What if my frame paint is chipped ot scratched.? Where can I get touchup paint?

If the paint on your frame starts chipping or gets scratched, we recommend touching it up to prevent rusting. If it is chipped down to the bare steel, we also recommend applying a primer to the steel.

For the paint itself, Wabi carries some touchup paint in the most recent stock season colors. We offer a touch-up kit with paint, a micro applicator, and very fine (800) wet sandpaper for $15. However, if the frame is an older frame, we don't typically carry touch-up colors. Also, most of our stock paints are not standard colors with a color code (like RAL), so we can't provide a code for match.

In those cases, we recommend 2 options:

1. Try to find an existing paint - an auto touchup paint, model paint or even nail polish - that reasonably matches and use that. This is usually the fastest and most cost-effective way (though it can take time and some trial and error to find the right one). Auto touch-up paint is usually the best bet given the wide variety of colors and the pens/kits come with the base color paint and clear coat.
2. Have the frame paint matched at an auto paint or specialty paint store. They can usually get an 80%+ match. Even though our paint finishes have a base color coat with a clear top coat, we recommend just getting a single-stage enamel in the corresponding finish (e.g., gloss) to match. That is sufficient for touchup and usually looks better than trying to do a base coat and clear coat. A half pint of single-stage paint is usually about $30-50. However, you will need to bring in the bike or fork so it can be inconvenient and time-consuming

If you need primer, we recommend either an enamel or acrylic primer made for bare steel. Given it is just touchup on a small area, don't worry too much about the best option - any primer will work.

When applying primer or paint, we recommend using the minimal amount to cover the chipped area. This means touching a very small amount with a micro applicator until the area is covered. Once the primer or paint is dry, we recommend using either a very fine grit (800) wet sandpaper gently on the area or a polish with a foam spin brush (on a drill). Either way, sand or buff sparingly to just help the touchup blend (but don't expect it to completely go away).

Also, remember to clean the chipped area before applying primer or paint. This means using an appropriate solvent/cleaner and sanding away any rust/bad paint.