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Frequently Asked Questions

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🚘 Frequently Asked Questions: Automotive Touch-Up Paint & Scratch Repair

A comprehensive guide to solving everyday car paint problems—from choosing the right kit to making repairs that look fantastic and last.

❓ Someone scratched my car! What’s the best, easiest, and most affordable fix that lasts?

No stress—we’ve got the perfect solution. With over 1,800 high-value repair kits, we offer simple, affordable ways to fix scratches, chips, and blemishes using purpose-built tools designed to camouflage damage effectively and last long-term.

🎨 What kind of paint do I have?

Most modern vehicles fall into one of these categories:

Paint TypeCharacteristics
Solid PaintNo sparkle when viewed under sunlight
Metallic PaintVisible sparkle under sunlight
2K Tinted ClearSpecialty paint that includes a tinted clear layer
Tri-ColourRequires two shade colours to match the factory finish

Identifying your paint finish is essential for choosing the correct repair product.

🧰 How do I know which paint repair kit I need?

Most kits include core items like:

  1. Work cloths and polish cloths
  2. Application pens 
  3. Gloves and tool caddy
  4. Instructions manual

The actual paint and cleaning products vary, depending on your damage type. The more comprehensive your kit, the better the final result. Visit our homepage to match your damage with the most suitable pen touch kit.

🏷️ Where do I find my car’s paint code?

Look in one of the following locations:

  1. Inside the front door jamb (B-pillar)
  2. Under the hood/bonnet on the vehicle ID label
  3. Inside the boot well (e.g., Audi often uses paper stickers here)

Or just call your brand’s dealership with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and they’ll provide the exact colour and code.

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🧑‍🔧 Do you offer technical support?

Absolutely! You can:

  1. Call a live technician between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday
  2. Text for faster service: Mike at +61 0416 168 746

📚 How do I learn to use the kit I bought?

We’ve gone green! Repair guides are available:

  1. On our online store, under the Guides” tab
  2. Attached to every kit purchased
  3. Each guide includes step-by-step instructions—we recommend reading it twice before starting

You can also:

  1. Email your questions to our technician
  2. Call 1300 135 467 for live help
  3. Watch our DIY tutorial videos online

🔄 Are the repairs permanent?

For pen touch-up kits—yes, they are permanent if applied correctly. However, coloured polishes used for road rash (tiny stone chips) are a temporary cosmetic fix and need regular reapplication. For quick and accurate fixes, we suggest our PenFastic Paint Pen Kits.

💡 Why should I invest in an automotive touch-up pen repair kit?

These kits offer:

  1. Cost-effective camouflage for panel damage
  2. Significant savings compared to professional panel beaters
  3. Ability to replicate factory-like paint layering

Stone chips and scratches happen regularly, and pen touch kits let you manage repairs easily without costly resprays. Unless the damage is extreme, a full respray usually isn’t necessary.

🛠️ Why were these kits developed?

To offer:

  1. An affordable, effective method of hiding paint damage
  2. User-friendly application, as long as instructions are followed

Think of it like your driver’s manual—read first, then drive.

🖌️ Why should I use this pen touch kit?

Because it’s:

  1. Convenient all-in-one paint tool and comprehensive
  2. Designed to maintain your vehicle’s appearance
  3. Tailored for daily damage like chips and blemishes

Our pen touch and pen kits are among the most trusted in Australia.

🎯 Will the colour match my car?

Yes—our paints are sourced from global leading manufacturers and match factory specs. If the match seems off, it’s likely due to:

  1. Faded vehicle paint
  2. Past repainting with lower-quality products

That said, in 98% of cases, our colour match is accurate or close enough to camouflage damage effectively, excluding the cases listed here.

🧼 How do I prep the surface before applying touch-up paint?

Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol or degreaser, remove wax or polish, and lightly sand if needed. Always dry thoroughly before applying any product.

🌦️ Can I apply touch-up paint in any weather?

Ideally, apply in dry conditions between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, rain, or high humidity. Indoor garages or shaded areas are best.

⏱️ How long does the repair process take?

Most pen touch repairs take 30–60 minutes, depending on drying time between layers. Full curing may take 24–48 hours.

