Touching up the paint on your car is important not only for maintaining its appearance but also for protecting it from long-term damage. Small chips, scratches, and dings can expose the metal beneath the paint to moisture and air, leading to rust and corrosion over time. By addressing these imperfections early with touch-up paint, you preserve the integrity of your vehicle's body, potentially saving on costly repairs down the line. Additionally, a well-maintained exterior boosts your car’s resale value and reflects pride in ownership. Regular touch-ups are a simple, cost-effective way to keep your car looking sharp and structurally sound.
Materials
If Required
PPE (Protective Equipment)
Steps
Step 1. Identify Colour & Gather Materials
To find the topcoat colour on your vehicle, you’ll need to locate the compliance plate. It is usually located in either the engine bay, or in one of the door jambs. Once you’ve found the code, give this code along with the make, model & year to the paint shop. The aerosol will be custom mixed & filled into an aerosol can ready for use. Also make sure to purchase all other materials to do the repair.
Step 2. Prepare The Surface
Firstly, make sure to wash the car to remove all dirt & contaminants from the paint surface and allow it to dry. Clean all surfaces using a wax & grease remover, using a clean rag. Make sure that the surface is completely free of any dirt & grease before continuing, as all these imperfections will show in the final finish. If there are any rust spots, make sure to treat these with a rust converter, to prevent any further spreading of the rust. Mask around the repair with masking tape & either plastic or paper.
Step 3. Apply Body Filler (Optional)
If there are any deep scratches or small dents that need repairing, you’ll also need to use a body filler. Firstly, make sure to sand all surfaces with P240 grit sandpaper. Mix and apply the body filler to the necessary areas, making sure to apply it slightly higher than the surface to allow for shrinkage of the filler. Sand these areas again with P240 grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Once you are happy with the finish, sand the entire painting surface with P320 & sand slightly past the painting surface with P1000. Clean the entire surface with wax & grease remover.
Step 4. Apply Paint & Clearcoat
Shake all cans for at least 2 - 3 minutes & test spray before painting. Apply 2 - 3 coats of your primer to the painting surface, allowing 5 - 10 minutes between coats. Once all the primer has been applied, allow it to dry for at least 1 hour. Apply 2 - 3 coats of the topcoat colour, extending slightly past the primed area & allowing 5 - 10 minutes between coats. More coats may be required to get good, even coverage. Allow to dry for 1 hour, and then you’re ready for the clear coat. Apply 2 - 3 coats of the clear coat, extending slightly past the topcoat colour, allowing 5 - 10 minutes between coats. Allow to dry overnight to fully cure.
Step 5. Polish the surface (Optional)
If you are using a 1K acrylic clear coat, you’ll need to polish it to get a good, gloss finish (a 2K clear coat will have a great gloss finish straight out of the aerosol). Apply a small amount of polish to an applicator cloth, and rub in a circular motion. Buff off the excess polish with a separate clean cloth, and repeat this process until you have a good shine.
Can I use a touch up paint for larger areas?
Yes, you can use touch up paint for larger areas, even an entire panel. Most of the products will specify what coverage you'll get, so use that to figure out the quantities of product that you'll need for the repair. It is worth considering the size of the repair, and whether or not it is worth consulting a professional to tackle the job.
How do I mix and apply body filler?
Mix the filler and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. A general rule of thumb is a golf ball sized amount of body filler to a pea sized amount of hardener. Use a plastic spreader to mix the two together, making sure they are completely combined before applying. Spread it in thin layers, slightly overfilling the damaged area to allow for sanding.
Do I need to clean the rust before applying rust converter?
Yes. Remove loose rust, dirt, and grease with a wire brush or sandpaper. The surface should be dry and free of oils before application.
Conclusion
Using touch-up paint is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your car from rust, maintain its appearance, and preserve its value. Even small chips and scratches can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. By addressing minor damage early, you can prevent corrosion, avoid more expensive repairs later, and keep your vehicle looking its best for years to come.