My Ruby Metallic XC90 has picked up a few scratches and I got some touchup paint from the dealer when I dropped it off for service today.

I would like to use an airbrush to apply the color and then the clear topcoat (both the new paint and an area that was buffed dull around one need coating). Does anyone have experience or advice as to thinning, application, etc.? Is the touchup paint suitable for thinning and airbrushing, or is it formulated differently and incompatible? Should I use lacquer thinner or does it use something more exotic?

(Pro-grade Paasche airbrush and some skill using it, by the way...)

I have no experience with airbrushing, but personally, I would not thin the touch-up paint, and just apply it without airbrushing. Isnt there a good likelyhood of overspray if its just a scratch? And if the touch-up job is not perfect, u can always lightly wet sand the area.

I must agree with S60R. Stay away from airbrushing unless it is a substantial area... The best to do is buy a very very small brush and tape around the scratches. Leave a small margin from the tape and make sure the side of your palm is steady. You might want to find something to rest your hand. The tape will prevent accident but you don't necessarily want to paint along the tape or you will get an edge. If the scratches are deep and wide make sure your paint is thin and apply it in few layers. Good luck :beer:
Greg

I concur with S60R and Greg.
Especially with the process by Greg.

I still have a 5-inch long scratch (screw-driver scratch caused by a junior mechanic gone 'high' or something) on the lower part of the left rear door. He panicked when I jumped on him, bought a touch-up paint of the exact colour and a small brush. (At this point, I was already ready to forgive...) But I didn't notice that his hands were shaking at the time, and the results. Hmmmm...

Let's just say, I was better-off going around with the scratch in the first place.
:(

Greg's suggestion is great if u never did it before or dont have a steady hand

I recommend you tape as close to the edge of the scratch as possible.

Get color matched paint. Use very fine brush to apply

This place use to sell very fine brushes that can apply 1/8 of a drop of paint.
http://www.automotivetouchup.com/touch_up_paint.asp
I can't seem to find it anymore.

Then allow to dry.

Quite often you can see a pit where the scratch use to be.

I would not use fine sand paper but just a cut & polish paste on a cotton cloth (I recommend the same ones used for waxing strips) and rub gently.

This link is good for looking up your color code, double check with number in engine near VIN
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Spoilerdepot...5850805QQsofpZ0