🧪 Is the paint safe to use?

Yes—our paints meet safety standards and are safe when used as directed. Always wear gloves, eye wear and work in a well-ventilated area.

🧽 How do I maintain the repaired area?

Avoid washing the area for 7 days post-repair. After that, use non-abrasive cleaners and wax to protect the finish.

📦 What if I order the wrong colour or kit?

We offer easy, limited exchanges. Contact support within 7 days of receiving your kit, and we’ll help you swap it for the correct one. (Conditions Apply)

🔍 Can I use these kits on plastic bumpers or trim?

Yes, many kits are compatible with plastic surfaces. Just ensure the paint type matches and follow the guide for prepping plastic.

📏 How big a scratch or chip can I fix with a pen kit?

Pen kits are ideal for chips and scratches up to 5 cm in length or diameter. For larger or deeper damage, we recommend using our spray kits or PenFastic Paint Pens for better coverage and blending. If you’re unsure, send us a photo and we’ll guide you to the best solution.

🕒 How long does metallic touch-up paint take to dry?

Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and surface type. Under ideal conditions (20–25°C, low humidity), the base coat dries within 30–60 minutes. Clear coat should be applied once the base is touch-dry, with full curing typically taking 24–48 hours.

🧽 Do I need to sand the surface before applying touch-up paint?
No sanding is required. Simply use the rust scale remover tool included in the kit to lift any loose rust or flaking paint. Then apply the blemish remover to eliminate residual rust dust and prepare the surface for rust treatment, primer, and finishing layers. This process ensures proper adhesion without the need for abrasive sanding.

🧩 Can I use this kit on plastic bumpers or trims?

Absolutely. Our kits include plastic-compatible formulations. Select the correct variant (e.g. “Plastic + Colour + Clear”) to ensure optimal bonding and durability on non-metal surfaces.

🎨 What if the colour doesn’t match perfectly?

All kits are backed by our Colour Match Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, contact our support team for a replacement or refund—(Conditions Apply)

Is a clear coat necessary for metallic finishes?

Yes. Metallic paints require a clear coat to seal the colour, enhance gloss, and protect against UV and environmental damage. Skipping this step may result in a dull or uneven finish.

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OUR PROMISE

OEM exact paint match
🤝 Precision. Quality. Confidence.

At Touch Up Paint, we believe your vehicle deserves more than a quick fix—it deserves a restoration that reflects its original brilliance. Our promise is built on delivering premium automotive touch-up paint that meets the highest standards of accuracy, durability, and aesthetic excellence.

🎨 Every formula we produce is precision-matched to global automotive colour codes, sourced from the world-renowned Axalta Group of Companies. Axalta’s paints are trusted by leading automotive brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Mini, BMW, Peugeot, Toyota, GM Holden, ISUZU, LDV, HAVAL, and countless others. This partnership ensures that your touch-up paint is not just close—it’s exact.

🔍 We understand that every scratch, chip, or blemish is more than cosmetic—it’s a disruption to the pride you take in your vehicle. That’s why our touch-up paint is engineered for seamless blending, restoring your car’s finish with factory-level precision. Whether you're maintaining a classic or refreshing a modern model, our products are designed to deliver exceptional performance.

With our exclusive Colour-Match Guarantee, we stand behind every order. Your vehicle’s unique hue is our benchmark, and we won’t settle for anything less than a perfect match. It’s our commitment to your confidence, backed by years of expertise and innovation.

🌍 Our promise goes beyond paint—it’s about trust. We’ve built our reputation on consistency, quality, and care. From the moment you choose Touch Up Paint Brush-Touch Pro, you’re choosing a solution trusted by professionals, collectors, and everyday drivers alike. Axalta’s global legacy, combined with our local dedication, ensures you receive a product that’s as reliable as it is refined.

We don’t just sell touch-up paint—we deliver restoration, protection, and pride. Our products are a reflection of our values: precision in every drop, quality in every formula, and confidence in every result. That’s our promise to you.

🚗 Whether you're repairing a minor blemish or reviving a full panel, trust Touch Up Paint to bring your vehicle back to life. Because when it comes to your car, nothing less than perfect will do.