Touch-up paint is the fastest, cheapest way to fix small chips and scratches on your car — if you apply it properly. Done right, the repair disappears into the original finish. Done wrong, it looks worse than the chip.
This guide walks you through the exact process we recommend to every FixyPaint customer.
What you'll need
- Your bottle of hand-mixed touch-up paint
- Microfiber cloth and mild soap
- Isopropyl alcohol or a panel-wipe solvent
- 2000-grit wet sandpaper
- Clear coat (often included with your paint)
- Fine-tip applicator or toothpick
- Polishing compound (optional, for the final blend)
Before you start: pick the right colour
Every vehicle has a factory paint code stamped on a door jamb, engine bay or VIN label. If you haven't found yours, our paint code guide covers every major brand. FixyPaint matches the bottle to your exact code — no eyeballing.
Step 1 — Clean the area
Wash the panel with soap and water, then dry it. Wipe the chip itself with isopropyl alcohol. Any wax, grease or road film stops the paint adhering.
Step 2 — Prep the chip
If the chip is rough or rusty, scuff the edges lightly with 2000-grit wet sandpaper. Don't enlarge the chip — just smooth it. Wipe dry.
Step 3 — Apply the paint
Shake the bottle for a full minute. Use a toothpick or fine applicator (not the brush in the cap — too much paint, wrong shape). Dab small amounts into the chip, building up thin layers. Wait 10–15 minutes between coats.
The goal is to fill the chip slightly below the surrounding paint level, not above. Patience wins here.
Step 4 — Build up layers
Most chips need 2–4 coats. Let each coat flash (lose its wet shine) before adding the next. If you see a crater, add another thin dab.
Step 5 — Clear coat
Once the colour sits flush with the paint around it, apply 1–2 coats of clear over the top. Clear gives the repair its gloss. Let cure for at least 24 hours before touching.
Step 6 — Level and polish (optional)
After 48–72 hours of curing, wet-sand the repair flat with 2000-grit, then polish with a fine compound. This is what makes a pro job look invisible.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the brush in the bottle cap. Too thick, too blobby. Use a toothpick.
- Applying in direct sun or below 10°C. Paint won't flash or cure properly.
- Skipping clear coat. Colour alone looks matte next to glossy paint.
- Polishing too early. You'll strip fresh paint. Wait 48+ hours.
When to see a pro
Touch-up paint is built for chips up to ~5 mm and fine scratches. Deeper gouges down to metal, or damage spanning a full panel, need body-shop repair.
Ready to get started?
Find your colour with our touch-up paint range — every bottle is hand-mixed to your factory code for an exact match.