arcticZ51

I was removing replacing my stock chrome crossed flag emblems tonight with the oem black ones and went a bit too far with the plastic tool I was using to get leverage under it. I ended up nicking the paint. Unfortunately the emblem doesn't cover it and I'm tasked with the wonderful duty of trying to get it fixed. Yay me!

Something so small (smaller than a grain of rice) you'd think touch-up paint right? However I've never had good results with touch up paint- it doesn't even include clear. Plus the paint around it looks loose. It's hard to describe, maybe it needs to be lightly sanded first.

Do you think this job can be handled with standard auto touch-up or do you feel this should be taken to a body shop and handled professionally even in spite of it's small size? Thanks in advance everyone!

Glen e

Based on your own admission that you do not well with touch up paint, id take it in.


You should never need a trim tool with a de badge....just fishing line.

I really wish people would give the goo gone time to work. These badges fall off with a 45 min soak with goo gone....

arcticZ51

I couldn't get the line in any of the top corners only the very bottom corner which would stop me once I got to about mid way on the emblem. So I used a trim puller tool (nylon wedge to get some leverage)...but yes it was a mistake.

I ended up soaking them in WD40 (I'm all out of goo gone) *because of your suggestion in fact- TY!* and it did make it come off a lot easier. Not quite fall off but once it started to peel it came off and left no tape. Just a little bit of glue residue.

If I'm careful with touch up do you think this can be adequately covered permanently? If not what would you venture to guess a body shop would charge for such a small touch up (if they don't laugh me back out the front door).

Glen e

Watch some you tube touch up videos, use a toothpick, not the brush, drizzle it in the ding. I can't tell you if itll be good enuf for you.....

Pocket Aces

You should learn to wet sand and buff. Since arctic white is not metallic that would be an easy fix to overfill and sand down and buff to where no one would see it. Unless you know how to wet sand and buff don't try it because you will make it worse most likely.

Pocket Aces

I would just do what glen recommended and then put the badge back on. It would be impossible for anyone to see. Only you would ever know. If you live in North TX I would help you with it for free. Hopefully someone in NJ can help.

docf

Order Dr. Color Chip. Easy to use and hard to mess up. Results are usually very good. It looks like your badge will cover most of it and should be easy to do.

owc6

Dr ColorChip is your friend.

It will not be noticeable (in this situation) when you put the new flags on.

Crossed Flags Fan

I'd sell it and order a new one.
But that's just me.

zbrett

LOL, that is me. I hated giving up my C6, but I was happy to get rid of all the giant (but only in my mind) imperfections that had accumulated over the years.

owc6

There's always a funny one in the bunch.

arcticZ51

Thanks folks!

My obsessiveness is really debilitating. I'll vacillate over this until it's fixed. I'm odd like that.

People like me shouldn't be into cars. Glutton for punishment.

dvilin

I agree and if you are not satisfied then you can have a pro fix it. But having used Dr color chip myself I think you will be satisfied with your results.

arcticZ51

I ended up ordering arctic white touch-up from WCC and spoke to a few local body shops. The way I decided to go is bring it to them- do a light wet-sand (to get rid of the flaky lifted paint around the nick), apply the paint to built it up, re-wet sand and polish. Even if this costs me $100 (not counting touch-up paint) it's worth it to me. Otherwise I'll have to repaint the entire bumper. Which, even by my obsessive standards, is excessive.

I already had to order another front badge because I applied a bit off-center last night.... sooo I'm convinced I'm incompetent. (ps is there a method to applying these perfectly?)

Thank you all for the insight. I greatly appreciate the camaraderie.

lgodom

You have more company than most would admit on a car forum. No one wants to damage the paint on their new car. Good luck with the repair.

jdog0411

I also had trouble with the fishing line on these emblems..the way they sit in an indentation along with the thick double sided foam/adhesive backing, it was next to impossible to get the line all the way through cleanly.

I used a plastic trim tool as well, but luckily didn't damage the paint.

Glen e

again, the line is no problem getting it under AFTER you have soaked it for 30 min and can pull up the flag a bit with your fingernail....PLEASE don't use a trim tool....and this is the stuff to use... it will cut thru anything including your hands... be careful...I've cut badges off with just this, and no solvent!

thrilled

Bite the bullet.Should have A qualified shop do EVERYTHING.Ya paid big bucks for the car.
Spend more getting it like Ya want.So what I'm saying is take it to A qualified body shop.
Stop cutting corners.
Not trying to be negative.With an expensive car that's what I do.Good Luck.