While driving down the road, you inevitably will, from time to time, get nicks and scratches on your car’s valuable paint job.
You might think you need to take it to the dealership to get that tiny nick fixed, but that is not necessarily the case.
Making them unnoticeable, all while costing you a fraction of what you would spend at the dealership.
In the following roundup, we are going to take a look at some of our favorite touch up paints to determine which one truly shines above the rest. So, let’s get started identifying the right product for your vehicle.
Contents
- 1 Best Automotive Touch Up Paint Comparison Table
- 2 Top 10 Best Automotive Touch Up Paint In 2022 Reviews
- 2.1 1 Genuine Honda (08703-YR612PAH-PN) Touch-Up Paint
- 2.2 2 Carfidant Scratch & Swirl Remover
- 2.3 3 Genuine Toyota 00258-00040-21 White Touch-Up Paint Pen
- 2.4 4 AUDI Genuine Touch-Up Paint Ibis White LY9C/T9/Y9C
- 2.5 5 Dupli-Color BUN0300 Universal White Perfect Match Automotive Paint
- 2.6 6 Plasti Dip 11212 Glossifier 11. Fluid
- 2.7 7 Sheffield 1126 Porcelain Touch-Up White
- 2.8 8 SEM 39143 Trim Black Aerosol
- 2.9 9 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram(9598) PW7 Bright White Touch Up Paint Mopar OEM
- 2.10 10 ACDelco 19328528 Black (WA8555) Four-In-One Touch-up Paint
- 3 Best Automotive Touch Up Paint Buying Guide
- 4 Before We Announce Our Winner
- 5 Final Thoughts on The Best Automotive Touch Up Paint
Best Automotive Touch Up Paint Comparison Table
Name | Make | Paint Code | Color | Price | Rating |
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Make Honda | Paint Code YR612P | Color Orange Fire Pearl | Price $$ | ![]() |
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Also Great Carfidant Scratch & Swirl Remover ![]() View Price | Make Universal | Paint Code Universal | Color Clear | Price $$$ | ![]() |
Make Toyota | Paint Code 040 | Color White | Price $$ | ![]() |
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Make Audi | Paint Code LY9C, T9, or Y9C | Color Ibis White | Price $$$ | ![]() |
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Make Universal | Paint Code Universal | Color Ibis White | Price $$ | ![]() |
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Make Universal | Paint Code Universal | Color Clear | Price $ | ![]() |
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Make Universal | Paint Code Universal | Color Gloss White | Price $ | ![]() |
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Also Great SEM 39143 Trim Black Aerosol ![]() View Price | Make Universal | Paint Code Universal | Color Black | Price $$ | ![]() |
Make Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler | Paint Code PW7 | Color Bright White | Price $$ | ![]() |
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Make GM | Paint Code WA8555 | Color Black | Price $$ | ![]() |
Top 10 Best Automotive Touch Up Paint In 2022 Reviews
1
Genuine Honda (08703-YR612PAH-PN) Touch-Up Paint
This Orange Fire Pearl touch-up paint is for Honda models with a paint code of YR612P. It comes in a 0.25 fl. oz. bottle.
When you take the cap off the bottle, you will notice that the applicator looks just like the tip of a pen. You do not need to apply much pressure for the paint to come out. We felt that a little goes a long way with this particular Honda touch up paint.’
This paint dries reasonably quickly, depending on how hot it is outside. If you leave it to dry at a temperature below 70 degrees, it may take a bit longer to set completely. You should let the paint dry overnight to be on the safe side, either way, before applying anything else on top of it.
We recommend applying a bit of the clear coat found in the lower section of the bottle on top of the touch-up paint as well to protect it further.
If you want to add an automotive wax, you can, after a few days. But, you will typically get the best waxing results after the paint, and the clear coat has had at least 30 days to dry.
Pros
- 0.25 fl. oz. bottle.
- Easy to use pen-type applicator.
- Suitable for Honda models with paint code YR612P.
Cons
- Instructions are tiny and difficult to read.
2
Carfidant Scratch & Swirl Remover
Some of the better automotive touch up paints can be used on numerous vehicles, no matter the color of their paint.
