Auto Finish Repairs
Most newer cars have the color code on a panel right inside the door or glove compartment.
If you don't find it there, by all means, don't resort to guesswork! Call the dealer or local auto parts store and give them the year, make and model of your vehicle. From this information, they'll be able to locate your color code so you can be sure of an exact match on your touch-up.
Before painting a scratch, you'll need to do some prep work. For a minor scratch, all you'll need do is wash the area with a rag dipped in warm, soapy water. Using a circular motion, rub over the scratch firmly but gently to remove any dirt or grit trapped in the groove of the scratch.
Then just rinse and allow to sit long enough so the area has dried completely before painting the scratch.
If you need to remove a small area of rust from the scratch, use a product called a rust converter. Simply follow the manufacturer's directions on the can.
Once the scratch is clean and rust-free, you're ready to paint. Shake up the bottle of paint thoroughly, then remove the lid with the brush attachment from the bottle.
For thin scratches use a toothpick or a special applicator tip. (Applicator tips are available in auto supply stores.) Dab the tip or toothpick into the paint to get just a small amount on the end. Then carefully fill in along the length of the scratch, working in one direction; don't rub back and forth.
After you've allowed the paint to dry completely, you'll want to top off the area with a clear coat.
To fill larger scratches, you'll need to first sand the entire area with heavy- grit sandpaper. Follow this with a fine-grit sandpaper until there's a "feathered" edge all around the damaged area that helps it blend back into the surrounding surface.
Use a rag to wipe off any residue, then mix up some body filler, following the directions on the container. Using a small rubber paddle (these are also available in auto parts stores), apply the filler to the damaged area in very thin coats. Finally, sand with heavy-grit sandpaper, again followed by a fine-grit sanding.
Tip: Don't try to use a heavier application with fewer coats -- you risk over-applying and won't be able to sand the filler flat with the surface if it dries too thick.
When you're ready to prime and paint, tape off the surrounding area with newspaper and masking tape. This will prevent paint from darkening non-damaged areas. If you have difficulty keeping the aerosol paint in just the affected areas, try protecting the area with a more closely matched size of cover.
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