[ekrocket]

my 2009 that i recently bought suffers from the red paint clear coat peel issue so im thinking about:

1 automotive touch up paint where ill get a few rally red cans and some clear coat to see if i can get it back to normal (sanding first with 400 grit?)
2 going to a paint/body shop to see how much they charge me

my question to you guys is:
those who used automotive touch up or similar, how did it turn out? can you share any pics of how it turned out? im thinking i can give this a shot and if it fails, ill go to a paint shop. anyone in the DFW area that can recommend me someone?

 

[wrumbarger]

Not an uncommon problem with RED 09 smarts.

someone with better knowledge of the issue want to chime in on past posts?

 

[smark]

I’d go to a body shop. Have the clear coat repainted correctly. You could also buy new/used panels.
Another option. Have your car wrapped.

 

[Goofybutsane]

https://www.automotivetouchup.com/spray_paint_clearcoat.aspx


Wet sand with about 1200 level it all down clean with lent free microfiber and alcohol spray 2-3 coats dry between each and clean then compound polish and wax your good as new if not better

 

[jetfuel]

...never apply new clear to old clear that has been feathered...the chemicals in the new wet clear will soften and lift the old one...making it look like crap....hours to repair...doing it right the first time is the only way...

Jetfuel...?????

 

[jimvw57]

repainted mine from white front to 08 red (to match the rest of the car), came out OK for an old car that isn't worth much and a bunch of miles on it. Looks good from a couple yards away. Got the paint from
https://www.automotivetouchup.com/touch-up-paint/smart/2008/all-models/
and it matches perfectly!

 

[ekrocket]

I was looking at getting new panels from GenuineMercedesParts.com but they kind of seem expensive (200 plus shipping for a hood). ill have to take pics and show you but it looks like there are some weird swirl marks that have eaten away at the paint. no clear coat on:

hood, trunk, lower trunk, rear passenger quarter panel.

The car overall has been very well taken care of and for it being almost 11 years old at 63k miles I feel like i should baby it and make it look nice (and my obsession with keeping a car looking as pristine as possible) . if i end up going the new panel route (probably one part at a time) i guess i can end up changing its color...oohh black, on black, on black maybe??

I was about to pull the trigger on the spray cans from automotive touch up but im too nervous ill mess it up since ive never done a large paint area before

 

[Smart Bob]

Take the panel to a paint & body shop & have them paint it, if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

[ekrocket]

yeah, i think thats what i'm going to do. take the panels off and take them to a paint shop. thanks guys!

 

[RallyRedY2KX]

My 2010 Pure has the rally red peel! It was on a rear corner. All I did was peel all the clear coat off, sanded it down in steps, used a tack rag to get all dust, and finally washed it with reducer. I masked everything off before hand like tail lights, etc and then used clear coat in a rattle can to put several coats of clear coat on. It looks as good as new and I did it in the driveway. I wanted it to look at least presentable as I have less than 20K on it. They make a "handle" to hold rattle cans that might help you do a better job.

 

[ekrocket]

Hmmmm. I might consider that! I replaced every panel but the right rear one, where the gas cap is. No dealer seems to carry it. It’s not the best looking panel so what do I got to lose

 

[RallyRedY2KX]

Hmmmm. I might consider that! I replaced every panel but the right rear one, where the gas cap is. No dealer seems to carry it. It’s not the best looking panel so what do I got to lose

Didn't even have to rub it out. It came out fine. I figured hey, it's a $3000 car! What you got to lose. Just take your time, give everything a light tack coat then go back and use overlapping even coats. Push the button then sweep a coat. Don't release the spray until you are off the painted area. Do the next section. Be sure you do not press the button or release the button until you are off the painted area. RESIST the urge to go back and immediately fix something. You will get too much on and it will sag. As you paint look at the reflection from an angle to be sure of coverage.

 

[RallyRedY2KX]

Didn't even have to rub it out. It came out fine. I figured hey, it's a $3000 car! What you got to lose. Just take your time, give everything a light tack coat then go back and use overlapping even coats. Push the button then sweep a coat. Don't release the spray until you are off the painted area. Do the next section. Be sure you do not press the button or release the button until you are off the painted area. RESIST the urge to go back and immediately fix something. You will get too much on and it will sag. As you paint look at the reflection from an angle to be sure of coverage.

If you haven't painted much before, get something to practice on....old bike, something with curves and read the instructions on the can. Good luck!

 

[Firea100]

The yellow smart is the one I’ve purchased and as of yet, haven’t picked up.
I’d like to wrap it in gloss burnt orange.

 

[Firea100]

Sorry about the hap-hazard way I’ve put pics in my post. I have to learn ho to do it properly.

 

[Firea100]

The pic of the inside is of my yellow smart passion.