Carfidant’s Scratch and Swirl Remover is a prime example of an all-around touch-up paint like this. This product comes in a large 8.4 fluid ounce bottle.
It works well at removing light scratches, swirls, and oxidation from your car’s factory paint. It’s easy to apply, and Carfidant has included a buffing pad for applying. You will not have to use much of this scratch and swirl remover before you start noticing some great results.
Light swirls fade quickly, but the more you buff, the better the end result will be. You can also apply this compound on to orbital type sanders or machine polishers for even better results.
If you have very deep scratches, this product is not as effective, unfortunately. We would recommend going with a color matching touch up paint to fill those types of defects.
When you are done applying or buffing out this scratch and swirl remover with the included buffing pad, you will want to clean it straight away. We found that if left to dry on the foam pad, it is difficult to wash out later.
Pros
- All in one touch-up solution.
- Includes reusable buffing pad applicator.
- Large 8.4 fl. oz. bottle.
Cons
- Will not remove deep scratches.
3
Genuine Toyota 00258-00040-21 White Touch-Up Paint Pen
This next touch up paint is perfect if you have a white model Toyota that has a 040-paint code.
It comes in a reasonably sized ½ fluid ounce bottle and can be applied in the same fashion as you would any other ballpoint pen type touch up paint.
When applying this touch-up paint, you should be wary of using too much. We actually found it easier to apply using a small brush or foam pad.
The white paint it uses is rather thick, so make sure to give it plenty of time to dry in between layers. It does make quick work of filling up deep scratches, though.
Once hardened and dried, you will not get much shine from the area that you have touched up. You will want to apply a clear coat of some kind on top of this paint.
You will want to clean off the tip of this pen-style touch-up paint extremely well after use. If you leave any residual paint on it, the pen might clog.
We experienced this firsthand and ended up having to use paint thinner to unclog it.
Pros
- Perfect color match with Toyota paint code 040.
- Able to fill deep scratches easily.
Cons
- Easy to clog.
- It takes a rather long time to dry thoroughly.
4
AUDI Genuine Touch-Up Paint Ibis White LY9C/T9/Y9C
Touching up the paint on an Audi certainly will not come cheap at a dealer. This Ibis White touch-up paint is offered directly from Audi and is a perfect match for paint codes T9, LY9C, or Y9C.
This is a two-piece set that includes a clear varnish along with the touch-up paint.
When you unscrew the lid of each bottle, you will notice the small paintbrush type indicator attached to the underside of the cap lid. Applying it, you will want to go over the scratch or defect in a straight line. This paint is best used on areas no bigger than a dime in size.
You will want to let each coat dry for up to 20 minutes between applications and let it sit overnight before using the clear varnish that is included.
The included varnish is excellent for sealing any paint you previously applied. This will also help give a shine to the previously defected surface.
You will want to apply the varnish the same way you did the paint. It will also take about 20 minutes for each layer to dry, and you should go over it a few times for the best results.
We would recommend applying a light waxing compound when finished to bring the most out of the paint and varnish.
Pros
- Easy to apply pencil style brushes.
- Each coat dries in 20 minutes or less.
- Includes varnish for added protection.
Cons
- Not intended for use on defects larger than a dime.
5
Dupli-Color BUN0300 Universal White Perfect Match Automotive Paint
This 8-ounce aerosol touch up paint will not only diminish the appearance of any dings in your paint but will also improve your car’s clear coat as well.
While you can use this on smaller spots, you might notice that it tends to drip a bit when it is sprayed on. The best use for this aerosol is actually on large sections of your car, like your rear bumper.
This Dupli-Color touch-up aerosol spray is universal for all white color vehicles. You will want to make sure that your car is plain white and not some mixture like pearl white.
We found that you will want to use the entirety of this spray in one go. Once you shake it and the contents are thoroughly mixed, you will want to use it right away too.
It blends and flows exceptionally well across the surface you are painting. You end up with a smooth and glossy surface, very reminiscent of your factory paint job.
If you were to try and use it again later down the line, we noticed that it does not perform quite as well. Coverage just was not as uniform the second time around.
Pros
- Works universally on all-white vehicles.
- Leaves your paint looking like new.
- Ideal for larger paint jobs.
Cons
- It is rather tricky to apply correctly.
