deep scratches: Fill the scratch with multiple layers of paint along the damaged area. Allow to dry between each application until the final layer is above the surface of the body and leave this to dry. When the final paint layer has dried the paint will shrink below the level bodywork you can then apply more paint. Once it is dry you can then use the step 2 alcohol blending pads with the microfoam block and very lightly wipe from side to side letting the alcohol remove the excess.
It is important to do this slowly as if you apply too much pressure or do not stop at the right time you will remove the paint you have applied.
Wide scratches: With wide scratches we recommend that you apply the paint evenly as you will only be able to work around the outside area of the paint with the blending pads due to the width of damage as you might find that the step 2 blending will remove the centre of the applied paint.
What happens if I don’t leave the paint to dry for long enough?
The paint can appear to be touch dry but it is still wet in the middle and if you use the blending pads too early you will wipe out the paint you have previously applied and have to start again.
How can I repair small chips?
Depending on how small these are you can either ‘pinch off’ the foam end of the Microtip and using the point, carefully touch in the chip; filling only the chip and allow to dry or apply a small amount via the nib.
Once dry skip the step 2 blending (this is a little too aggressive and will wash out the paint in such a shallow chip). Place the microfibre cloth around the blue foam block and apply the stage 3 polish.
Gently rub the stone chip in a circular motion (be careful not to overdo it). The mild abrasive in the polish will ‘cut’ paint and level it off. Then apply the polish again to the microfibre cloth and polish the area to a finish.
To order your own car touch up repair aerosol or Smart-Chip® pen, simply enter your registration number on the home page and choose your products.
