touch up paint

[JLZimrmn]

First I have to vent. I just got an 05 Specialized Dolce and she is so pretty! I have had her for only a couple of days and I haven't even taken her for a ride.

I was just mounting my cyclo computer on the bike and I knocked over a glass air freshener and it hit the bike. Put a large chip in the top tube. I am so upset!

Does any one know where I can get touch up aint for this bike? I am pretty sure it only came in the turquois color.

[KnottedYet]

Waterford and some other bike companies recommend Testor's Model Paint for touch-ups. It comes in a gazillion colors, and one TE'er said she was able to take her bike into the hobby-shop to get a perfect match!:D

(I need to get some for my Waterford.)

[stella]

sorry to hear about what happened to your baby!

but, all is not lost: here's yet another option:
specialized does make touch up paint for their bicycles. check your lbs to see if they have any in stock, it may not be on the shelf but in the back with the mechanics. Ask the person you deal with at your lbs.

if not, you may be able to get it directly from specialized.

[Batbike]

when all else fails, nail polish is the perfect touch-up paint! my lbs recommends it because it is strong, durable, waterproof, and comes in lots of different colors! also, inexpensive and easy to apply.

i had a chip in my frame and literally took the frame inside the drug store and the lady behind the counter helped me match it -- like she would any other customer looking for the "perfect nail polish". I was impressed ... she acted like it was perfectly natural for a women to come in carrying a bike frame and wanting to match the color --:D

[teigyr]

Hmmm. I have an orange and yellow and many shades in between Orbea that needs a few touch-ups. I tried asking the LBS if they could do the work and they said no. I think I'm headed to a hobby shop or salon :D

[Popoki_Nui]

Take your bike to a local autobody or autobody supply shop. Nowadays, most will have a digital scanner "gun"; they simply aim the gun at your bike and it reads the colour and gives them a formula to mix the paint for an exact match. It's amazing. I've used it for bikes and cars, and the paint match is superb. It's automotive paint, so it's durable.
You can get the paint made up in a spray can, or in liquid form to dab on the scratches with a small brush. More expensive than nail polish or Testor's, but a much better match.

[JLZimrmn]

Wow, thanks for all of the tips! I should be able to find something.