Rock chips and scratches can occur during normal RV use. Spot painting to remove these imperfections can be costly and time consuming. Consider repairing small chips and scratches quickly and economically using minor touch up paint repair.

All paint used during motor home construction is assigned a specific paint code to identify the formula used for mixing the colors. This code is used at most BASF automotive paint stores to help streamline the process of obtaining the correct color match. Starting with the model year 2000, select model Monaco RV's ship a paint touch-up kit with each new unit to use for rock chip and minor scratch repair. To obtain the paint code for your particular model RV, contact BASF Diamont Mfg. tech line 1-800-825-3000.

Once you are satisfied that the touch up paint is a proper match to the existing color scheme on the RV, clean the damaged area using a mild soap solution, and rinse with clear water. Paint will not adhere to a surface that contains wax, silicone, grease or oil. Allow the area to thoroughly dry.

Proper paint consistency is critical. Solids within the paint will settle in the storage container. Make certain that the paint is thoroughly mixed before use by vigorously shaking the bottle.

Touch up paint available through Monaco may include a brush located on the inside of the paint bottle cap. In the event it is necessary to acquire a separate brush, obtain a small fine point paintbrush to apply the paint. Generally, only a few bristles are required to accomplish the touch up task.

Paint should be put on in smooth layers, not in blobs. Paint shrinks as it dries. In some instances flakes in the metallic paint like to float to the surface, especially if the substance is thick. Numerous applications may be required for the metallic to lay flat.

Using the fine point brush, apply light layers of paint in the rock chip. Successive layers may be required to build up and fill a particular chip. Since paint shrinks as it dries, allow an hour or two for drying time between layers. If bubbles appear in the paint, the paint was likely put on too thick, or the surface was not properly cleaned prior to applying the paint. Application of the final layer should be slightly above the finished paint to allow for shrinkage.

Finishing the touch-up is quick and easy. The base coat color will dry flat. To add gloss shine, add a layer of clear acrylic nail polish to the affected area.

Over time an exposed chip that is left alone will likely bubble from moisture that has invaded the area between the fiberglass and the paint. If one edge of the chip is lifted to create a mound, sand the mound flat for best touch up paint results. To protect the surrounding surface, tape an inch to an inch and a half beyond the area of the chip. Dampen the chip area mound. Using a small piece of 1,000 or 1,200 ultra-fine wet sandpaper and a small block, and keeping the block as flat as possible, apply light pressure to gently sand down the mound. When the mound is flush with the original paint, stop sanding.

In the event that sanding paper or the small block created scratches to the outlying area, use Meguires Fine Cut applied to a soft cloth. Rub in the same direction until the scratches disappear, and move on to the final step of cleaning and waxing the touch up site.