How To Use BMW Touch Up Paint? Get Your Car Looking Like New!

Scratches and chips can make your BMW look unattractive, but fortunately, there’s a simple solution to get your car looking like new. With the right touch up paint, you can easily cover those unsightly marks in no time. However, before you start painting, it is vital to know how to use BMW touch up paint correctly.

The process may seem intimidating at first, but with proper application, you’ll have your BMW gleaming again in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or someone who has never held a spray gun before, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about utilizing BMW touch up paint effectively.

In this article, we’ll cover all aspects of using BMW touch up paint; from selecting the correct color, preparing the surface for application to completing the task without creating more mess. By following these tips and techniques, you can restore your BMW’s factory-fresh look in just a few easy steps.

“A little effort on your part could save you hundreds in repair costs down the line.”

If you’ve always thought that fixing scratches was a job best left to professionals, think again! With our comprehensive guide, you can enjoy repairing small scratches and dents by yourself while saving money on expensive bodywork repairs. So, are you ready to give your BMW the TLC it deserves? Keep reading to learn more!

Choose the Correct Touch Up Paint Color

If your BMW has suffered paint chips or scratches, touch up paint can be applied to restore your car’s finish. However, choosing the correct color for your BMW is essential to ensure a seamless repair. Here are two ways to choose the right touch-up paint for your BMW:

Use the VIN Number to Identify the Paint Code

The best way to identify the exact paint color of your BMW is by using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be found on the driver’s side dashboard or doorjamb. The VIN provides specific information about your BMW, including its year, make, model, and paint code.

To find the paint code using the VIN number, you will need to decode it. Each manufacturer has their decoding system that works with the 17-digit VIN number. For BMWs manufactured after 1980, the third letter of the VIN indicates the factory paint codes.

“The next thing that people tend to overlook is matching the paint code exactly. This task is made easier if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN).”

The paint codes are three digits long, and there may be other letters and numbers following them. Once you have the paint code, contact a BMW dealer or an auto parts store that carries touch-up paint and order the exact code needed for your BMW.

Match the Paint Color with a Paint Swatch

If using the VIN number doesn’t work or if you don’t trust the accuracy of decoding, then another way is to match the paint through a physical sample of the specific color from your BMW. This method requires obtaining a paint swatch either at a paint supply store or online where you can easily acquire hundreds of colors in different finishes. A company such as PaintScratch offers over 60,000 color options to choose from.

To find the paint sample on your BMW, look for a small metal plate called the compliance or identification plate. This is usually located under the hood of your car. The compliance plate contains information such as production date and chassis number and may also have the name or code of your paint finish. With this information in hand, you can match the paint swatch with your preferred touch-up paint supplier like Autogeeks used below:

” If you can’t locate the paint code, you can match it using one of three different methods: Electronic Metering, Near-Perfect Matching Without Paint Mixing, or Simpler Visual Matching.”

While comparing color samples, be sure to evaluate the paint chips or scratches under the same lighting conditions as when you are applying the touch-up paint. An easy way could be by holding up the paint swab next to your damaged area in natural sunlight. This trick will ensure that you accurately pick the color and its finish matching tones.

• Note:
• You may have difficulty choosing between two shades; always opt for a lighter shade rather than a darker one since adding an additional coat is relatively easier than removing if you use a dark theme more excessively.”

Selecting the appropriate touch-up paint application requires some patience and careful attention to detail. These two suggestions on how to get the right color coding both allow you to restore a scratch-free appearance and maintain the original beauty of your beloved BMW.

Clean the Area to Be Touched Up

Wash the Area with Soap and Water

The first step in using BMW touch up paint is to clean the area that needs touching-up. This will ensure that no dust or dirt particles stick to the paint, giving you a smooth and seamless finish.

To wash the affected area, use soap and water. Start by wetting a sponge in soapy water and gently wiping down the area. Rinse off the soap with water.

“Cleaning the area before touching up the paint ensures a better bond between the new layer of paint and the old one.” -AutomotiveTouchup.com

Remove Any Wax or Grease with a Degreaser

If there is any wax or grease on the area where you need to touch up your BMW’s paint, it should be removed before you start painting. To remove the wax or grease, apply a degreaser directly onto the area. Use a soft lint-free cloth to wipe away the wax or grease. Once done, wash the area with soap and water as described earlier.

