PaintScratch.com Frequently Asked Questions
Visit this link if you are unsure which products you need for your paint repair.
Questions on paint problems and ordering/shipping?
| Question 1: What are the shipping charges? |
| Question 2: I found the paint code on your site, but the name of the paint is different. Is this the same paint? |
| Question 3: I found my color code on your site but the color shown doesn't look right, do I have the wrong color? |
| Question 4: Why can't I place an order for more than one color at a time? |
| Question 5: I have a Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth or Jeep and my color code is HW7/W7 and all I can find on your site is GW7/W7. Is this the same code? |
| Question 6: Do I really need to order the tri-coat finish? |
| Question 7: Can I get a UPS tracking number for my order? |
| Question 8: I received the wrong paint, my order never arrived, my order was incomplete, my order was damaged so what do I do now? |
| Question 9: Is your paint better than what my dealer sells? |
| Question 10 : Your paint seems expensive. Why? |
| Question 11: Can you give me an overview of the order process? |
| Question 12: Can you add to an order once it's placed? |
| Question 13: Do you store or save credit card information? |
| Question 14: What is your return policy? |
| Question 15: Can the same clearcoat be used with all paints? ==> Answer: Yes, there is only one clearcoat for all paints including our water based paint. |
| Question 16: I ordered paint for a pre 1981 vehicle which doesn't match. What are my options? |
| Question 17: I ordered a paint for one of these makes (Alfa-Romeo, Alumacraft, Austin, BMC, Citroen, Coachmen-RV, Corbin, Ducati, Edsel, Fiat, Fleet, Fleetwood, Fountain, Freightliner, Fujidesign, Lamborghini, Lancia, Lotus, Lund, Morgan, Packard, Pantera, Peugeot, RAL, Renault, Rover-Sterling, Triumph, Winnebago) which doesn't match. I understand you will not remix the paint. What are my options? |
Answer 1
A shipping charge of $4.95 is added to the first touch up bottle or paint pen ordered. A shipping charge of $8.95 is added for the first spray can ordered. Additional touch up bottles, paint pens or spray cans are $1.00 each. International orders are charged an additional $6.95 for shipping. For complete discussion, follow this link.
Answer 2: This is our MOST common question. The name of the paint can change but if your color code matches, this is the correct paint. For example, you know your vehicle was painted in "Sandstone" either from the window sticker, the plate of the vehicle or maybe the dealer told you another name like "Heather Mist."
Your color code on your vehicle says "YR-509M". You look on our site and for YR-509M it says "Granite Silver Metallic Clearcoat." This is your correct color! The color name is not important, just the color code.
Answer 3: If your code matches the one shown the screen, this is your color. We mix the paint by the color code formula, not what is shown on the screen. However, we appreciate any feedback to improve the accuracy of the colors shown. For many exotic vehicles (Rolls Royce, Ferrari, etc.) and some pre-1980 colors, there are no color chips so what you see on the screen was our best guess.
Answer 4: You can't order two colors at the exact same time. The reason for this is that you may want a spray can in one color and a paint pen in another, etc. Select the color you need, order the products for this color and add them to your shopping basket. Continue shopping by selecting the next color and adding those products to your shopping basket. The entire order will be combined when you checkout.
Answer 5: Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth and Jeep all put random letters in front of the paint codes. For example, the GW7/W7 code could be listed on your vehicle as PW7/W7 or QW7/W7, RW7/W7, etc. The actual color code is W7. We don't know why they did this, but it sure causes confusion for our customers!
Answer 6: When your color is a tricoat, our order form will only let you order the basecoat and midcoat together. These come in two separate containers. Tricoat paints need a clearcoat over the midcoat to make them shine.
Answer 7: If you ordered spray cans, we ship these via UPS and you will receive an email when your order is shipped with your tracking information. This email will come from San Leandro Color, the name of our paint supplier. The paint pens, 1 oz. and 2 oz. touch up bottles are shipped via the mail so there is no tracking number.
Answer 8: If you have any problems with your order, for example, you got the wrong color or you feel you should have received your order by now, let us know immediately. For lost orders or incorrect paint match, visit our customer service page. For all other inquiries, please contact us. Our address and telephone number is also listed at the bottom of our home page. Our policy is to replace damaged or incorrect orders and to re-ship orders that never arrived. Of course, there is no charge for this.
Answer 9: Yes! Our paint is mixed upon receipt of your order so it is fresh. Any professional in the collision repair business will tell you fresh paint is much easier to use and makes for a better repair. Also, often the dealer cannot exactly match your paint. For example, the color code W7 has a different formula then W6. Because they are both similar, the dealer sells the same touch up bottle for both. However, these colors are actually different so when we mix these different paint, you receive an exact match from us. This is very common practice as they do not want to stock thousands of paint colors.
