Pat Yanahan has been doing paint workshops for many years, and because this site already contains a report on the one he did in 2008 we would not normally add one for this year's edition.  But this year there is something new.  After sticking for years with the proven but labor- intensive methods that he has shown us in earlier workshops, Pat has investigated and embraced two new technologies that can dramatically reduce the amount of time needed to repair paint chips and scratches.

The first of these is a touch-up paint system named Dr. Paint Chip, which eliminates the sanding that previously needed to be done after touch-up paint was applied and allowed to dry. With this product, instead of sanding you simply wipe the painted surface with a rag soaked in a special solvent, and the paint (which is also part of the system) smooths out by itself.  Because of the time needed for the paint to dry, Pat was unable to demonstrate the process in real time.  Instead, he and Tim Curtis did Tim's car with Dr. Paint Chip ahead of time and showed the results at the workshop.  The car came out looking great, and Tim is a very happy customer.

The second new technology is the orbital-action power polisher, which combines speed with safe treatment of the paint. The orbital action prevents the kind of repeated and concentrated rubbing that can cause a rotary polisher to create swirl marks or even burn through the paint when used by an amateur.  Pat demonstated the Porter Cable 7424, using it to rub out half of the front hood of an audience member's 911 in about 5 minutes.  When asked how long the job would have taken if done by hand, Pat said, "About two hours."

In addition to showing us these new products and techniques at the workshop, Pat has put all this information, including links to the web sites of suppliers, into a technical article, "High Tech for Old Porsches," that is posted on this site.

For several days before the workshop, Pat worked with Tim Curtis on refurbishing the paint on Tim's SC Coupe. The job included power-polishing the front bumper.

photo by Tim Curtis

It is important to mark with tape the location of each chip that is going to be repaired.  Otherwise it will be very difficult to find them for later steps in the process after the touch-up paint has been applied.

photo by Tim Curtis

At the workshop, Tim and Pat unveiled Tim's car.  The improvement was truly breathtaking.

photo by Jim Hinde

Just to give us a look at how it's done, Pat did tackle a couple of chips during the session.   Here, he applies touch-up paint to a 911 A pillar.

photo by Jim Hinde

Pat demonstrates how the Dr. Paint Chip solvent is used to "chemically sand" a touched-up chip.

photo by Jim Hinde

As usual with these workshops, Pat drew a large and attentive audience.

photo by Jim Hinde

Pat prepares to demonstrate the orbital power polisher on the hood of Bill's 911.  The Menzerna polish he is applying to the pad is part of the kit he recommends in his technical article elsewhere on this web site.

photo by Jim Hinde

While the orbital action of the polisher mechanism minimizes the risk of burning or swirl marks, Pat recommends a light touch with the polisher. The tool's own weight is enough to do the job.

photo by Jim Hinde