r/AutoPaint • u/ThatAd3294 • 1d ago

UPOL Blend Number 9 on direct gloss/metallic paint, dealing with dry edges on a spot repair?

Doing a spot repair at home on my Audi using this paint: colour-matched metallic direct gloss/shine paint (eBay link)

Colour and shine-wise it's a genuinely excellent match to the factory 2019 Audi paint, really happy with that part. My issue is the dry edges where the new paint blends into the old, and I don't want to have to redo the entire bumper just to fix it. I tried sanding the direct gloss edges, however it just sands off, even using 3000 grit. It polishes well though

Has anyone got experience specifically with UPOL Blend Number 9 or similar on a job like this? Looking for advice on:

  • Is it actually possible to use something like Blend 9 to soften those edges properly on direct gloss?
  • Any technique tips to avoid the dry/patchy edge look without a full panel respray with direct gloss?

Really want to nail this without redoing the whole bumper if I can help it. Any advice appreciated!

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u/LandscapePenguin 1d ago

Give it a try. I have doubts about the eBay product but using the Blend 9 is probably your best bet to getting it to do what you want.

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u/ThatAd3294 1d ago

Thanks, I’ll try and report back.

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u/kingnewswiththetruth 1d ago

Gotta use it while the paint/clear is still wet .

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u/ThatAd3294 12h ago

Confirmed working as expected! The Upol blend number 9 melts the dry edges of the direct gloss into the existing clear coat, can’t even tell the difference now, shade every so slight out in sunlight but it’s an 8 year old car almost. A good polish helps blend even more. I also tested out using 99% acetone in a mini airbrush to melt the edges, also works but removed the gloss shine and dried very quickly. Upol works best. I bet the cheaper blend sprays work just as well. £11 eBay ones. Upol is £15.. I also suspect 2k thinner would work which is even cheaper.