Well, it was bound to happen... Some gentleman in an SUV managed to door-dent my driver's side.

I have the official touch-up paint from the dealer, but I've never had to do this before.

ANY tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

if the dent is deep, you'd probably want to get it professionally fixed.

if it's more like a paint chip, this might help...
http://www.carcareonline.com/paint_chips.html

 

if you got a dent, unless the paint chipped then all you have to do is go to a dentless paint remover place, like dentpro or dentwizard and get it fixed. if the dent chipped your paint, then you might want to think about a repaint..
there is no way you can make it look as good as before i would of made the guy pay

 

Thank you.
It's deep enough that I can stick the corner of my nail in it but that's about it. And it's miniscule. Litterally the size of a knick.
If I do it professionally don't they have to repaint the entire panel?
Any idea what such a procedure might cost?

 

Usually "dentdoctors" and the like can do a very nice job if the dent is not severely creased. If it is well-creased or the paint's integrity has been compromised, they will opt not to do the job, because when they remove the dent, the "stretched" paint will most likely bubble or peal.

If you are looking for a repaint, it's probably going to cost around 200-300 to fix, because they will get you for the labor to remove the dent, repaint, materials, and labor for either removing the panel or masking the area. You will also be facing the possibility that the paint won't match as well, and be more noticeable in the end than leaving the dent there in the first place.

If you do end up using the touch-up paint at any point, you have to be patient and careful. It's been my experience that you really have to shake the hell out of the touch up bottle to allow the paint to thin and properly cover the area. Once you apply an even amount, give it plenty of time to dry. Then wetsand and apply again. Letting the paint dry sufficiently between coats seems to be key. Once the area is level with the paint surface, use a light abrasive compound and buff it and the surrounding area. Then buff area with a non-abrasive polish followed by a coat of wax. This usually does an excellent job.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ajjra
[B]Thank you.
It's deep enough that I can stick the corner of my nail in it but that's about it.