Starting some DIY car paint repairs and need some more guidance on car touch up paint? Take a look at our glossary terms to get you started, whether you are repairing a new scuff, mark or scratch to your car, or are looking to keep your classic car in good condition.
Aerosol Paint
A sprayable car paint packaged in a pressurised can, ideal for evenly applying touch up paint to car surfaces. Take a look at Auto Aerosol’s car touch up paint range.
Base Coat
The primary layer of paint that provides the vehicle’s colour. It’s applied before the clear coat for a seamless finish.
Clear Coat
A transparent top layer that protects the base coat and adds a glossy or matte finish to the paintwork of your vehicle.
Colour Code
A unique three or four digit code assigned to a vehicle’s paint colour, ensuring a precise match for touch up repairs. Take a look at our find your car colour search tool to find the exact paint match for your vehicle using your make and model or registration.
Metallic Paint
A type of car paint containing metallic flakes that give vehicles a shimmering, reflective finish. Metallic paint, especially silver or gold, can vary in shade due to the metallic particles included within the paint make up, causing darker paint application in some light conditions.
Pearlescent Paint
Pearlescent or tri coat finish includes pearl-like particles for a lustrous, multi-tone effect that catches the light.
Primer
A preparatory coating applied to a car’s surface before painting to ensure that the paint sticks to the chosen area for paint application, this is particularly recommended for areas of your vehicle where there is exposed metal or rust.
Scratch Repair
The process of using car touch up paint to fill and blend minor scratches in a vehicle’s surface.
Chip Repair
The technique of applying car touch up paint to small paint chips caused by road debris or wear.
Paint Blending
A method of gradually blending new paint into the surrounding area for an invisible repair.
OEM Paint
Original Equipment Manufacturer paint; the exact paint used by the car manufacturer to match the vehicle’s factory colour. Each car make and model has a unique three or four digit OEM code. To find your car make and model OEM code, take a look at our find your paint colour guide.
Matte Finish
A non-reflective, non-shiny paint finish. A matte finish has become an increasingly popular choice for car owners, providing a sleek style for their vehicle.
Spray Pattern
The shape and consistency of paint released from an aerosol can is critical for achieving an even application. With Auto Aerosol’s ProJet nozzle the spray provides a wide or pin point paint distribution.
Touch Up Pen
A precise tool with a small pen applicator for fixing very small chips and scratches on a car’s paintwork.
Paint Bottle
A paint bottle is an individual 30ml paint bottle, perfect for those looking for a brush application for paint repairs. Paint bottles allow for a simultaneous application of both paint and a clear coat for a long lasting finish.
Large Paint Tins
Large paint tins are compatible with spray guns, ensuring that you can repair large areas of your vehicle, from bonnets to bumper panels.
Wet Sanding
A sanding technique using water to smooth and level paint surfaces for a professional-quality finish.
Filler Primer
A thick primer that helps fill in deep scratches and imperfections before applying car touch up paint.
Need more advice or guidance on finding the right car touch up paint or applying it to your vehicle? Take a look at our care and repair guides for our top tips, or for quick and easy answers to your questions head to our FAQs.
