Give your vehicle the best possible repair finish with these general guidelines before beginning any touch-up project.

Before you start:

  • Practice before touching your vehicle. Get a feel for paint flow, dry time, and pressure control.
  • Never start a paint pen or bottle directly on the vehicle. Prime the tip off the car, wipe excess, then apply.
  • Test cutting creme first on an inconspicuous area.
  • Use only automotive-grade materials (tape, sandpaper, cloths). Hardware store versions are often too harsh for your vehicle paint.

Best Practices for All Touch-Up Products

1. Clean and Prep the Area

  • Wash with soap and water.
  • Follow with a wax & grease remover for best adhesion.
  • Use automotive-grade masking tape around damage to protect surrounding paint.
  • Remove surface rust using 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush.
  • For bare metal, treat with Mar-Hyde One-Step Rust Converter before beginning.

2. Understand Layer Order

All touch-up repairs follow the same sequence:

  1. Primer - protection needed only on bare metal/plastic/rubber
  2. Basecoat - the actual color
  3. Midcoat - sheer color layer (only for tricoats)
  4. Clearcoat - for shine and protection
  5. Cutting Creme - wet sanding after curing

3. Temperature & Dry Times

  • Minimum temperature: 40°F
  • Ideal temperature: 70–85°F
  • Paint dries faster in warm weather — practice off the vehicle first.
  • If unsure, let each layer dry overnight.

4. Sanding vs. Cutting Creme

  • For small chips, you generally should avoid sanding to prevent dulling.
  • If sanding is required: use 1000-grit, wet only, and be extremely cautious.
  • Cutting Creme is preferred for smoothing primer, basecoat, and clearcoat.

5. Clearcoat Behavior

  • Clearcoat acts like a solvent and can remove the basecoat if applied with pressure.
  • Always float it on using the tip of your applicator lighter than you think.

6. Cutting Creme Best Practices

  • Wait 3 days after clearcoat application.
  • Apply using a soft cotton cloth (NOT paper products).
  • Use light, circular motions; excessive pressure can scratch the existing finish.

7. Wait to Wax

  • Wait 30 days before waxing the repaired area.

Which product should I choose?

  • Paint Pens

    Best For

    Small paint chips, scratches, and hairline damage

    Typical Damage Size

    Up to the size of a pencil eraser

    Pros

    Maximum control, great for pinpoint repairs, reduces risk of paint blobs

    Cons

    Not designed for larger areas; clearcoat can soften basecoat if applied with pressure

    Skill Level

    Beginner-friendly

  • Paint Bottles

    Best For

    Slightly larger chips, edges, and multiple narrow areas

    Typical Damage Size

    Chips larger than a pencil eraser but still small

    Pros

    Good control, more paint volume, better for filling deeper chips

    Cons

    Not ideal for blending into surrounding paint

    Skill Level Beginner–Intermediate

  • Spray Cans

    Best For

    Larger repairs, blending panels, and more visible areas

    Typical Damage Size

    Anything larger than a pencil eraser

    Pros

    Best color blending, professional results, covers large surfaces

    Cons

    Requires masking, distance control, more prep

    Skill Level

    Intermediate–Advanced

  • Professional Sizes

    Best For

    Professional spray equipment, large sections, full panels

    Typical Damage Size

    Entire panels or large repairs

    Pros

    Highest quality finish, maximum color consistency

    Cons

    Requires professional tools and experience

    Skill Leve

    Professional

How To Use a Paint Pen

Directions for Paint Pens

  • 1. Check for Color Match

    Shake the product for at least 60 seconds before use. Test the paint on a scrap of plastic or metal. Allow to dry and check for color accuracy before starting on your vehicle.

  • 2. Clean & Prep

    Wash and dry the damaged area. Lightly sand rough edges if needed.

  • 3. Prime the Surface

    If any bare metal or plastic is visible, apply primer to seal it. Apply primer in smooth, thin strokes. Let each layer dry completely.

  • 4a. Apply Basecoat Pen

    Use thin, smooth strokes to cover the scratch or chip. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 4b. Add Depth with Midcoat

    If you have a tricoat color, you'll need to add a thin layer of Midcoat, which will add depth and dimension. Allow paint to dry between layers.

  • 5. Protect & Shine with Clearcoat

    Apply clearcoat using smooth layers to seal in the basecoat paint. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 6. Polish and Shine

    Use a rag to buff the surface with rubbing compound. This smooths and polishes the glossy finish.

  • 7. Hooray! You're done!

