‘Chips Away’ for frame paint chip?

Mrs B has just taken delivery of a brand new carbon MTB, and there’s a chip in the paint on the top tube (looks like it happened in transit).

Guys at LBS have checked frame and reckon damage is only cosmetic. The chip is in a really noticeable spot, and we’re planning to fit an Invisiframe kit, so I reckon it’ll look c**p if the chip isn’t repaired beforehand.

Just wondered if anyone on here has ever used car chip/scratch people to do spot repairs on bike frames. If so, how did it go?

Well if it was chipped in transit, Id demand a non chipped frame before spending my own money fixing something that was caused in transit.

Unfortunately, it was the last frame/bike available in the size – until at least November anyway.

We knew there was limited availability when we ordered it, so it’s not BS by the bike shop.
The shop have offered to pay for any repairs, so thought we’d check options.

The problem with a bike will be that it won’t have a car paint code which is how these guys make up the colours to repair the chips. You could ring them first to see if they can scan the colour as that will be the only option.

Chips away don’t use paint codes they colour match using a scanner. Don’t know if they will have suitable paint though?

Sticker, then invisiframe or the other way round?

If the LBS are paying then I’d get a proper carbon frame repair place to check it and repair the chip.  Even if all they’re doing is painting it, at least they’re used to working with CF bike frames, which ChipsAway won’t be.

I’ll try and update this thread for others thinking of similar repairs.
Just spoken to Chips Away fella and he’s checking with their tech people. Said they do repair carbon bumpers and panels on high end cars, so it’s not an immediate no. He’s also reasonably confident about colour match. Just waiting to hear what his tech guys have to say.

If all else fails my OH has found a patterned top tube protector film that would prob cover it (might need careful sanding to get edges of paint chip smoothed off first).

P.S. am in process of contacting carbon frame repair guys.

Nail varnish !! Multitude of colors and tough as old boots..

I had a chip on a Specialized Carbon Stumpjumper which was on the headset tube, was very noticeable and unfortunate only one in the UK.

LBS had it fixed by a smarter car repairer and was absolutely perfect. The colour was metallic blue and you could see the carbon weave through the colour and clear coat so not a standard touch up.

Bit of an update. The guy at Chips Away said the fillers and cleaning agents he uses are not recommended for this type of repair. In the meantime I contacted a frame repair specialist and sent him photos, and he said it looks more than just cosmetic as there are cracks/ripples radiating from one side of the chip.

As it happens, we’ve found another fault – it’s an ebike and the assist control switch doesn’t work! As we’ve been offered the option of a full refund, the bike is going back. Lesson learnt – the next carbon/ebike we buy will be from one of our local bike shops.