Answer 10: Because we custom mix each order, our costs are higher and our paint is freshly made which makes for a better repair. The paint is also delivered straight to your door and this avoids the time and effort to obtain the paint elsewhere.
How To Order
==> To place an actual order, please start at the Home Page! <==Answer 11: First, enter the Year, Make and Model of your vehicle from the drop down boxes and press the GO button. Notice that by changing the Year, different Makes will be displayed so always select your year first. You will be shown a list of colors on the screen corresponding to your year, make and model.
You can choose only one color per order and it is always a good idea to verify your color code. Below is a sample form. Notice above the "2005 Audi A4 Convertible"
Choose Your Color"Just received my order. It matched my 87 Mazda RX7 perfectly! I am doing "damage control" to the exterior for now until a total restore job next year. Finding a color match at the usual places has been.... you can imagine. Can I order a pink/quart quantity for my airbrush work?" T. T Tuntland Bourbonnais, VA To order your paint, check the color you wish to order below. Next, click the Proceed to Secure Order Page button and you will be directed to our Secure Order Site where you can place your order. You can pay by Credit Card, Money Order, PayPal or Google Checkout. Most orders are processed and shipped within five business days. Need to order more than one color? |
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Audi color codes can be shown differently on your vehicle. For example, the code LY9B/A2 can be shown as LY9B or A2 on your car. Please note that some of the Pre-1980 Audi colors shown are estimates. If your color code matches, this is your paint even if the color shown is off! We mix the paint by color code, not what is shown on the screen. |
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| 2005 Audi A4 Convertible Locate Color Identification Plate FAQ'S. | |||
| Color | Color Description | Color Code | |
| Dolphin Gray Metallic Clearcoat | LX7Z/F5 | ||
| Cosmic Yellow Metallic Clearcoat | LY1S/5R | ||
| Alpaka Beige Metallic Clearcoat | LY1W/Y5 | ||
| Amulet Red Clearcoat | LY3C/4G | ||
| Aquamarine Blue Metallic Clearcoat | LY5S/R2 | ||
| Light Silver Metallic Clearcoat | LY7W/5B | ||
| Brilliant Black Clearcoat | LY9B/A2 | ||
| Arctic White | LY9D/B5 | ||
| Caribic Blue Pearl Clearcoat | LZ5G/K8 | ||
| Moro Blue Pearl Clearcoat | LZ5J/P7 | ||
| Cambridge Green Pearl Clearcoat | LZ6E/3W | ||
| Always verify
your color code on your vehicle! Do not order paint based on the
paint name or color samples shown above. There can also be additional colors, especially interior, trim and wheel not shown above. If you can't find your color code listed above, fill out this form. |
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If you are having problems using the Proceed to Secure Order Page button above, our secure server could be down. Use this alternate link.  |
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Notes:
Make sure you read any notes accompanying your year, make and model. If
there are any, they are always located just above the year, make and model
shown. For example, above "2005 Audi A4 Convertible", you can see
the notes for this make. Different makes will have different notices.
Order more than one color?:
Select your first color, order the products you need for this color
and add them to your shopping cart on the order page (shown below).
Continue shopping by selecting the next year and make and follow the same
ordering procedure.
Locate Color Identification Plate
To the right of the year, make and model, you will see a link that
brings up a diagram of where you paint color code is located on your
vehicle (this is the color identification plate). Use this to find
and verify your color code shown below.
Enter Factory Code
For Hondas and Acuras, you may have a factory code. Click on the link Please
read!!! (shown below) to find out more information. If you have a factory code,
select it from the drop down box shown by Enter Factory Code.
Selecting Colors
Simply place a check to the left of the color you wish to order and
click the Proceed to Secure Order Page to order.
Can't find your color?
Use the link that says, "If you can't find your color or color
code listed above, fill out this form.
Upon receipt of your information, we will conduct an extensive
search and let you know if we can make this color. This is usually pretty
quick, so don't hesitate to let us know if you can't find your color
listed!
Proceed to Secure Order Page
Click the Proceed to Secure Order Page button and the next page will look
like the form below:
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| This is a secure site for entering your order information. If
you need help in deciding what to order (including our spray
can calculator), click here.
