FAQs

The paint code for your car is usually found on a sticker or label on your vehicle. It is typically a 3-digit or 4-digit code. Can’t find your car’s colour code? Use our find your paint colour search tool to find your car paint colour code, using your make and model or registration.

An OEM car code, also known as a Manufacturer Specific Code, is a unique 3 or 4 digit code issued to each vehicle make, model, and year to allow for easy identification of each type of vehicle. This unique code is used to identify the specific paint required for each vehicle.

Yes, it is important to wash your car thoroughly before applying touch up paint. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of Auto Aerosol’s paint. Before applying touch up paint, it is crucial that your car is fully dry.

Yes, you can touch up your car paint yourself. However, it is important to use the right touch up paint and to apply it correctly. For the best car touch up paint, take a look at Auto Aerosol’s range of touch up car paint, with car paint for popular makes including Audi, BMW, Tesla, Mercedes, Volvo and more.

Auto Aerosol car paint typically takes about 30 minutes to dry to the touch. However, it is important to allow the paint to dry completely before driving your car or washing it. We recommend that you leave paint to completely dry for at least 24 hours before driving or washing your car.

Yes, Auto Aerosol touch up paint is suitable for use on classic cars. However, if your vehicle was originally painted before the 1970s, it may have a cellulose-based paint, which is much softer than modern finishes. While our touch up paint can still be applied, the blending solution may affect the older paintwork, so we do not recommend its use in these cases. That said, most classic and vintage cars have been repainted with modern automotive paints, making them fully compatible with Auto Aerosol products. If you’re unsure, we recommend checking your vehicle’s paint type before applying any touch up products.

Not immediately, no. Freshly painted surfaces are still soft and need time to fully cure. It’s best to wait for about a month after painting before applying Auto Aerosol car touch up paint. This allows the paint to harden properly, ensuring that the touch up will adhere well and provide lasting results.

Yes, touch up paint is a good way to repair minor scratches and chips in your car’s paint. However, it is important to use the right touch up paint and to apply it correctly. To find the right paint colour for your vehicle, take a look at our how to find your colour guide.

The visibility of touch up paint depends on a number of factors, such as the colour of the paint used, the size of the area of repair, and the skill of the person applying the paint.Aerosol Touch Up PaintThe visibility of aerosol touch up paint depends on factors like paint colour, repair size, and application technique. When applied correctly with smooth, even coats, aerosols can blend well with the surrounding paint. It is crucial that the area you are looking to touch up is clean, dry and free from wax, in some cases you may need to prepare the area by sanding away any flaking paint and rust scabs too. For the best results thoroughly shake the can and apply several thin coats to the area, waiting 5-10 minutes in between each coat.Paint PensPaint pens are ideal for small chips and fine scratches, but their application can sometimes be more noticeable, especially on metallic or pearl finishes. Precision is key, and using light, controlled strokes will help minimise visibility. Checking your colour code with our find your paint colour guide beforehand ensures the best match.Paint BottlesDesigned for slightly larger touch ups, paint bottles allow for brush application, which may be more visible if not carefully blended. Thinner layers and feathering the edges can improve the overall look. For best results, use a fine brush and apply a clear coat to enhance the finish.Tins for Spray GunsWhen used with a spray gun, touch up paint provides the most seamless results, particularly for larger areas. Proper preparation, including sanding and priming your vehicle’s bodywork, is essential for ensuring a seamless paint repair. A steady hand and even spray technique will help blend the new paint with the existing finish.

Car touch up paint can last for several years if it is applied correctly and protected from the elements. Looking for advice on how to use touch up paint on your car? Check out our care and repair guides with expert tips on how to apply touch up paint to scratches, washing your car to preserve your car paint, and how to prepare your car for touch up paint application.

Yes, you can remove touch up paint from a car using a variety of methods, such as rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, or a commercial paint remover.

Repairing car scratches with touch up paint requires careful preparation and application to achieve a smooth and professional looking finish.

1. Clean the Area – Start by washing and drying the scratched area thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and debris. For deeper scratches, lightly sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper can help smooth rough edges and improve paint adhesion.
2. Apply the Touch Up Paint – Shake the paint well and carefully apply it in thin, even layers using a brush, paint pen, or aerosol spray, depending on the Auto Aerosol product you are using. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to build up the colour gradually.
3. Blend and Finish – Once the touch up paint has dried, apply a clear coat for added protection and a glossy finish. Buff the area gently with a microfiber cloth to blend the repair with the surrounding paintwork.

For more detailed guidance, check out our beginner’s guide to removing light scuffs, scratches, and marks from your car.

Yes, you can wash your car after applying touch up paint. However, it is important to wait at least 24 hours after applying any Auto Aerosol car touch up paint before washing your vehicle.

Yes, Auto Aerosol paint is waterproof once it has been allowed to completely dry. We recommend leaving car touch up paint to dry for at least 24 hours before driving in wet conditions or washing your car.

Touch up paint typically takes around two weeks to fully cure, so it’s best to be cautious and avoid pressure washing this area during this time. To protect the repaired area, we suggest washing your car by hand, using gentle techniques to avoid disturbing the fresh paint. For more tips, check out our guide on how to wash your car without damaging your paint.

Yes, Auto Aerosol car touch up paint can be applied to rusted bodywork to cover the affected area effectively. However, it’s important to note that Auto Aerosol paint is not a rust inhibitor, so over time, moisture trapped in the damaged area may cause the paint to lift. To help prevent this, rust inhibitor products are available at car accessory stores and can help slow the progression of rust, though they won’t completely eliminate it.

No, we don’t keep pre-made stock of our paints. Due to the wide range of colours available, we mix each paint to order daily. This ensures that the product you receive is fresh and has a longer shelf life, providing you with the best possible quality for your touch up needs.

Yes, we can match paint even without a colour code. If you’re unable to find the colour code for your vehicle, use our find my paint colour search tool using your registration or make and model. In some cases you can simply provide us with a paint sample or a part of the vehicle, and we’ll match the paint for you. Feel free to contact us directly to discuss your specific requirements and we’ll assist you in finding the perfect colour match.