Clear coat does not always need mixing
Paint pens and small bottles use 1K clear. Half pint, pint, and quart clear coat are ready to spray. Do not add reducer or hardener unless the product label specifically tells you to.
Partify Help Center
Touch-Up Paint Instructions
Select the product in your order for a clear, five-step application guide. Read the complete process before opening the paint.
Paint amount calculator
Not sure how much paint you need?
Choose the damaged areas, describe the repair, and get a paint-format recommendation in under a minute.
Partify paint estimator
How much paint do I need?
The same repair calculator, with your current choices carried in.
Select the repair area
Choose every panel that needs paint
1 area selected: Front door
Finish system basics
Clear coat and tri-coat guidance
Use this as general guidance before you open the product. Your product label still takes priority.
Tri-coat and pearl colors need both layers
When a color is sold as Layer 1 and Layer 2, both layers are required. Apply Layer 1 first, apply Layer 2 after the required flash time, then finish with compatible clear coat.
Before you start
Set up the repair correctly
Four checks prevent most avoidable touch-up problems.
-
01
Clean and dry
Work in the shade on a clean, completely dry, low-dust surface.
-
02
Repair active rust
Remove loose rust and complete the needed surface repair before color.
-
03
Read every label
Confirm the order, timing, safety, and cleanup for your exact paint system.
-
04
Test first
Test the applicator or spray pattern away from the vehicle before applying paint.
Application guides
Choose the product in your order
Not sure which one you have? Check the product name on the container or your order confirmation.
Paint pen
Apply with the precision tip
- Best for
- Pinpoint chips and narrow scratches
- Method
- Controlled tip application
- 1
Clean and inspect the damage
Wash and dry the repair area. Remove loose rust and lightly sand damaged edges before painting. Do not cover active rust.
- 2
Shake and prime the tip
Shake the pen well. If paint does not flow, tighten the tip and press it a few times to move paint toward the applicator. Test away from the vehicle.
- 3
Place paint inside the chip
Touch the tip to the damage and let paint flow into it. Avoid pressing hard or dragging a heavy bead across the surrounding finish.
- 4
Build several thin layers
Let each coat dry before adding another. Stop slightly below the surrounding paint level to reduce a visible raised repair.
- 5
Finish the system
If your order includes clear coat, apply it only after the color stage is ready and follow its label for timing and coat count.
Brush bottle
Apply with the brush or fine tip
- Best for
- Rock chips, key marks, and short scratches
- Method
- Small dabs or controlled brush strokes
- 1
Prepare the surface
Wash and dry the area completely. Work in the shade and away from dust. Remove loose rust and lightly sand damaged edges before painting.
- 2
Mix and select the applicator
Shake thoroughly unless the label says otherwise. Use the fine tip for tiny chips and the brush for longer scratches or larger chips.
- 3
Place paint only in the damage
Load a small amount. Dab into a chip or pull the brush gently along a scratch. Keep paint off the surrounding factory finish where possible.
- 4
Repeat with patience
Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. Let each layer dry and stop slightly below the surrounding paint level.
- 5
Finish and protect
Use clear coat when it is part of your selected system. Follow its label, then keep the repair dry and handle it gently during cure.
Aerosol
Apply with controlled spray passes
- Best for
- Larger scuffs and broader blends
- Method
- Light, overlapping spray passes
- 1
Repair, clean, and mask
Correct rust or surface damage first. Wash, dry, and mask beyond the repair. Use the ventilation and protective equipment listed on the product.
- 2
Prepare and test the can
Shake for the time stated on the can. Confirm the nozzle is seated and test the spray pattern on a card before moving to the vehicle.
- 3
Start with a light pass
Use the labeled spray distance. Begin moving before paint reaches the repair, overlap each pass, and release after passing the edge.
- 4
Build coverage gradually
Use several light coats and observe the labeled flash time. Stop if paint begins to sag, run, spit, or spray unevenly.
- 5
Clear and cure
Apply compatible clear coat only after the color is ready. Follow its spray distance and timing, then protect the repair during cure.
Professional paint
Apply with compatible spray equipment
- Best for
- Larger repairs and experienced users
- Method
- Ready-to-spray paint and spray equipment
- 1
Confirm the complete system
Review the labels and confirm your equipment, primer, color, clear coat, ventilation, and protective equipment are compatible.