The Paint color shown below is a basecoat/clearcoat
combination. |
Secure Order Site | You can select a paint kit and then review your order. Paint kit descriptions |
| Year: 2005 Make Audi Model: | FAQ'S | ||||||||
| Paint: Arctic White LY9D B5 (Color Chip==>) | |||||||||
| VIN Number: (Please enter for correct color formulation.) | |||||||||
Enter quantities below. If you need help
in deciding what to order, click here
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| Product Description | Basecoat | Clearcoat | Primer | Total | |||||
| 1/2 oz. Basecoat Paint Pen | @ 14.95 | @ 7.59 | @ 7.00 | ||||||
| 1 oz. Basecoat Paint Bottle | @ 14.95 | @ 7.59 | @ 6.50 | ||||||
| 2 oz. Basecoat Paint Bottle | @ 18.95 | @ 9.95 | @ 8.75 | ||||||
| 12.5 oz. Basecoat Spray Can | @ 24.95 | @ 12.25 | @ 11.50 | ||||||
| 16 oz. Basecoat Paint (One Pint) | @ 90.70 | @ 39.00 | @ 27.00 | ||||||
| 32 oz. Basecoat Paint (One Quart) | @ 132.00 | @ 52.00 | @ 42.50 | ||||||
| 128 oz. Basecoat Paint (One Gallon) | @ 347.00 | @ 145.00 | @ 110.00 | ||||||
| Touch Up Paint Helpers | |||||||||
| Rubbing Compound, Tape, Sandpaper, Tack Rags | |||||||||
| 2.5 oz. Rubbing Compound Bottle | @ 3.75 | ||||||||
| 3/4 inch masking tape | @ 4.50 | ||||||||
| Sandpaper Pack | @ 2.88 | ||||||||
| Tack Rag | @ 1.85 | ||||||||
| Body Filler Products | |||||||||
| 4.5 oz. Spot Putty | @ 4.25 | ||||||||
| Flexible Bumper Repair Kit | @ 15.35 | ||||||||
| Glaze Coat (30 oz.) | @ 39.95 | ||||||||
| Lite Weight Autobody Filler (.75 quart) | @ 12.50 | ||||||||
| Three plastic spreaders | @ 2.65 | ||||||||
| Solvents and Other Primers | |||||||||
| 2 oz. Acrylic Lacquer Thinner | @ 1.95 | ||||||||
| 2 oz. Wax and Grease Remover | @ 2.00 | ||||||||
| 4 oz. Rust Converter (Discontinued for now) | @ 7.90 | ||||||||
| 11.8 oz. Catalyzed Clearcoat (Spray Can) | @ 19.99 | ||||||||
| 11.3 oz. SEM Adhesion Promoter (Spray Can) | @ 19.99 | ||||||||
| 12 oz. Flat Black Trim Paint (Spray Can) | @ 10.25 | ||||||||
| 12.5 oz. Rubberized Primer Spray Can | @ 15.25 | ||||||||
| Safety Products | |||||||||
| Small 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator | @ 24.99 | ||||||||
| Medium 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator | @ 24.99 | ||||||||
| Large 3M Dual Cartridge Respirator | @ 24.99 | ||||||||
| (We can only ship Spray Cans, Pints, Quarts or Gallons to the USA and USA territories.) | Total | ||||||||
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Fill out the information as needed above.
Basecoat
This is the actual color of the paint and can be ordered in various sizes
as shown above. Note that the primer and clear are on the same line as the
size of paint you wish to order.
Paint
Kits
You can select a paint kit from the drop down list that
automatically fills in the order form with products recommended for the
type of repair you are doing. Once you select a paint kit, you can add or
delete individual items on the order form simply by changing the
quantities.
VIN
Number
The Vehicle Identification Number can help us decide which paint formula
to use when there are several to choose from. It only works for 1997 and
newer vehicles and is not required to order paint.
Ordering Paint
Make sure you enter numbers i.e. 1 instead of "one"
for the quantities above. Every time you enter a quantity and go to
another selection, the total will be calculated.
Tricoat (Midcoat)
Paints
If you are ordering a tricoat paint, you will automatically receive the
basecoat and midcoat paint in two separate containers. Tricoat paints have
the word "Tricoat" in the paint name.
Single Stage Paint
If you have selected a year prior to 1987, the top of the order form
will look as follows:
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This is a secure
site for entering your order information.