    Wipe clean and enjoy your new repair! Allow the repair 3 days to fully set before applying any wax or polish.

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How To Use A Paint Bottle

Directions for Paint Bottles

  • 1. Check for Color Match

    Shake the product for at least 60 seconds before use. Test the paint on a scrap of plastic or metal. Allow to dry and check for color accuracy before starting on your vehicle.

  • 2. Clean & Prep

    Wash and dry the damaged area. Lightly sand rough edges if needed.

  • 3. Prime the Surface

    If any bare metal or plastic is visible, apply primer to seal it. Apply primer in smooth, thin strokes. Let each layer dry completely.

  • 4a. Apply Basecoat Paint

    Use thin, smooth strokes to cover the scratch or chip. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 4b. Add Depth with Midcoat

    If you have a tricoat color, you'll need to add a thin layer of Midcoat, which will add depth and dimension. Allow paint to dry between layers.

  • 5. Protect & Shine with Clearcoat

    Apply clearcoat using smooth layers to seal in the basecoat paint. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 6. Polish and Shine

    Use a rag to buff the surface with rubbing compound. This smooths and polishes the glossy finish.

  • 7. Hooray! You're done!

    Wipe clean and enjoy your new repair! Allow the repair 3 days to fully set before applying any wax or polish.

1 8

How To Use Spray Cans

Directions for Spray Cans

  • 1. Check for Color Match

    Shake the product for at least 60 seconds before use. Test the paint on a scrap of plastic or metal. Allow to dry and check for color accuracy before starting on your vehicle.

  • 2. Clean & Prep

    Wash and dry the damaged area. Lightly sand rough edges if needed.

  • 3. Protect Undamaged Areas

    Using automotive masking tape and plastic, mask around the damaged area. For best results, tape off at panel boundaries rather than just around the damage.

  • 4. Prime the Surface

    If any bare metal or plastic is visible, apply primer to seal it. Apply primer in smooth, thin coats. Let each layer dry completely.

  • 5a. Apply Basecoat Paint

    Use thin, smooth even coats to cover the damaged area. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 5b. Add Depth with Midcoat

    If you have a tricoat color, you'll need to add a thin layer of Midcoat, which will add depth and dimension. Allow paint to dry between layers.

  • 6. Protect & Shine with Clearcoat

    Apply clearcoat using smooth layers to seal in the basecoat paint. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 7. Polish and Shine

    Use a rag to buff the surface with rubbing compound. This smooths and polishes the glossy finish.

  • 8. Hooray! You're done!

    Wipe clean and enjoy your new repair! Allow the repair 3 days to fully set before applying any wax or polish.

1 9

Directions for Professional Sizes

  • 1. Check for Color Match

    Shake the product for at least 60 seconds before use. Test the paint on a scrap of plastic or metal. Allow to dry and check for color accuracy before starting on your vehicle.

  • 2. Clean & Prep

    Wash and dry the damaged area. Lightly sand rough edges if needed.

  • 3. Protect Undamaged Areas

    Using automotive masking tape and plastic, mask around the damaged area. For best results, tape off at panel boundaries rather than just around the damage.

  • 4. Prime the Surface

    If any bare metal or plastic is visible, apply primer to seal it. Apply primer in smooth, thin coats. Let each layer dry completely.

  • 5a. Apply Basecoat Paint

    Use thin, smooth even coats to cover the damaged area. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 5b. Add Depth with Midcoat

    If you have a tricoat color, you'll need to add a thin layer of Midcoat, which will add depth and dimension. Allow paint to dry between layers.

  • 6. Protect & Shine with Clearcoat

    Apply clearcoat using smooth layers to seal in the basecoat paint. Allow each coat to dry before adding another.

  • 7. Polish and Shine

    Use a rag to buff the surface with rubbing compound. This smooths and polishes the glossy finish.

  • 8. Hooray! You're done!

    Wipe clean and enjoy your new repair! Allow the repair 3 days to fully set before applying any wax or polish.

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Watch More Tutorial Videos

Visit our YouTube channel for short, easy-to-follow videos that show how to find your paint color code, apply touch-up paint, use paint pens, and repair chips and scratches correctly. Opens in a new tab.

Youtube Tutorials

Safety Warnings

Safety Warnings

Touch-up products contain automotive-grade solvents and should be handled with care. Follow these safety guidelines every time:

Work in a Safe Environment

  • Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Avoid working near open flames, sparks, or cigarettes.
  • Keep products away from direct sunlight or high heat.

