Car pros: How do you remove minor paint scratches/blend touch-up paint?

[jasc]

We have quite a few car gurus on here and I'm wondering how you guys prefer to fix minor paint blemishes?

I've watched many youtube videos on this and am looking to fix up a few little marks. The car is black with a pearl in it, Nighthawk black pearl to be exact. I've tried factory matched touch-up paint from the dealer but frankly, the results suck. It comes out looking uneven and lumpy and this texture makes it look fairly obvious.

Is there a way to smoothe out this lumped mess and make it blend in? From the videos I gather that you would use a 2000-2500 grit sandpaper and smoothe it out, follwed by buffing with a polishing compound, and finishing off with a good wax/sealant.

In theory this sounds fairly simple, but the thought of possibly doing irreversible damage has me a bit hesitant. I have asked around but do not know anyone personally who has experience with these type of repairs and youtube videos aren't always very trustworthy.

In short, I have small touch-up paint marks on my vehicle and would like to blend them in. What is the best way to do this?

Thanks for reading my ramble, all help is appreciated.

[< <Samson> >]

It will never look perfect. If I need blending or quality paint work my car heads to the body shop.

I do a lot of body repair and half ass paint work. But, it looks as it sounds.

[Atomini]

Yeah i've attempted small touchups before and nothing short of taking it to a body shop will make it look perfect. Those small spots will always stand out to some degree.

[Riptorn]

Depending on how little the scratch, I'll clay bar it out or use nail polish and masking tape then buff it smooth.

[lovbyts]

If you don't have experience with painting and removing body parts it's best as said take it to a shop and have them do it but it several different estimates.

I have a spoiler for my car that I am in the process of getting it painted soon. I have painted several cars but right now I do not have the space to paint something like this or more importantly the time. I've got 2 estimates so far 1 for 400 dollars and another for only 200 dollars so it can vary greatly

I suspect other will cost you around 100 dollars although most of the time they are easy to remove and put back on they're still at least 2 hours labor and then air parts in materials that is peep is not cheap

[jasc]

Thanks for the replies fellas

Looks like I'll have to shop around

[austinite]

Zaino

[JohnnyVegas]

A high-end detailer that does paint correction might be able to help you out.

I have a friend that does it and he performs miracles.

[milky01623]

Dude if its pearlescent the only way is body shop and then it's not garunteed to look ok
It's all to do with gun pressure ands the paint viscosity