If you need help in deciding what to order, click here. The Paint color shown below may be available in a single stage formula. 1) Select the box by ==> Please make this paint in Single Stage only <== if you want the single stage version. 2) If this paint requires a clearcoat we will notify you. 3) Most colors before 1980 were single stage colors. Most paint formulas after 1980 are basecoat/clearcoat paints. If you have a rusted area, you should order the primer. Enter the quantities below for the products you wish to order. Clearcoats and primers cannot be ordered without a basecoat. Look at our shipping map for information on how long it will take to receive your order. Due to Federal Shipping Regulations, we cannot ship orders overnight. Shipping/Handling information. |
If you select the option "Please make this paint in Single Stage only. No clearcoat is required on single stage paints." we will make the paint for you in single stage which does not require a clearcoat. Please note that you will often get a better match with the basecoat/clearcoat combination.
Add Items to Cart
Once you have ordered the items you need, click on the "Add Items to Your Cart" and you will be directed to the following page:
Your Shopping Cart |
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| Click Secure CheckOut to use a Credit Card, Money Order, Phone or Paypal | Or checkout securely with Google Checkout | ||
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(Click Continue Shopping to order another paint color) |
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| Paint Color===> | |||
| Vehicle: 2005 Audi A4 Convertible | VIN: | ||
| Paint: Arctic White LY9D B5 | |||
| Qty | Description | Cost | Total |
| 1 | 1/2 oz. Basecoat Paint Pen | 14.95 | 14.95 |
| 1 | 1/2 oz. Clearcoat Paint Pen | 7.59 | 7.59 |
| 1 | 2.5 oz. Rubbing Compound Bottle | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| 1 | 2 oz. Acrylic Lacquer Thinner | 1.95 | 1.95 |
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| Total Shipping/Handling | 6.95 | ||
| Grand Total: | $35.19 | ||
| Click Secure CheckOut to use a Credit Card, Money Order, Phone or Paypal | You can also use Google Checkout | ||
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To checkout using Google Checkout, click the Google Checkout Logo below.. You must enter a Country.
Spray cans and larger sizes can ONLY be shipped to the USA and USA territories
International orders are an additional $6.95 USD shipping.
Country: Continue ShoppingIf you would like to order additional paint colors, you can either select the Year and Make or search for your Paint Code or Paint Name below and click the GO button. Your paint orders will be combined to save on shipping and handling charges.
If you know your Paint Code or Paint Name, you can enter this below. Otherwise, it is easier to enter your Year and Make above. Make sure you check either Paint Code or Paint Name below. Click the GO button to begin your search.
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Your Shopping
Cart
This page lists the items ordered along with the correct shipping
total. If you continue shopping, the additional items will be
displayed and the shipping will recalculated.
You can also
Add/Edit or Delete each individual paint color order by selecting the
buttons by each paint color.
Continue
Shopping
This lets you select the next year and make to begin selecting another
color or you can search for paint codes are paint names. Your orders will
be combined to save on shipping.
Checkout
When you have completed all your paint orders, you can now proceed to
Checkout by clicking on the
button. You can also use
for immediate checkout from this page without having to fill in the next form. If you select Google Checkout, you will be directed to Google to checkout. If you select the Secure Checkout button, you will see the following page:
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| This is a secure site for entering your order information.
Please fill in your billing, shipping and payment information
below. Look at our shipping
map for information on how long it will take to receive
your order. Due to Federal Shipping Regulations, we cannot ship orders overnight. |
| First Name:* | Last Name:* | Please enter your credit card billing address exactly as it appears on your credit card statement. Your billing address and phone number must match your credit card statement or we will not be able to ship your order until your billing address has been verified. | |||||
| Company: | |||||||
| Address One:* | |||||||
| Address Two: | |||||||
| City:* | |||||||
| State:* | Overseas orders use OS | ||||||
| Zip/Postal Code:* | Country: | ||||||
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My shipping address is the same as my billing address. |
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| First Name:* | Last Name:* | Paint pens and touch up bottles ship
via the US Postal Service so a mailing address is
required for these orders.
Spray cans and larger sizes for the lower USA 48 states ship UPS and require a street address. HI, AK, USA territories and Foreign orders are shipped via the USPS. |
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| Company: | |||||||
| Address One:* | |||||||
| Address Two: | |||||||
| City:* | |||||||
| State:* | Overseas orders use OS | ||||||
| Zip/Postal Code:* | Country: | ||||||
| Email Address:* | i.e. user@domain.com | ||||||
| Phone number:* | ( ) - Ext: | ||||||
| Source: | |||||||
| * Required Entries! | Enter Promotional Code: | ||||||
| Payment type: Credit Card Money Order Phone Order PayPal Instructions | |||||||
| Credit Card:* | (or select Money Order, Phone, PayPal above) | ||||||
| Credit card number: * | (no spaces or dashes) | ||||||
| Expiration Date: * | |||||||
| Security
Code:*
(The 3 or 4 digit number on your credit card.) Discover, Mastercard and Visa use a 3 digit number on the back. Amex uses a 4 digit number on the front. Debit Card holders: Enter 000. (If you don't know your security code, enter 000.) |
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* Required Entries! |
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| Please confirm your order by pressing the Confirm
Order button below. If you are sending a money order, please read the directions on the next screen. Need Help? |
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 Back To Home Page
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Billing Address
This must be the same billing address where you receive your credit card statement.