“A de-greaser or solvent like denatured alcohol will quickly eliminate any wax or silicone from the surface.” -SportscarMarket.com

Once you have cleaned the area thoroughly using soap and water and removed any wax or grease residue using a degreaser, make sure to let the area dry for at least an hour before applying touch-up paint. Doing this will assure that the solution has evaporated completely.

Prepare the Touch Up Paint

If you have scratches or chips on your BMW car, then it’s time to get ready for some touch-up work. Before jumping into painting, check if you really need to do this yourself. When paint damage is severe and extends beyond small chips and scratches, it’s better to leave the job to professionals.

Once you start preparing for the touch-up project, ensure that you have bought genuine BMW touch up paint from a reliable dealer or website. Next, let us see how to prepare the paint so that the repair job is long-lasting.

Shake the Paint Can Well

Before opening the can of paint, make sure to mix it thoroughly to achieve uniform color consistency. Shaking the paint will help in mixing all components including metal pigments, solvent, and binders to give even coverage without clumps or separation. Use mechanical shakers available at OEM dealerships or shake the container manually with a steady motion for 1-2 minutes.

Apply the Paint to a Test Surface

It is always wise to test the color match before starting the actual repair work. Select an inconspicuous spot, preferably inside the doorjamb to apply a small amount of paint. After drying, compare the shade with other areas to verify that the color and finish blend perfectly. If everything looks good, you are all set to begin painting over the problem spots.

Thin the Paint if Necessary

In certain circumstances, thinning the paint may be necessary to get flawless touch-up results. This method comes handy especially when the existing layer of paint has faded or peeled off due to prolonged sun exposure and oxidation. Adjusting viscosity allows the paint to stick to the surface evenly while ensuring effective color matching. Use a clean measuring cup to measure thinners and reduce the viscosity of ready-to-spray paint. Be cautious not to add too much thinner, as it dramatically affects the consistency and color quality.

Use a Brush or Pen Applicator to Apply the Paint

Depending on the size of chips or scratches, you can choose between brush applicators or pens that come attached with BMW touch-up paint bottles. For smaller blemishes, use a pen tip by pushing inwards – after shaking well, – dispense air pockets gently before applying it over damaged spots. It helps to ensure even coverage without any smudging or dripping issues. For more extensive repairs, make use of fine-tipped brushes to dab the paint onto the affected surface gently. Move the brush along the grain of the paintwork for maximum effectiveness.

Apply the Touch Up Paint

Car scratches are inevitable, but they can be easily fixed with BMW touch-up paint. This guide will show you how to use BMW touch up paint in three easy steps.

Apply the Paint in Thin Layers

The key to a successful touch-up job is applying the paint in thin layers. Applying too much paint at once can result in an unsightly blob of color that looks worse than the scratch itself. Instead, apply a few thin coats and allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next one.

Avoid using too much pressure when touching up the scratch, as this could cause even more damage. Use gentle brushstrokes and light pressure to apply the paint. If you notice any excess paint building up, gently wipe it away with a clean cloth or tissue.

Use a Fine-Tipped Brush or Pen Applicator

Precision is key when it comes to touch-up jobs, and the best way to achieve accuracy is by using a fine-tipped brush or pen applicator. These tools allow you to reach tight spaces and apply paint precisely where it’s needed. The brush or pen should match the size of the scratch exactly, so that there’s no extra paint showing around the edges.

Here are some tips for using a brush:

• Clean the area around the scratch thoroughly before starting
• Dip the brush into the paint, making sure not to overload it
• Start applying the paint from the center of the scratch and work outward
• Work slowly and carefully until the entire scratch is covered
• Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one

Here are some tips for using a pen:

• Shake the pen well before use to ensure that the paint is evenly mixed
• Depress the pen nib gently to release a small amount of paint onto the surface
• Draw along the length of the scratch, being careful not to go over the edges
• Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one

“Touching up scratches on your car can be intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a simple process that anyone can handle.” – Edmunds.com

If you follow these simple steps and take your time, you’ll be able to use BMW touch-up paint to cover up any unsightly scratches on your car. Remember to apply the paint in thin layers, and use a fine-tipped brush or pen to achieve precision. With a little patience and attention to detail, your car will look as good as new!

