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Scratches and chips happen. No matter how careful you are, your car’s paint job is constantly under attack from road debris, door dings, and the occasional rogue shopping cart. A good touch-up paint can make those imperfections disappear, or at least become far less noticeable. I’ve tried a bunch over the years, and believe me, not all touch-up paints are created equal. This guide will walk you through some of the best options out there, so you can keep your ride looking its best.
Product Overview
- ERA Paints Automotive Touch Up Paint: Exact match, easy application, wide color range.
- Quixx 00070-US Paint Scratch Remover Kit: Great for light scratches, includes everything you need, good value.
- Dupli-Color BTY1623 Universal Black Exact-Match Automotive Touch-Up Paint: Convenient applicator, fast drying, affordable.
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment 19368772 Black Touch-Up Paint: GM quality, precise color match for GM vehicles, durable finish.
- Mopar Factory Oem Authentic Touch Up Paint: Factory-matched Mopar colors, convenient pen applicator, prevents rust.
Top 5 Best Touch Up Paint Reviews
1. ERA Paints Automotive Touch Up Paint
ERA Paints offers a custom-mixed touch-up paint designed to perfectly match your vehicle’s original color. They focus on providing an exact match and easy application, making it a great option for those who want professional-looking results at home. The paint comes in various sizes and application methods, catering to different needs.
Pros:
- ✅ Exact color match guaranteed.
- ✅ Easy to apply with included applicators.
- ✅ Wide range of colors available.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more expensive than universal options.
- ❌ Requires knowing your car’s paint code.
- ❌ May require clear coat for best results (sold separately).
Verdict: Ideal for those who prioritize an exact color match and are willing to invest a bit more for professional-looking results. It’s especially good if you have a newer car and want to maintain its original factory finish.
2. Quixx 00070-US Paint Scratch Remover Kit
The Quixx Paint Scratch Remover Kit isn’t technically touch-up paint, but it’s an excellent solution for removing light scratches and swirl marks. This kit includes a polishing compound and sandpaper designed to gently buff out imperfections, restoring the paint’s original shine. It’s a great option for addressing minor cosmetic issues without needing to repaint.
Pros:
- ✅ Effectively removes light scratches and swirl marks.
- ✅ Includes all necessary tools and materials.
- ✅ More affordable than professional scratch repair.
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for deep scratches or chips that expose the metal.
- ❌ Requires some elbow grease and patience.
- ❌ May not work on all types of paint.
Verdict: A solid choice for DIYers looking to fix minor scratches and imperfections without the need for paint. It’s best for surface-level damage and can save you a trip to the body shop.
3. Dupli-Color BTY1623 Universal Black Exact-Match Automotive Touch-Up Paint
Dupli-Color is a well-known brand in automotive paint, and their BTY1623 Universal Black touch-up paint is a popular choice for black vehicles. This paint is designed to be an exact match for most factory black finishes. It features an easy-to-use applicator and dries quickly, making it a convenient option for small touch-ups.
Pros:
- ✅ Convenient pen applicator for precise application.
- ✅ Fast-drying formula.
- ✅ Affordable and readily available.
Cons:
- ❌ Color match may not be perfect for all shades of black.
- ❌ Can be prone to drips if not applied carefully.
- ❌ Not as durable as some other touch-up paints.
Verdict: A good option for quick and easy touch-ups on black cars, especially for minor chips and scratches. It’s best for those who need a simple and affordable solution.
4. ACDelco GM Original Equipment 19368772 Black Touch-Up Paint
For owners of GM vehicles, the ACDelco GM Original Equipment touch-up paint is designed to provide a factory-matched color. This paint is formulated to meet GM’s standards for quality and durability, ensuring a long-lasting repair. Using this ensures the color is as close to the factory finish as possible.
Pros:
- ✅ GM-approved color match for GM vehicles.
- ✅ High-quality and durable finish.
- ✅ Easy to apply with included brush applicator.
Cons:
- ❌ Only suitable for GM vehicles.
- ❌ Might be pricier than universal options.
- ❌ Limited color selection (primarily GM colors).
Verdict: The best choice for GM owners who want a guaranteed color match and a durable repair. You can be confident that the repair will blend seamlessly with the original paint.
5. Mopar Factory Oem Authentic Touch Up Paint
Similar to the ACDelco option, the Mopar Factory Oem Authentic Touch Up Paint is specifically designed for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. This paint offers a factory-matched color and helps prevent rust from forming on exposed metal. The pen applicator makes it easy to apply small amounts of paint precisely where needed.
Pros:
- ✅ Factory-matched colors for Mopar vehicles.
- ✅ Convenient pen applicator for precise application.
- ✅ Helps prevent rust.
Cons:
- ❌ Only suitable for Mopar vehicles.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than universal options.
- ❌ Limited color selection (primarily Mopar colors).
Verdict: If you own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram, this is your go-to touch-up paint for maintaining the factory finish and preventing rust. It’s a worthwhile investment to keep your Mopar looking its best.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right touch-up paint can be tricky, but here are a few key things to consider:
- Color Match: This is the most important factor. Try to find the exact color code for your car (usually located on a sticker in the door jamb or glove compartment). If you can’t find the code, take your car to an auto parts store and have them match the color.
- Type of Damage: For light scratches, a scratch remover kit might be sufficient. For deeper chips and scratches, you’ll need touch-up paint.
- Application Method: Touch-up paint comes in various forms, including pens, bottles with brushes, and spray cans. Pens are great for small, precise touch-ups, while bottles with brushes are better for larger areas. Spray cans are best for blending larger repairs.
- Paint Type: Consider the type of paint your car has (e.g., base coat/clear coat, single-stage). You may need to purchase a separate clear coat for best results.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands like ERA Paints, Dupli-Color, ACDelco, and Mopar for the best quality and color match.
- Read Reviews: Always check customer reviews to see how well the paint matches and how easy it is to apply.
FAQs
Q: How do I find my car’s paint code?
A: Your car’s paint code is typically located on a sticker in the door jamb (usually the driver’s side) or in the glove compartment. It may also be listed in your owner’s manual.
Q: Can I use touch-up paint on plastic bumpers?
A: Yes, but you may need to use a special adhesion promoter for plastic surfaces to ensure the paint sticks properly.
Q: How many coats of touch-up paint should I apply?
A: Apply thin, even coats of touch-up paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Usually, two to three coats are sufficient.
Q: Do I need to apply a clear coat after touch-up paint?
A: If your car has a base coat/clear coat finish, you’ll likely need to apply a clear coat after the touch-up paint to protect the repair and blend it with the surrounding paint.
Q: How long does touch-up paint take to dry?
A: Drying times vary depending on the paint and environmental conditions, but most touch-up paints will be dry to the touch in 30 minutes to an hour. Allow 24 hours for the paint to fully cure.
Conclusion
Finding the right touch-up paint is key to keeping your car looking its best. Whether you need to fix a minor scratch or a more significant chip, there’s a product out there that can help. Consider the color match, application method, and type of damage when making your choice, and you’ll be well on your way to a flawless finish. I hope this guide helps you choose the best touch-up paint for your car!
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