Scratched to bare metal (advice)

[RxMarcus]

I hauled a big metal water container to the dump this week and prior to leaving it was not making contact with the metal bar at the back of the truck bed but later sadly I noticed it had rubbed against it while driving and scratched it down to the metal. I'm surprised by how thin the paint on this truck seems to be.

With that said, I'm looking for advice on what would be a good and cheap way to prevent this from rusting in the future. I don't care as much about the cosmetic appearance. I was considering purchasing some 3m grip tape to put along that back bar so any future items that rub against it also won't tear up the paint but I also worry if I go to remove the tape down the road that it could pull up more paint when doing so. Other option is perhaps cleaning it and simply putting some nail polish on it?

Thanks in advance!

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[SkeeterB]

I'd get some touchup paint. Mask off the good and apply. After sanding apply clear coat. To just protect from rust just mask and clear poly from the hardware store, Any brand.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I'd get some touchup paint. Mask off the good and apply. After sanding apply clear coat. To just protect from rust just mask and clear poly from the hardware store, Any brand.

You can buy touch-up paint to match the paint on your truck and anyone that can do nail polish can do a really good job.

 

[RxMarcus]

You can buy touch-up paint to match the paint on your truck and anyone that can do nail polish can do a really good job.

Thank you both. I've heard recommendations of "Doctor color chip". Is this what you would recommend for getting matching paint?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Thank you both. I've heard recommendations of "Doctor color chip". Is this what you would recommend for getting matching paint?

Buy from dealer or from someone who sells actual Ford Paint.. comes with sanding cap on tube cap. Online Ford dealer may have slightly discounted price.
Your paint code is on your door jamb sticker in box labeled EP (Exterior Paint).

 

[RxMarcus]

Buy from dealer or from someone who sells actual Ford Paint.. comes with sanding cap on tube cap. Online Ford dealer may have slightly discounted price.

Thank you very much!

 

[jphii]

You can look it up direct from Ford here: https://dealer.parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/fluids-chemicals-and-lubricants/chemicals

 

[fltwd]

If it were me, I’d tape that area off really well/mask it and go buy a can of aerosol bed liner. Scuff that vertical area and then spray it up to where it rolls horizontal in the black bed liner. I realize you have a drop in liner, but that would a: fix the scratch and b: make that area more durable for contact. Also, I think it’d be the cheapest option and give the best aesthetic appearance.

 

[paneubert]

Looks like Cactus Grey? If so, this one worked well for me. Includes both the paint and the clear coat. As others have said, just use some blue painters tape to mask off the area, and then apply a couple coats of paint and then a couple coats of clearcoat. I just set a timer on my phone for something like 15 or 20 minutes between coats. Was easy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S7LDS22/

 

[RxMarcus]

If it were me, I’d tape that area off really well/mask it and go buy a can of aerosol bed liner. Scuff that vertical area and then spray it up to where it rolls horizontal in the black bed liner. I realize you have a drop in liner, but that would a: fix the scratch and b: make that area more durable for contact. Also, I think it’d be the cheapest option and give the best aesthetic appearance.

Oh I think I like that idea, thank you for giving me the idea

 

[RxMarcus]

Looks like Cactus Grey? If so, this one worked well for me. Includes both the paint and the clear coat. As others have said, just use some blue painters tape to mask off the area, and then apply a couple coats of paint and then a couple coats of clearcoat. I just set a timer on my phone for something like 15 or 20 minutes between coats. Was easy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S7LDS22/

You got it, Cactus Gray. Thank you I'll take a look at that.

 

[Exranger]

Touch up with a self etching primer first to kill rust, then body color/clear

 

[Oscarcat]

You have the factory SIBL, right? My 24 hybrid has the factory SIBL and the first thing I wondered was why Ford coated everything but NOT the rail below the rear window.? Makes no sense. My 22 EB did not have factory SIBL so I went to LineX and they coated everything including the top rail and the entire flat portion of the tailgate, unlike Ford. Since the damage is likely to happen again, talk to your local LineX dealer and ask them the cost to coat that area or you will likely have the same problem again and again.

As an aside, I used 3M automotive caulk on the bed seams [along the rear fenders and and bed] that accumulate all manner of debris; planter mix from plants, straw from straw wattles I hauled, etc. Once it cures I will take my 24 Mav to LineX and have them coat both the top rail and the caulked seams. There are 11 round holes in the bed for water to drain. The seams just gather debris that encourages rust.

 

[FamousAmos]

I hauled a big metal water container to the dump this week and prior to leaving it was not making contact with the metal bar at the back of the truck bed but later sadly I noticed it had rubbed against it while driving and scratched it down to the metal. I'm surprised by how thin the paint on this truck seems to be.

With that said, I'm looking for advice on what would be a good and cheap way to prevent this from rusting in the future. I don't care as much about the cosmetic appearance. I was considering purchasing some 3m grip tape to put along that back bar so any future items that rub against it also won't tear up the paint but I also worry if I go to remove the tape down the road that it could pull up more paint when doing so. Other option is perhaps cleaning it and simply putting some nail polish on it?

Thanks in advance!

RxM, based on recommendations on this Forum, I bought a color-coded touchup kit for my Silver XL. The minimal basic instructions involve 2 grades of sandpaper! (Read: Nine things can happen, and 8 of them are bad.) If you decide to buy a touchup kit, would you please post your procedures and any recommendations? I am yet to need the kit, but I would like to have some good advice before I tackle it. Good luck; I feel your pain.

 

[zach57x]

Buy from dealer or from someone who sells actual Ford Paint.. comes with sanding cap on tube cap. Online Ford dealer may have slightly discounted price.
Your paint code is on your door jamb sticker in box labeled EP (Exterior Paint).

eBay also has good prices

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