Protect Yourself

  • Use a Dual Cartridge Respirator to protect your lungs, especially if using spray products.
  • Wear nitrile or latex gloves to avoid skin contact.
  • Use eye protection when sanding or using rust converter.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Use Products Responsibly

  • Keep all paint products away from children and pets.
  • Do not ingest or inhale contents.
  • Avoid long-term skin contact with solvents, clearcoats, and lacquer thinner.

Proper Storage

  • Store paint upright in a cool, dry place.
  • Make sure caps are tightly sealed to prevent spills or thickening.
  • Dispose of empty cans and solvents according to local hazardous waste guidelines.

Select the Right Tools

  • Rust converters and lacquer thinner can damage surfaces—use only where intended.
  • Do not use paper towels for Cutting Creme; wood fibers can scratch paint.

What to Expect From Touch Up Paint

Touch-up paint is designed to protect your vehicle and significantly improve appearance, but it’s important to set realistic expectations.

What Touch Up Paint Can Do

  • Hide chips and scratches so they are far less noticeable.
  • Restore the color in damaged areas.
  • Prevent rust from spreading.
  • Improve curb appeal.
  • Make surface defects blend better with the surrounding paint.

What Touch Up Paint Cannot Do

  • It will not make damage completely disappear, especially on:

Metallic paints
Pearls and tricoats
Large chips or wide scratches

  • It cannot replicate the look of a full-body or professional spray booth finish.
  • Clearcoat may slightly darken the final color, which is normal and expected.

Common Results

  • In most cases, chips are dramatically reduced in visibility.
  • From a few feet away, repairs typically blend very well.
  • Up close, depending on the damage depth and color, some texture or color shift may remain.

Best Practices for the Best Outcome

  • Follow each step carefully—rushing leads to noticeable repairs.
  • Practice on a smooth surface first to learn paint flow and dry times.
  • Use Cutting Creme after curing to smooth and shine the repair.
  • For perfection-level blending, spray cans or professional application may be the better choice.

Find your perfect match.

Instantly find your vehicle's exact color. Or, enter color keywords and browse all options for your vehicle.
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For small chips & scratches

Customized Color Paint Pen

Repair tiny chips and scratches with precision. Perfect for small nicks from rocks or door dings, the fine tip applicator makes it easy for beginners to achieve a clean, factory-quality finish.

From $19.95

Shop Now

For Medium-sized Chips & Scratches

Customized Color Paint Bottle

Tackle medium-sized scratches and chips with our Customzied Color Paint Bottle. The built-in applicator brush provides smooth, controlled coverage, while the included basecoat delivers a perfect factory match in your custom paint color.

From $34.95

Shop Now

For larger areas & panel resprays

Customized Color Spray Can

Cover larger areas with a smooth, professional finish using ourcustomized color Spray Can. Designed for hoods, fenders, and larger scratches, this product provides consistent spray coverage and factory-matched color accuracy.

From $29.95

Shop Now

For large repairs & total resprays

Customized Color Professional Size Paint

When your repair job calls for more than a touch-up, step up to our professional-size automotive paints. Available in Pint, Quart, or Gallon sizes, these paints are ready-to-spray using an airless spray gun.

From $599.95

Shop Now

For small chips & scratches

Customized Color Tricoat Paint Pens

Repair tiny chips and scratches with precision. Perfect for small nicks from rocks or door dings, the fine tip applicator makes it easy for beginners to achieve a clean, factory-quality finish. Each order includes a basecoat and a midcoat pen.

From $34.95

Shop Now

For Medium-sized Chips & Scratches

Customized Color Tricoat Paint Bottles

Tackle medium-sized scratches and chips with our Customzied Color Paint Bottles. The built-in applicator brush provides smooth, controlled coverage, while the basecoat & midcoat deliver a perfect factory match in your custom paint color.

From $64.95

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For larger areas & panel resprays

Customized Color Tricoat Spray Cans

Cover larger areas with a smooth, professional finish using our customized color basecoat & midcoat Spray Cans. Designed for hoods, fenders, and larger scratches, this product provides consistent spray coverage and factory-matched color accuracy.

From $59.95

Shop Now

For large repairs & total resprays

Customized Color Tricoat Professional Size Paint

When your repair job calls for more than a touch-up, step up to our professional-size automotive paints. Available in Pint, Quart, or Gallon sizes, these paints are ready-to-spray using an airless spray gun. Each order includes a basecoat & a midcoat paint.

From $1,299.95

Shop Now