Shipping Address
This is where the order will ship to. Note the box you can check to make this the same as your billing. You should use the Check Your Address button to verify your address with the USPS and to get your nine-digit zip code.
Email Address
Make sure you enter your correct email address. (Our most common problem.) Please rest assured, you will NEVER receive spam from us! We only use your email address for our confirmations and for you to track your order.
Enter Promotional Code
We have arrangements with certain vendors for discounts so enter any promotional code given to you by one of our partners.
Additional comments
Finally, enter any additional comments or information in this space such as special delivery instructions. Please note we cannot ship overnight or 2-day air.
Credit Card, Money Order, Phone or PayPal
Enter your credit card information on the order screen. If you want to pay by Money Order, simply follow the instructions given on the screen, mail us the order form along with your money order and upon receipt of your payment, we will process your order. Sorry, we no longer accept personal checks. You can select Phone Order and we will call you for your credit card information. Finally, you can use PayPal and once we receive notice of your payment, we will process your order.
Security Code
Enter the security code from your credit card. Click the Security code link for more information.
Sales Tax
If you are a Nevada resident, sales tax will be charged and show on the Confirmation Page.
International Orders
If you live outside the United States, an additional $6.95 charge will be added to the shipping cost and this also will appear on the Confirmation Page.
Confirm/Review the Order
After you have filled out the order form, you are given a total and now can click the Confirm/Review Order button. Make sure everything is correct. When you confirm your order, a message is sent to PaintScratch with all the information you have entered so far in case there are any problems. If you need to make corrections, use your back button and make the corrections and simply confirm the order again. You are not charged until you click on the "Complete the Order" button.
Complete the Order
If you are paying by credit card your order will now be processed and your credit card will be charged. If you are paying by PayPal, click the Confirm Order and on the next page, you will see a link to PayPal. Click this link, make your PayPal payment. You will receive a confirming email with your Invoice number. Make sure you read the entire email as it gives instructions on checking on your order. In addition, you can make modifications to an existing order unless it has already shipped. If you are paying by Money Order, Confirm the Order and you will receive a form which you can print out and mail to us with your payment.
Answer 12
Use the link, Add to Order to add to your existing order. You can only add or change your existing order until 9:00PM (PST) on the day you placed the order. Your credit card will only be charged for the additional items.
Answer 13
We do not save credit card information. In addition, your credit card number is never emailed across the web. The entire transaction takes place on a secure server and we only receive back the approval code.
Answer 14 For our complete return policy, follow this link.
Answer 16 We have numerous warnings on our site, including a pop-up window warning before you can order which says:
| Color Matching Warning Because you have ordered paint for a pre 1981 vehicle, it may be difficult to receive an exact color match. However, we will try our best to match your paint. There are No Refunds and we recommend sending us a part for custom matching. We will not remix this paint even if the color does not match. |
We have these warnings for a reason. We have found trying to match paint nearly 30 years and older quite difficult. Some customers ignore the warning, then become upset when the paint doesn't match and now they want us to custom match the paint for free.
We apologize, but if you ordered after seeing all of our warnings and received a color which did not match, you will have to place a new order for custom matching. You will be charged the custom match fee, plus the cost of the new paint. This policy is absolutely final as we feel we give very good information on the site.
Answer 17 We have numerous warnings on our site, including a pop-up window warning before you can order which says:
| Color Matching Warning Because you have ordered a (Your Make) Color, it may be difficult to receive an exact color match. We do not have color chips for these colors. However, we will try our best to match your paint. There are No Refunds and we recommend sending us a part for custom matching. We will not remix this paint even if the color does not match. |
We have these warnings for a reason. We have found trying to match these colors can be quite difficult. Some customers ignore the warning, then become upset when the paint doesn't match and now they want us to custom match the paint for free.
We apologize, but if you ordered after seeing all of our warnings and received a color which did not match, you will have to place a new order for custom matching. You will be charged the custom match fee, plus the cost of the new paint. This policy is absolutely final as we feel we give very good information on the site.
Have any questions or comments? Please Contact us.
To place an order, start at our Home Page