Not sure which paint product you need? You're not alone. Most people start with a simple problem - a scratch, a chip, or a scuffed panel - but ordering touch-up paint can be confusing. The good news: fixing small paint damage is usually easier than people think.

  • Small Chips, Tiny Nicks, or Hairline Scratches

    If you have multiple rock chips on the hood, tiny nicks on door edges, or areas where paint has chipped away, these are the most common paint problems - and the easiest to fix!

    Solution: Paint Pen Kit

  • A Scratch You Can Feel With Your Fingernail

    If your fingernail catches in the scratch, the damage is deeper and likely needs a little more paint to fill it properly. You'll probably also need primer to protect the metal underneath.

    Solution: Paint Bottle Kit

  • Larger Scrapes, Abrasions, or Scuffed Areas

    If a larger section of the panel has visible scuffing or multiple scratches, brushing on paint will show the brush stroke texture. Spray paint blends new paint smoothly across a larger area.

    Solution: Spray Can Kit

  • A Panel That Requires a Full Repair

    If paint damage has been left untreated for a while, a small fix won't do the job. Larger areas or more visible panels may also benefit from a more complete repair process.

    Solution: PRO Size Paint

  • Scratched Plastic or Rubber Bumper

    Paint will not stick to non-metal surfaces on its own. You must add an Adhesion Promoter to your order and apply it before your primer and basecoat.

    Solution: Adhesion Promoter

  • Rusted or Bare Metal Area

    Never paint directly over rust; it will continue to spread underneath your new paint. Add a Rust Converter to your cart. This chemically reacts with rust, turning it into a hard, black, paintable primer sealer.

    Solution: Rust Converter

  • Dents, Tears, or Holes

    Paint will not fill structural damage or restore the shape of your car. Use Auto Body Filler for panels, and a Flexible Bumper Repair Kit for flexible bumpers.

    Solution: Auto Body Filler

    Solution: Flexible Bumper Repair Kit

  • Deep Scratches

    For best results, sand down the entire panel and fill the scratch with spot putty. Then build up the surface with primer, and spray the entire panel with basecoat and clearcoat.

    Solution: Spot Putty

    Solution: Spray Can Kit

  • Peeling Clearcoat

    You cannot just apply new clearcoat over peeling areas. You must completely sand the area, prime any bare spots, and respray both basecoat and clearcoat.

    Solution: Spray Can Kit

  • A Dull Clearcoat

    If your paint color is intact and the finish is glossy, clean it first. PaintScratch Cutting Creme can make fine scratches and dull spots less noticeable. Apply by hand with a clean, soft cotton cloth. Follow the product directions and test a small spot. Do not use it on matte or satin paint.

    Shop Cutting Creme 
  • Damage on An Interior Panel

    Interior parts require a special vinyl paint. Because interior colors are not featured on the color tags, you must get the interior color code from a professional color book or body shop before ordering.

Which Type of Touch-Up Paint Should I Choose?

You can get the same paint in a variety of formats. Compare features to ensure you're choosing the right solution.

Best For

Tiny chips and hairline scratches. Made for quick, simple touch-ups.

Small to medium scratches and scuffs. More coverage, better blending.

Bumpers, panels, and larger areas. Smooth, even finish.

Full panels or professional repairs with near-perfect restoration.

Damage Size

Each pen contains enough paint to cover multiple small scrapes or chips, each up to the size of a pencil eraser.

Bottles can cover multiple areas, each roughly dime-sized or up to a few inches across, when feathered properly.

Spray cans provide coverage for hand-sized areas up to full sections where uniform finish matters.

Full surface refinishing. Panels, assemblies, or multiple damaged areas.

Difficulty

Beginner friendly - very easy.

Beginner to intermediate

Moderately difficult - requires steady control

Experienced users and professionals. Requires an airless spray gun.

Repair time

1-2 hr active time, 24-48 hr total (including dry time)

2-4 hr active time, 48-72 hr total (including dry time)

3-6 hr active time, 3-7 days total (including dry time)

6-12+ hours active time, 7-14+ days total (including dry time)

Price from
1 of 6

How Many Spray Cans Should I Buy?

Spray cans give a smooth finish without extra equipment. Measure the area you need to paint. Coverage below is for one coat. Use more paint for more coats.

  • 1 Spray Can: Up to 3 square feet per coat
  • 2 Spray Cans: Up to 6 square feet per coat
  • 3 Spray Cans: Up to 9 square feet per coat
  • 4 Spray Cans: Up to 12 square feet per coat

Ordering FAQs

Should I order a pen, bottle, spray can, or kit?

Use a paint pen for tiny chips, a bottle for narrow repairs, and spray for broader areas. Kits include primer, paint mixed for your color, clearcoat, and rubbing compound.

When should I buy a kit?

Choose a kit if you want primer, clearcoat, and rubbing compound with your paint. Sandpaper and other prep supplies are sold separately.

Do I need primer or clearcoat?

Use primer on bare metal, plastic, or filler. Most basecoat colors need clearcoat for gloss and protection.

What damage is too large for DIY touch-up?

Dents, rust, peeling clearcoat, torn bumpers, and full-panel repairs are usually better handled with body-shop prep or professional refinishing.

Ready to find your perfect match?

We'll help you find the right color - or mix up something completely unique!

Search for my color