6
Plasti Dip 11212 Glossifier 11. Fluid
Our next best automotive touch-up paint is intended to add some gloss while also touching up your paint. Plasti Dip Glossifier comes in a generous 11 fluid ounce spray bottle.
You can spray this directly on to light swirls or scratches in your paint to help lighten any defects and give them a glossier appearance.
This also applies what Plasti Dip calls Fadebuster™, which essentially sanitizes the surface it is on while helping the paint keep its color better over time, and prevent fading.
This product is intended to be used on materials that have already been covered with Plasti Dip automotive color paint.
You can use this product alone, but you will notice that it will not adhere quite as well. This also does not spray on like your typical aerosol paint. It comes out a bit thicker and will leave a wet-looking appearance to the applied area. We found it best to apply it in short bursts.
You do not need to rub it in. Plasti Dip Glossifier also takes at least eight hours to dry fully. It should be applied out of direct sunlight and in an environment that is not too windy.
Pros
- Adds gloss and prevents fading.
- Easy to spray on.
- Streak-free application.
Cons
- Results can vary if not used on top of other Plasti Dip products.
7
Sheffield 1126 Porcelain Touch-Up White
Sheffield’s Porcelain Touch Paint is more than a one-trick pony. This paint is intended for use on white porcelain surfaces.
We found that this works just as well as automotive touch-up paint, though. This is one extremely long-lasting touch-up paint.
You apply it by using the brush type pad found in the cap. This paint works just as well at filling in large chips on minute scratches. It dries extremely quickly and leaves the area it is applied to rather shiny. If you find it too shiny, we recommend using a coarse buffing pad to dull it a bit.
Once this paint has set, it will not be going anywhere for a long time, so make sure to wipe off any access paint as soon as possible. It is even made to withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees.
Pros
- Brush type applicator.
- Waterproof, washable, and chip-proof.
- Made to stand up against heat.
Cons
- It might be a bit too shiny for some.
8
SEM 39143 Trim Black Aerosol
Sometimes you can scratch the trim that goes along your car windows and doors. Thankfully, the SEM39143 Black Aerosol trim paint will quickly make it look just like new.
This trim paint can go from wet to do dry in as little as 5 minutes and comes in a 15-ounce size. It is produced to match the color used by original equipment manufacturers as closely as possible.
After applying it, all your plastic trim will still maintain the same amount of flexibility it originally had.
This type of aerosol trim paint adheres best to plastic trim, but it can also be used on metal as well. You will want to make sure to prep any metal sections before you apply this touch-up paint, though.
We recommend scuffing up the metal with a coarse pad or by spraying on a bit of primer beforehand. The added abrasions in the metal will make it easier for the aerosol to adhere to.
It sprays on rather thin, so you will want to put on a few coats to achieve the best end results. Also, make sure you shake the spray can extremely well to thoroughly mix the contents before use.
We would also recommend against using this on any engine compartment covers. This SEM trim paint is not fire-rated.
Pros
- Leaves your trim looking new.
- Usable on metal.
- Plastic trim keeps its flexibility.
Cons
- Not safe for use in high heat areas like your engine bay.
9
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram(9598) PW7 Bright White Touch Up Paint Mopar OEM
Mopar is a well-known name, and their touch-up paint we were lucky enough to test was their Bright White color. This paint will work perfectly on any of the vehicle manufacturer models in the product name with a PW7 paint code.
Some of the best automotive touch-up paint for your Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge vehicles…
You can unscrew the 0.25 fluid ounce bottle from both ends. The top section houses the white touch-up part and brush type applicator. If you unscrew the bottom, they have also included a bit of clear coat as well. You can apply the clear coat with the included sponge.
There is also a tiny sanding tip for removing small amounts of rust. Overall results turned out well using this paint and clearcoat combo.
You may notice that the finished surface is not quite as smooth as the surrounding areas, though. We saw that this is mostly due to how you apply the clear coat. So, make sure you have a steady hand and do not apply too thick of a layer.
Pros
- Comes with a sanding tip.
- Includes a clear coat.
- Suitable for paint code PW7 automobiles.
Cons
- You may require PSU extension cables.
