Stone Chips

[danew]

Firstly apolagies if this has been done to death however brand new user today and after purchasing first road bike at the weekend and only two rides later i have noticed a small chip on the aluminium frame already. Im sure this is something i have to get used to however being a little particular i was going to touch up and wondered if there are any tips anyone could share? Thanks and Hello to all.

[puddings]

You can apply helicopter tape to prevent chips (biketart sell it) but to be honest I only tend to do this on MTBs where stone chips tend to be more of an issue.
To touch up the current chip, clear nail varnish will seal the chip

[coolboarder]

As Rod the Mod famously sang: 'The first cut is the deepest'. You always mourn the first chip and it stands out like a sore thumb to you but after a few you won't notice quite so much and you're bike will become like an old friend: trusted, reliable and acceptable with blemishes and all. To expand on puddings' suggestion, although I've never tried it, someone suggested visiting a nail parlour, they are used to mixing and matching exotic colours in small batches and may be able to do an invisible match. Never had the courage to try the suggestion myself though.

[danew]

Thanks for the advice, I will give the nail polish a go. Judging by the amount of time and money the mrs spends on her nails I say it's about time I even it up a little.

[bikeit]

i think you will be better to get touch up paint from a car paint supplier mixed to an exact color match for your bike, thin the paint down in a disused plastic can lid with some paint thinners and apply light coats till you almost fill the chip, then apply some lacquer to fill the chip and add some shine.
If the chip is small you can try using a tooth pick to apply the paint.
What color is your bike?

[Pete Appleby 3]

Clear nail varnish will stop corrosion, dont bother with colour matching

[puddings]

although I've never tried it, someone suggested visiting a nail parlour, they are used to mixing and matching exotic colours in small batches and may be able to do an invisible match. Never had the courage to try the suggestion myself though.

I suspect the gentleman speaks with a little more experience than he cares to admit! Knowing how fussy cats can be, I am sure you ensure your hands are well manicured and that your nails are treated to this seasons finest colours!

[oldnick]

Touch up pens from Halfrauds come in a huge range of colours, and as has been said the first chip breaks your heart, the next one less so.

Anyway, think you've got problems? I've got 2 plastic mountain bikes

First few times out every stone clattering the frame had me wincing. Now I just don't worry about it, the scrags and scratches just make them more 'mine'

[danew]

Thanks for the replies, think I will explore halfords touch up pens option and also stop being OCD over every mark that appears going forward.

[natman]

i would recommend helicopter tape in high risk areas, like the underside of the down tube and also use to stop cable rub marks.
be warned though, depending on your bike paint finish and if carbon etc some helicopter tapes may damage your paint/finish when removed.
especially the matt finish tapes/
you can buy small amounts on ebay.
is using on a curvy area, apply a little heat from a hair drier and smooth it out.
oh and be careful not to trap air bubbles!