Touch-up suggestions, please
 

Hi. I had a slip on some ice the other day which has resulted in a scratch on the brake lever. I'd quite like to touch it up, if I can. Does anybody have a suggestion for a product that will give a good result, please?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...af46767d12.jpg

Which scratch is it? I see a few. :lol: Seriously though, that sucks. I'd be pretty bummed.
It looks like the lever is black anodized, so maybe something as simple as a sharpie will get you there cosmetically?
I'd be pricing used levers on ebay and hoping a replacement lands in my lap at a decent price.

I'd get some Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black for something more permanent than a Sharpie, with the understanding that nothing will ever look as good as the glossy black anodizing.

Second the motion to look for a replacement.

I've used a black Sharpie to touch up black anodized parts. It's not a durable as real anodizing, but it's very easy to reapply as needed.

Whatever you want to use. Black Sharpie or Magic Marker will do. Or any of the same touch up paint you might use on a bike frame. Which includes auto touch up paint from a auto parts store. The paint that's used on plastic models from a hobby store. Or finger nail polish.

Or... do what I do and just not worry about it.

I would recommend first sanding down the rough areas until smooth, then using Bondo or another filler to bring the level of the lever back to what it should be and sand again. Then clean thoroughly and hit it with a primer, let dry and then give it several shots of black paint to match the finish. Anything other than a real repair will look hacked.

You could try some modellers black enamel to make the scuffs less in your face, but if everything still works OK, they’re battlescars - evidence of use. Personally, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I like this idea, but sand it a bit smoother first.

Sand it smooth, fill in the scratches with 5 minute epoxy. When the epoxy hardens, you can sand it and shape it smooth, then paint over it. The epoxy can be polished to a shiny finish, it is used in making inlayed jewelry. In college I worked in jewelry manufactory, and find this stuff a miracle for things like scratches and chips. It's cheap, and easy to use. It is messy to prepare though.

Leave it. Scraps are evidence of use. Scars are tattoos with better stories.

This may help if you have not seen it.


There are also touch paint pens for touchup.

This is for 105 black.
https://www.lordgunbicycles.co.uk/le...3k_y4dZw2oeocU

Fingernail polish is what I frequently use.

Dan

Yeah, but what about on your bike? ;)

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I found Birchwood Casey do a Super Black touch up pen, which looks about perfect for my needs. I'll let you know how it goes.

Carbon black can be mixed with the epoxy to make it black as night.
Or, just keep it as a well earned battle scar.

I understand the arguments about battle scars, but it's just not for me. I thought I'd simply touch up initially so that the scratches are less obvious. If it looks like the Super Black is going to last I may think about doing a more thorough job in the future, but just hiding the evidence for now will be enough.

Leave the light damage as is. Consider it a "rich patina'.

I'd probably pick up a Testor's gloss paint pen from the local Michaels craft store and gift it a shot.

That's what I tell Ferrari and Lambo owners when they get door dings in the parking lot.

I'm normally not one to care much about scratches on components but most of my components have some kind of silver finish so it hides scratches easily, black shows scratches far too well. So, I don't blame you for wanting to at least put some effort into hiding it.

This.

It's a bike it's gonna get scratches from use.