10
ACDelco 19328528 Black (WA8555) Four-In-One Touch-up Paint
The last touch up paint we want to talk about is from ACDelco. This black colored paint is for use with any GM vehicles that have a WA8555 paint code.
Included in this small ACDelco bottle, you will find 0.25 fluid ounces of base coat and clear coat.
The included applicator can be used in 4 different ways. It incorporates a cleaning and surface prep tool made from fiberglass. You also have a pen-style applicator that allows you to roll on the base coat, and a thin brush for covering larger areas and paint chips.
Before applying the touch-up paint or clear coat, you will want to make sure you shake the contents well. Integrated inside the pen-shaped bottle is an agitator that aids in making sure it is properly mixed.
One thing we did notice is that the lower section of the bottle holding the clearcoat can easily come loose. Make sure it is fully tightened before use. That way, you do not accidentally spill the clear coat all over the place.
Pros
- 4 in 1 type applicator.
- Compatible with black WA5555 GM paint codes.
- Separate 0.25 fluid oz sections for paint and clear coat.
Cons
- The lower clear coat section comes undone easily.
Best Automotive Touch Up Paint Buying Guide
Types of Touch Up Paint
A paint intended for light touch-ups will typically come with a pen-style applicator, brush, or should be sprayed on. You may also find touch-up paint that acts more like a buffing compound that can be applied using a foam pad too.
They are not typically for use on areas larger than a dime or a quarter unless stated in their instructions.
Some touch-up paints are intended for use on other materials like porcelain. This does not mean that they will not work just as well on your car, though. Make sure to note the drying times of your chosen paint before you begin applying it.
Locating Your Paint Code
Car manufacturers will typically label the exact paint code for your vehicle somewhere in or on the car. Not all manufacturers place this code in the same place, though.
Honda labels their paint codes on the inside of the driver’s door and occasionally on the firewall of the car. Honda paint codes contain a combination of letters, numbers, and dashes.
Toyota also labels their paint codes in the driver’s side doorjamb. These 3-digit codes will have both letters and numbers.
Audi paint codes consist of two to four letters, numbers, or a combination of both. You can usually find them labeled around the trunk compartment.
Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep vehicles paint codes will start with a P typically. It will be a combination of three letters and or numbers and will most often be located anywhere from the driver’s side door to the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Those are just a few examples; the exact location of your paint code is not always easy to find. We recommend doing a quick search online or contacting the manufacturer for help finding your matching paint code.
If you still cannot find your paint code, we would recommend that you test any touch-up paint before use on a less visible location somewhere on the vehicle to make sure it matches.
Applying Touch Up Paint
Once you have the correct touch-up paint, you need to do a few things before you apply it.
You want to start off by placing your vehicle out of the sun and preferably in a less humid environment. Then you will want to start thoroughly cleaning the surface where the paint will be applied with a grease remover and soap.
If the spot you are going to paint is rusted, you will want to try and remove as much rust as possible with 220 grit sandpaper. Once you have cleaned the area thoroughly, you can choose to add a bit of primer before applying the actual touch up paint.
The touch-up paint should be applied as evenly as possible. You can add a bit of clear coat on top if you want to afterward to protect it further.
Depending on the touch-up paint you use, you might find that it includes everything you need for cleaning, rust removal, and applying.
Before We Announce Our Winner
Love taking care of your vehicle? You might also be interested in reviews for the Best Buffing Pads, the Best Bug Tar Removers, and the Best Car Vacuum Cleaners on the market. Or, if you’re doing your own maintenance regularly, head to the Best Mechanic Gloves the Best Carburetor Cleaners reviews.
Back to touch up paint…
Final Thoughts on The Best Automotive Touch Up Paint
Well, the one that takes top marks in this roundup is definitely… ACDelco’s 19328528 Four-In-One Touch-up Paint.
Thanks to its multipurpose applicator, applying this touch-up paint is a breeze.
It comes with everything you need from prepping the surface to applying a clear coat at the end. You will not even be able to tell that there was ever a defect in your paint when all is said and done.
Anyone with a black GM model vehicle that has a WA5555 paint code will be glad to have this touch-up paint on hand to fill up any unsightly scratches.
We certainly were impressed with the results. Here’s to a scratch-free vehicle.