Should You DIY Your Automotive Touch Up Paint? (Hint: Yes!)
Should You DIY Your Automotive Touch Up Paint? (Hint: Yes!)
Does your car need an automotive touch up paint job? learn some of the core reasons that you should do it yourself!
Automotive touch up paint
Did you know that automotive touch up paint is one of the top-selling car maintenance products, right behind wiper blades and engine oil? There is a very good reason for this: like windshield wipers, it is possible to touch up the paint yourself while avoiding the time and expense of using a professional.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may also be wondering if the task is beyond your skill level. Not to worry: once you understand the basics of matching and applying touch up paint, as well as the necessary products, you will be well on your way to getting your car looking new.
Advantages of DIY Touch Up
Especially if you have an older car, you might assume that automotive touch ups on a minor scratch are unnecessary. Even if you are not going for a pristine look for your vehicle, there are some very good reasons you should fix scratches and scuffs.
One is that they will worsen over time. Exposed metal will be susceptible to rust and corrosion, which will spread and be difficult to control if not addressed. This will not only look worse, but it could cause serious damage to the structure of your vehicle.
No matter the extent of the damage, such issues threaten to significantly reduce the value of your car. This makes affordable DIY automotive touch up paint and the minimal amount of time it takes to apply it a great investment.
Another advantage of doing the painting yourself is cost savings. Professional automotive touch ups could cost hundreds of dollars or more. DIY repair can save you lots of money on labor and marked-up products that you can buy and apply yourself for a fraction of the cost.
What About Matching the Color?
You can find touch up paint that is an exact match for your vehicle. You only need to identify your “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM) color code. You can do this by one of two methods.
The first is finding it on your car. Locations vary depending on the make, model, and age of the vehicle. Check the owner’s manual, inside the driver’s door jamb, or a decal or stamp somewhere else on the body.
If this does not work, you can use an online color code identifier, such as this one. It will ensure a flawless match every time.
How Is Auto Touch Up Paint Applied?
There are two main methods for applying automotive touch up paint. For minor scratches, a touchup pen may be suitable. For damage that covers a larger area, you should use a spray.
Before applying either, be sure to remove any peeling or loose paint around the damaged area. This also goes for any rust that has formed.
Next, wash and dry the area you will be treating. This ensures the paint adheres to the surface area, unobstructed by dirt or debris. To be extra certain, you can apply wax and grease remover to the damaged spots.
When applying touch up paint, you will want to work in a temperate area. The surface metal should not be too cold or hot, so do not work in extreme cold or park the vehicle in direct sunlight.
You also will want to work in a well-ventilated space. For safety purposes, use a respirator, protective eyewear, clothing, and gloves.
Touch Up Pen
First, use some coarse sandpaper to smooth down the area. Then apply a layer of primer to the scratches or chips, and allow it to dry for a few minutes.
Shake the paint pen to mix the paint inside. Before starting, practice dabbing the tip on a piece of paper to get a sense of how quickly the paint comes out.
Rather than dispensing the paint directly on the surface, find an old plastic lid or similar object. You can use this as a type of pallet to get the exact amount of paint on the nib of the pen.
Dab the paint on the scratched or chipped areas. Once you have applied a layer, allow it to dry. You can use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
Then, apply a thin layer of sealant. Do not press it into the paint with much force, but smooth over the painted area. Then, buff the surface to remove any excess sealant.
Spray Touch Up Paint
Before beginning, use masking tape to mark off the area entire area you plan to paint. Do this around any natural boundary, like the end of a door or panel. Be sure to cover anything like door handles or mirrors that you don't want painted.
Next, sand the entire area you plan to paint, by hand or using an electric sander. Then apply a wax and grease remover, and wipe the entire surface down with a rag.
Then, apply a thin layer of primer. Once it is dry, sand and wipe down the area again.
Now you are ready to apply the base layer. With quality spray touch up paint and a properly prepared surface, you may only need a single layer of paint. But always start with a thin layer first and see how it looks, rather than a thick layer that could run or clump up.
If you do several coats, allow each previous coat to dry completely before applying the next one--several hours should be enough. Also, it will not hurt to re-sand the area after each coat, to ensure the new layer goes on evenly.
The final step is optional but advised. Once the last layer of paint is dry and smooth across the surface, you can finish it with a clear coat. This provides an added layer of protection.
You also might consider buffing the entire area with a polishing compound for a more even look, especially if there is a slight contrast between the new and original paint. Only, wait a few weeks after applying the paint to do so.
Learn More About DIY Automotive Touch Up Paint
Now that you have an idea of the benefits of DIY automotive touch up paint and how to apply it, you can get to work. It is an efficient, economical way to get your car looking like new.
TouchupShop.com has been mixing paint for 30 years and has become one of the most trusted online distributors of touch up paint and accessories. Take a look at our extensive online inventory or products or reach out to us today for information and instruction on DIY car touch ups.