BeginnerCyclist

I got some minor cable rub and not very deep scratches, how would I apply the enamel paint I got from the hobby shop? It is matched. Do I use a small paint brush?

Dave Cutter

I use finger nail polish... it has a built-in brush.

rpenmanparker 

No. Go to the auto parts store for a close match. Auto touch up paint (Duplicolor) comes in brush applicator bottles as well as spray cans. The small brush bottle is your best bet. So many colors thst a close match is pretty easy.

canam73

I've used those and also the paint "pens" they sell at automotive stores which work great for smallest chips and covering over long but thin scratches without building up the paint along side the area you want to cover.

To OP: make sure you clean and dry anywhere you are applying paint to before hand. A wipe with alcohol to make sure is not a bad idea.

headloss 

Clean with rubbing alcohol and apply with a tooth pick... once completely dry, remove any excess with an alcohol soaked paper towel.

rpenmanparker 

Yes, Duplicolor is now making the brush and pen as a combination applicator on the same paint bottle.

BeginnerCyclist

Can I get those at a local O'Reily and matched too?

ls01

use whatever paint matches the best, model paint, nail polish, whatever. But first, I would try a little rubbing compound and see if the area could be polished out. Then apply a clear vinyl in the area that suffers from the rubbing cable. I use self adhesive pool liner patches,cut to size.

BeginnerCyclist

Where can I get the rubbing compound and what polisher I would use? Pedro's bike lust Polish?

rpenmanparker 

Yes.

Same place for the rubbing compound - the auto parts store. Rubbing compound is a very fine grit grinding compound for removing paint. I think the advice to use this is very bad indeed. You will do more harm than good.

Pedro's you get from a bike store.

BeginnerCyclist

So my best bet is black touch-up paint since my bike is black? Will it blend in with the original paint?

IcySmooth52

I've done some custom painting of frames (only steel though), and I have to say automotive paint is more durable than many companies "stock" paint.

Bob Dopolina 

This.

If you can't find a nail polish to match you're doing it wrong.

canam73

And then it should be a snap to find a lip gloss to match, too.

Bob Dopolina 

And, of course, shoes and a handbag.

rpenmanparker 

Time was nail polish would only be suitable if your bike were the fastest color - red. Nowadays it doesn't really matter. Every color can be had.

StanSeven

If you want an exact match, ask the manufacturer the paint code (RPGs) used. Depending upon the company and their size, it may be very easy to get. Two other ways exist - find a friendly auto body store or use online sources if you have a good screen. You can order paint very cheaply online.

Bob Dopolina 

Paint codes will be in Pantone numbers.

ls01

If the op uses a fine polish for clear coat, and uses a little comon sense itll be just fine.

gabkr

Try to polish out with some Mothers' Mag polish on a damp rag,see if you can get it out before trying paint.

BeginnerCyclist

So should I just use very fine polish from Turtle Wax because I found some at the auto shop, just not sure whether I should use it.

rpenmanparker 

Sure, don't go overboard. Look at your rag to see how much color is coming off. And if you can see primer or bare metal before you even start, polish won't help you.