We have created the following detailed touch up paint directions for specific car paint products like paint pens, auto paint spray cans, and car paint bush bottles. By following these detailed instructions, you will get the best results. Car detailing supplies is home to the world’s largest selection of the best car wax, compounds, polishes, abrasives, polishers & buffers, buffing & polishing pads, pressure washers, carpet extractors, steam cleaners, washing accessories, safety products, microfiber towels, detailing kits, DIY car care kits, car wash chemicals and more.
Touch Up Paint Tips, Suggestions and Tricks
Please read through the following list of touch up paint tips for best car scratch repair results.
The pints, quarts and gallons of basecoat, midcoat, clear and primer are ready to spray and do not require thinning.
If you get paint on your skin, remove with paint thinner and wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not try to use the paint pen on areas larger than a pencil eraser. Larger areas must be sprayed.
Paint can easily leak out of the paint pen if you do not use it correctly!
Do not try to brush areas larger than a dime. Larger areas must be sprayed.
Use an approved automotive paint respirator and WEAR safety goggles and gloves when handling automotive paint to protect your eyes and skin!! Please read the information below for best results.
When spraying, always test for paint compatibility. Paint an inconspicuous part of the vehicle, let dry and see if there is any reaction.
Do not apply our paint over enamel paint or enamel primer.
Do not spray primer, paint or clearcoat in direct sunlight!
First time? Did you know you can completely remove any new paint with automotive lacquer thinner and start over without damaging the original finish?
Make sure you use SEM Adhesion Promoter if you are spraying a non-metal surface. Failure to do so will result in the paint peeling off within a few months! This goes under the primer, basecoat and clearcoat.
Additional Touch Up Paint Directions and Tips
Testing the Paint Color Match
ALWAYS test the paint before applying it to your vehicle! You are responsible for making sure the paint matches by testing the color BEFORE you apply it to your vehicle! If the color is off, the clearcoat or the primer WILL NOT HELP to make the color match better! If you apply the paint to your vehicle and it doesn’t match, you will have to wash it off with automotive lacquer thinner or worse, if you allow it to thoroughly dry, you will have to sand it off.”
Practice Applying Touch Up Paint
Take a little time and practice using the touch up paint before you apply it to your car. This will give you a good feel for the paint and you can check the color match. Use a surface such as a metal can, a glossy sheet of paper, etc. to practice on. Use several light coats rather than one heavy coat when brushing or spraying the paint. Make sure you let the paint dry properly. If you really want an excellent repair, don’t skip practicing!
Paint Pens, Brushing and Spray cans
Do not try to use the paint pen on areas larger than a pencil eraser. Do not try to brush areas larger than a dime. If you do, the area will look very uneven. When you apply metallic paint with a pen or brush, the metallic flake will not lay down properly. Even with a perfect paint match the paint will look darker. Save yourself lots of grief and use a spray can for larger areas!
Paint Spraying-Humidity and Temperature Warning!
Make sure you do not spray in wet or humid conditions! Do not spray in direct sunlight. To test the humidity, spray some of the clearcoat and see how it dries. If it dries with a whitish haze or streaks, it’s too humid to paint! Spray paint should be applied when the temperature is at least 70°F and the humidity is below 50%. Also, if it is too hot, over 80°F the paint can dry before hitting the vehicle, leaving a very rough surface.
Drying Times for Touch Up Paint
It is important to let the basecoat dry before applying the clearcoat and letting the clearcoat dry before polishing. Be careful when applying clearcoat. You need to float it over the basecoat. Clearcoat acts like a solvent and any pressure applied will remove the basecoat. Usually letting the paint dry At least 20 minutes to overnight is sufficient. Drying times can really vary depending on the temperature. If the temperature is below 70°F, the paint can take much longer to dry.
Car Paint Compatibility Warning
If you have had your vehicle painted at Maaco, Earl Schieb or any other inexpensive paint shop within the last two years, our paint will lift your paint. If in doubt, you can paint a small inconspicuous part of the car and check for lifting.
Key Scratches in Auto Paint
The paint pens work well on key scratches as you can easily control the amount of paint and apply it to the scratch. Try to follow the scratch as closely as possible with the basecoat. Apply the clearcoat and use rubbing compound (cutting creme) to smooth and shine the area. Be careful when applying clearcoat. You need to float it over the basecoat. Take note clearcoat acts like a solvent and any pressure applied will remove the basecoat.
Primer for Repairing Car Scratches
If you have an unpainted surface, either bare metal, plastic, rubber, etc., APPLY PRIMER! Primer is made to stick to unpainted surfaces and paint is designed to stick to primer! Primer can also be used to fill small imperfections in the surface.
