How to Apply Touch-Up Paint

Whether you are using a paint pen for a rock chip or a spray can for a bumper, follow these guidelines to achieve a factory-quality finish.

Before You Begin

Practice first.
Get a feel for paint flow, dry time, and pressure control by practicing on a smooth piece of metal or cardboard. Never start a paint pen or bottle directly on the vehicle. Prime the tip on a test scrap, wipe excess, then apply.

Check the temperature.
The minimum temperature for painting is 40 F, but the ideal range is between 70 F and 85 F. Paint dries faster in warm weather. If you are unsure, let each layer dry overnight.

Use automotive-grade materials.
Use only automotive-grade masking tape, sandpaper, and cloths. Hardware store versions are often too harsh and can damage your vehicle's paint.

How to Fix Specific Damage Types

Before you apply color, you must address the physical damage to the panel. Whether it's deep scratches, peeling paint, or dents each requires different products. See What To Order >

Advanced Surface Preparation

How to prep your car's existing paint for a smooth repair.

Basic Prep:

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.

Painting Over Existing Paint:

Clean the surface with wax & grease remover. Wetsand the existing paint with #400 sandpaper until it is dull. Prime any bare spots. Once dry, lightly wetsand the entire surface with #600 sandpaper before applying basecoat.

(Warning: If your vehicle was recently repainted by a budget body shop, test our paint in an inconspicuous area first. Some cheap enamels will bubble when exposed to our high-quality automotive paint).

Layer Order & Application

All touch-up repairs follow the same sequence. Allow proper drying time between each step.

1. Primer: Protection needed only on bare metal, plastic, or rubberized surfaces. (Remember: Non-metal surfaces require an Adhesion Promoter before applying primer).
2. Basecoat: The actual color layer. Apply in light coats.
3. Midcoat (Tricoats Only): A sheer color layer applied over the basecoat.
4. Clearcoat: Provides shine and UV protection. Warning: Clearcoat acts like a solvent and can remove the basecoat if applied with pressure. Always "float" it on lightly.
5. Cutting Creme (Rubbing Compound): Clearcoat dries dull. Wait 3 days after clearcoat application, then use Cutting Creme on a soft, 100% cotton cloth using light, circular motions to bring out the factory shine.
6. Wait to Wax: Wait 30 days before waxing the repaired area.

Primer for Aluminum Boats

The best primer for an aluminum boat is a two-part epoxy primer, which creates a superior, non-porous waterproof barrier that chemically bonds to the metal and prevents galvanic corrosion.

Top Primer Options

Two-Part Epoxy Primer

Offers excellent corrosion resistance and superior adhesion. It is the ideal choice for saltwater environments, below the waterline, and high-wear areas. Examples include TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat and Pettit Marine Aluma Protect Epoxy Primer.

Strontium Chromate Primer: Provides very good corrosion resistance and excellent adhesion. It is a dependable, all-around choice for both fresh and saltwater use.

Self-Etching Primer:
Often zinc-based, these provide good corrosion resistance and are suitable for freshwater boats or general use where extreme durability is not required. Brands like Rust-Oleum offer aluminum-specific self-etching spray primers.

Critical Primer Application Notes

Surface Prep: The aluminum must be cleaned to bare, bright metal, free of oxidation, grease, and old paint. 90% of success depends on this preparation.

Timing: Apply primer immediately (within an hour) after cleaning and drying, as aluminum begins to oxidize rapidly upon exposure to air.

Avoid Copper: Do not use traditional copper-based bottom paints directly on aluminum, as they can cause rapid corrosion. Use copper-free antifouling paints over the primer if going below the waterline.

Coats: Apply two thin, even coats of primer for the best results.

Thinning, Cleanup, and Storage

Thinning Paint

Pints, Quarts, and Gallons come pre-thinned, do not add any paint thinner.

If you are spraying the paint from our 2 oz. bottle in your own spray gun, you must thin the basecoat and midcoat 1:1 with Automotive Lacquer Thinner (or a temperature-appropriate basemaker). Note: Never use standard hardware store lacquer thinner; it will ruin the paint.

Cleanup:

Keep a 2 oz. bottle of Automotive Lacquer Thinner on hand. It is excellent for cleaning up messy edges, removing excess paint, and cleaning clogged paint pen nibs.

Storage Life:

Pens & Bottles:

Will last a couple of years if stored upright in a cool, dry place. Heat and sun will cause them to evaporate quickly.

Spray Cans:

Will last several years. We ship extra nozzles in case the original clogs.

Pro Sizes:

Last several years unopened. Once opened, quality degrades over time.

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 invisible upon close inspection, especially on metallic paints, pearls/tricoats, or large wide scratches.
• It cannot replicate the flawless look of a professional spray booth finish.