- 2
Complete all surface work
Repair rust and body damage, feather rough edges, clean and dry the surface, and mask the work area. Color will not hide poor preparation.
- 3
Prepare paint as directed
Mix and strain only as required by the supplied instructions. Do not add reducer or other material unless the directions specifically call for it.
- 4
Set up, test, and spray
Set the gun according to the equipment and paint instructions. Verify the pattern on a test panel, then build coverage with controlled overlapping passes.
- 5
Complete the finish stack
Observe the labeled flash time before compatible clear coat. Maintain the specified conditions through cure and delay washing or polishing as directed.
Paint-code help
Find the factory paint label
The location and label format vary by manufacturer. If you cannot find it, Partify can start from your VIN instead.
Common places to check
Look for a manufacturer label, not a handwritten service sticker.
- Driver-side door jamb or door edge
- Glove box or center console
- Trunk, hatch area, or spare-tire well
- Under the hood, radiator support, or firewall
The code may appear beside terms such as Paint, Color, EXT PNT, or C/TR. Verify multiple codes with the manufacturer or dealer before ordering.
Photo checklist
Capture the label clearly before you order
- Show the entire label
Include the surrounding door jamb, console, trunk, or engine-bay area so the label can be identified.
- Take one close-up
Keep the camera square to the label and make sure every letter and number is sharp.
- Remove glare and shadows
Use bright indirect light and wipe away dust without damaging the printed surface.
Words to look forIllustrative only
PAINT[CODE]
EXT PNT[CODE]
COLOR[CODE]
C/TR[CODE / TRIM]
No readable label?
Use vehicle lookup
That is okay. Start with your VIN and Partify can guide the match.
Watch the Partify tutorial
A quick visual walkthrough for locating your vehicle information.
General timing
Plan enough time for each stage
These are planning ranges, not product specifications. Temperature, humidity, coat thickness, and the paint system can change them.
| Stage | General range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Touch dry | 15-60 minutes | The surface no longer appears or feels wet. |
| Typical recoat | 15-30+ minutes | Check the product label before adding another layer. |
| Careful handling | After 24 hours | Continue protecting the repair from contact and moisture. |
| Full cure | 7-30 days | Delay washing or polishing until your product allows it. |
For a better result
Keep these three rules in view
- Use thin coats
Heavy coats dry slowly, shrink more, and can leave a raised repair.
- Keep the area clean
Dust, water, wax, and loose material can prevent a smooth, durable repair.
- Set a realistic goal
Touch-up paint improves small cosmetic damage; it is not a full professional repaint.
Stop and contact us
Do not continue if something looks wrong
- Paint is thick, lumpy, or separated
Reseal and mix only as directed. Contact us if it does not return to a usable consistency.
- The spray pattern is uneven
Stop before spraying the vehicle and check the nozzle, can, and product instructions.
- You are unsure about compatibility
Confirm the primer, color, clear coat, cleaner, and equipment before applying another product.
Common questions
Answers before you begin
Do I need primer?
Primer is recommended when damage reaches bare metal or plastic. If the original primer is intact, it may not be necessary. Follow the system supplied with your order.
Do I need clear coat?
Most modern glossy exterior finishes use clear coat. Paint pens and small bottles use 1K clear. Half pint, pint, and quart clear coat are ready to spray and should not receive reducer or hardener unless the product label specifically says so.
How do tri-coat or pearl colors work?
Tri-coat and many pearl colors use two color layers. If your color is listed as Layer 1 and Layer 2, order and apply both layers in sequence before compatible clear coat.
Will the color look exact?
Partify matches the original factory color as closely as possible. Fading, vehicle age, previous repairs, lighting, clear-coat condition, and application technique can affect the result.
Can I paint over rust?
No. Remove loose rust and complete the needed repair first. Paint over active rust may not adhere properly and damage can continue underneath.
How should I clean and store leftover paint?
Clean applicators immediately with the compatible cleaner named for your system. Wipe the rim, seal the cap tightly, and store the container upright at room temperature away from freezing, heat, and sunlight.
Need help before applying?
Send us your order number and a clear photo of the damage.
Customer Service can help confirm the product format and the next safe step.