Touch Up Paint

SPRAY CAN Kit Instructions

Thank you for ordering a Spray Can Kit from PaintScratch! Each spray can covers approximately six square feet.
We want your touch up to turn out great - these step-by-step instructions will help ensure your vehicle looks its
best! Please contact us with any questions. Check out our how-to video here: https://youtu.be/xl_dOL_lCdI

Kit Includes
• 12 oz spray can of your vehicle’s basecoat color (the actual color you ordered)
• 12 oz spray can of clearcoat (protects the basecoat and makes it glossy)
• 2 oz Rubbing Compound (to make the touch up smooth and shiny)
• Pair of gloves (for safety)
• Tri-coat orders only: 12 oz Spray Can of your vehicle’s Midcoat Color (a tinted, transparent layer of paint applied
over the Basecoat to slightly change the color)

IMPORTANT: Before you get started, practice the whole paint application process on a
scrap surface (such as a metal can or glossy sheet of paper). This test will give you a
good feel for the paint, drying time, and color match! Customers who practice beforehand
are generally happier with their results.

Applying Paint to Your Vehicle

Step 1: Get prepared, be safe and look super cool.
Before you start the touch up, make sure you’re wearing protective
clothing, gloves, protective glasses or goggles, and a dual cartridge
respirator. Keep the products away from children and work in a well
ventilated space. For spraying, check that the humidity is below 50% and
the temperature is around 70°F and not over 80°F.

Step 2: Practice spraying & test for color match

Before spraying the Basecoat on your vehicle, make sure the color
matches. Holding the spray can approximately 10 inches (25cm) away
from a test surface (such as the glossy test paper included in your kit),
apply an even coat of paint. Practice spraying over a large surface evenly
and without drips. Wait 15-minutes until the area is dry, then repeat 2-3
times. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then compare the color to your
vehicle.

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Step 3: Thoroughly clean damaged area

You will first need to clean the damaged area. For best results, we
recommend using our Wax & Grease Remover (available on Amazon
at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019HWROWS/). Alternatively, dish
detergent and water will work; you do not want any grease or oil on the
areas you are touching up.

If you have a rusted area, sand or wire brush the area, and then apply a
rust remover such as Rust Off (available on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N37DB19).

Step 4: Tape off the damaged section

Use automotive masking tape and paper to protect area surrounding the
damage. You can use newspaper, but it will leave a fine dust which may
show up in your paint job.

Pro-tip: For best results, tape off at a natural boundary such as the edge
of a door, a panel line on your car, etc. If you simply tape around the
damaged area, it will result in an obvious paint line when you remove the
tape. When you blend the paint into a larger area, the new paint appears
more seamless.

Step 5: Scuff the area within the taped boundary

Using 600 grit sandpaper, sand down the entire area you wish to paint.
If you are comfortable using an electric sander, this can speed up the
process considerably. Always finish by wetsanding the area with plenty of
water to create a smooth surface for the paint.

Step 6: Prime unpainted surfaces

Primer is not included in the kit you ordered. (12 oz. Primer Spray Can
available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019JIXIWK). If you
are fixing an unpainted surface such as bare metal, plastic, or rubber,
you should first apply 2-3 thin coats of Primer and let it dry completely
between layers. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the process.

After you’ve finished priming, wetsand the area to even out imperfections
and create a smooth surface for the Basecoat.

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Step 7: Apply the Basecoat Color

Spray several thin coats of basecoat paint, allowing each coat to dry
completely. Additional instructions for tri-coats at the bottom of these
instructions.

Pro-Tip: If you make a mistake during the Basecoat application, you can
use automotive lacquer thinner to remove paint and try again. (available
on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006GHZHYA)

Step 8: Get a smooth surface with Rubbing Compound

When the Basecoat is completely dry, wetsand or use the rubbing
compound included in your kit to smooth out the surface. Once the
surface is to your liking, clean the area with a clean wet rag and finish
with a tack rag. Allow the surface to dry completely.

Step 9: Clearcoat practice & application

When the surface is completely dry, you can start applying Clearcoat.
If you’re working in low temperatures, or humid conditions, you may
need to allow the Basecoat to dry overnight or longer. Practice using the
Clearcoat over the Basecoat on the glossy test paper before using it on
your vehicle. Gently apply several light, even layers, allowing each layer
to dry completely.

Step 10: Get a smooth finish with rubbing compound

Give the Clearcoat around 3 days to dry completely. When you’re sure it’s
dry, apply rubbing compound to a clean, cotton fabric, like a t-shirt, and
polish the area. Without this step, the paint will not shine properly. Do not
use a bath towel, wash cloth, or any dirty fabric, it will scratch the finish.

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Step 11: Be proud of your touch-up job!

Good job! You touched-up your vehicle and it looks much better. Make sure
you wait 30 days before waxing and safely store all leftover paint and other
automotive products away from children.

IMPORTANT: Hazards and Safety

Automotive touch up products including Primer, Basecoat, Clearcoat, and Laquer Thinner are EXTREMELY
hazardous. Keep away from children! Call a physician IMMEDIATELY if swallowed. To reduce health hazards,
ensure adequate ventilation when using products. Use an approved automotive paint respirator and wear safety
goggles to protect your eyes. If you experience any dizziness, discontinue product use immediately and call
physician. Keep out of direct sunlight and store at a temperature between 32F and 120F. DO NOT STORE IN CAR.
Contains HAZARDOUS Waste. EPA requires proper disposal. This product contains chemicals known to the state
of California to cause birth defects, cancer and other health problems.

Additional Tips & Tricks

• The spray can nozzle is not shipped attached to the spray can! There will be two nozzles. A standard white
nozzle (larger one) and an adjustable nozzle to produce different patterns. Please attach the nozzle to the spray
can stem before you begin.
• If you are repairing a non-metal surface, you will need to apply SEM Adhesion Promoter before spraying your
Primer in order to ensure your paint does not peel.
• Do not spray primer, paint or clearcoat in direct sunlight! Make sure the temperature is at least 50°F but around
70°F is ideal. If it is too hot, the paint can dry before hitting the vehicle, leaving a rough surface.
• By adjusting the distance you spray from the surface, the Clearcoat can lighten or darken the paint. To lighten
the paint, hold the spray can farther away. Holding the can closer will darken the paint. This will take a bit of
practice and does not always work with some paint colors. Practice spraying OFF your car first to see how the
technique works.
• If you make a mistake, you can completely remove paint with automotive lacquer thinner and start over without
damaging the original finish. Laquer thinner will remove new paint for up to a few weeks.
• It helps to wrap the spray can in a rag to catch any unforeseen drips. If you accidentally drip on your vehicle,
don’t try to wipe it off, you will make it worse. Just let it dry, wet sand the drip, and re-coat the area.
• If you get paint on your skin, remove with paint thinner and wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Do not apply our paint over enamel paint or enamel primer.
• Practice applying paint before you apply it to your car so you get a good feel for the paint.
• Store paint in a cool, dry place. Do not leave it in your vehicle - heat will cause it to dry it up.

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Tri-coat paint touch ups

Using Midcoat paint for Tri-coat paint jobs
Tri-coat finishes include an additional layer of tinted, transparent Midcoat
Paint. A thin layer of Midcoat is applied between the Basecoat and
Clearcoat. In order to successfully match a tri-coat, you should practice
on a scrap piece of metal or plastic.

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