Select the product in your order for a clear, five-step application guide. Read the complete process
before opening the paint.
Guide source
Partify paint-process guidance
Updated
July 2026
Most important
Your product label takes priority
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 or license plate instead.
01
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
1
Show the entire label
Include the surrounding door jamb, console, trunk, or engine-bay area so the label can be identified.
2
Take one close-up
Keep the camera square to the label and make sure every letter and number is sharp.
3
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]
Label wording differs by manufacturer. Do not order from these examples.
No readable label?
That is okay. Start with your VIN or license plate and Partify can guide the match.
These are planning ranges, not product specifications. Temperature, humidity, coat thickness, and the paint system can change them.
General touch-up paint drying and curing ranges
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. It adds gloss and protection. Clear coat may be included in a kit or sold separately.
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.
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|$5 OFF with VIN
Available for car and truck model years 1990 and newer.
Disclaimer: Entering your VIN is a simplified way of submitting your year, make, and model. We do not use the VIN to verify fitment. Please use product fitment details for ordering the correct parts.
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