Recently, I managed to get a small paint chip on my NEW 2014 Cervelo P2. As a result, I would like to know where I can get touch up paint that will match the white paint and protect the carbon fiber frame of the P2? I do not want to use nail polish.
I contacted Cervelo and they said the color code is YS 721-1 (YS paint is a Taiwanese paint/chemical company - http://www.y-s-paint.com.tw/profile.htm). However, I believe YS paint only sells in large quantities.
Another option that I was suggested is to bring the bike to NAPA Auto Store and they will match the color on the bike; however, since I live in Manhattan the closest NAPA store is in Queens. I prefer not to travel to Queens if I can get it in Manhattan or through the internet.
Any suggestions on where to get touch up paint (through the internet or Manhattan) that will match the paint and protect the carbon fiber frame?
Thanks in advance.
P.S. Please refrain from opinionated commentary about bikes and rock chips, we’ve read them all throughout the forum and I’m just looking to keep this informative for the next person.
I also have the NP2 and needed white touch up paint. Looked around for the same answer and finally just decided to try the white touch up paint I had from my truck first and see. Figured I could always fix it if it didn’t match. Turns out applying the paint with a toothpick and using nail polish as a clear coat I can’t even tell. Looks like a match and I’m pretty picky. I used Nissan white touch up paint for a 2011 Frontier. I don’t have the bottle with me but you should be able to find it off just that. I can look at the exact info on the bottle if you want.
I needed to touch up my P4 about a year ago…needed both black and white. Not sure why you don’t want to use nail polish but I used black and white plus a clear coat and it has worked fine. May be hard to find a blue paint that’s an exact match. When I asked the same question here last year, some also suggested a model/craft store that carries a good selection of Testor brand paint.
I have used Testor’s model paint for touchups in the past. It works well. The toughest part of any touch up is not so much the color match as it is the texture and level (i.e. filling in the chip). I went through this on my CX frame last year which had a pretty nasty gouge out of the chainstay. Looks passable from 6 feet away but not closer.
When using nail polish as a clear BE PATIENT. Like, really patient. Make sure the paint is fully dry before applying polish (the polish can make the paint run). Likewise don’t get carried away piling on coats of polish unless the previous coat is dry. Totally dry (not partially sticky dry). It takes time to do it right.
Nail polish works for me. My 2009 Cervelo P2 (blue / silver) has a number of battle scars.
Today I was at the dollar store getting a set of blue, black, silver and white nail polish to do my touch-ups. I was getting a few strange looks as I took a while to peruse the section with all the nail polishes and other girlie things. I suspect they’re not used to seeing a bald, muscled dude shopping for makeup. Silly people, if I was buying it for my nails I’d obviously go with a magenta or crimson to compliment my nice complexion.
p.s. Remember, its only a bike. It does not have to be perfect. No matter how careful you are, after 5 years of riding it will have some dings & scrapes.