Let the Touch Up Paint Dry

Using BMW touch up paint on your car can help restore its appearance by covering up small scratches and chips. However, applying touch up paint requires patience and attention to detail in order to get a smooth finish that blends in with the rest of the vehicle’s paint job.

Once you have applied the touch up paint to the affected area, it is essential to allow it to dry properly before doing anything else, such as polishing or waxing the painted surface. Here are some tips to ensure that your touch up paint dries evenly:

Wait for the Paint to Dry Completely

It can be tempting to check whether the paint has dried every few minutes, but doing so can interfere with the drying process and make the final result uneven. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes after applying the paint before trying to inspect or touch it.

If you are not sure how long the paint should take to dry, consult the instructions on the touch-up kit or contact the manufacturer or dealer for guidance. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation can also impact the drying time, so keep those in mind as well.

Avoid Touching the Paint While It Dries

Touching the wet paint can leave finger marks or smudges, which will ruin the finish, particularly if you’re using metallic paint or other shades that require multiple coats. Do not try to even out any imperfections while the paint is still wet, as this may further damage the surrounding surfaces and create more work in the end.

Similarly, while allowing enough time for the paint to dry completely, you also need to protect it from dust, debris, and insects that may land on it during that period. This means keeping the area covered if possible, such as parking the car in a garage, until the paint is ready for the next step.

Apply Additional Coats of Paint if Necessary

If the scratches or chips are deep enough, you may have to apply multiple coats of touch up paint to achieve the desired coverage. After each coat, let it dry according to instructions before adding another layer.”

Be careful not to over-apply the paint, as this can produce clumps and uneven surfaces that will take even longer to fix later on. Most touch-up kits come with a brush applicator that allows for precision and control, so use it wisely and sparingly until the job is done right.

Allow the Paint to Cure for 24-48 Hours

Once all necessary coats are applied, and the surface looks smooth and consistent, you need to wait at least one or two days before handling or polishing the painted area. This waiting period gives the paint time to cure, which means that the solvents evaporate and the pigment bonds with the substrate more strongly.

This final stage is crucial for achieving a long-lasting, protective finish that resists fading, chipping, and other forms of wear and tear. Even though it takes patience to let the paint cure fully, the result will be worth it in terms of both appearance and durability.

“A good painter has two chief objects to paint – man and the intention of his soul.” -Leonardo da Vinci

Using BMW touch up paint can be an effective way to keep your vehicle looking new without spending a fortune on professional repairs. However, to get the best results possible, you must follow the proper steps and techniques, starting with letting the paint dry completely. With these tips in mind, you can repair minor damage and prevent future problems, all while enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done.

Buff the Touched Up Area

If you have a small scratch or chip on your BMW’s painted surface, using touch up paint can be an effective solution to restore its appearance. However, after applying the paint, buffing the touched-up area is essential to blend it seamlessly with the surrounding paint and achieve a professional-grade finish. Below are some steps to follow when buffing the touched-up area:

Use a Fine Grit Sandpaper to Smooth the Surface

Before starting the buffing process, ensure that the touch up paint has fully dried. Use 2000 grit sandpaper to gently sand down the surface of the painted area. This helps to remove any unevenness or high spots caused by the application of the touch up paint. Avoid pressing too hard as this might damage the surrounding paintwork.

Use a Polishing Compound to Blend the Paint

After smoothing the surface with sandpaper, apply a small amount of polishing compound to a clean microfiber cloth. Rub the compound in circular motions onto the affected area to help blend the touch up paint into the existing paint. Continue buffing until the area appears smooth and glossy.

“While applying touch up paint, always remember to use fine-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface before buffing it with a polishing compound.” -AutoZone

Apply a Wax or Sealant to Protect the Area

To give lasting protection to the newly touched up area, consider applying a wax or sealant. Waxes and sealants not only protect against environmental contaminants but also add shine to the vehicle’s finish. Apply a small amount of wax or sealant to a foam applicator pad and spread it evenly over the entire area. Allow the product to dry for a few minutes before buffing it with a soft microfiber towel.

When using touch up paint, it is important to keep in mind some general tips. Always work on a clean surface, avoid exposing the vehicle to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures while applying the touch up. Furthermore, test the color match of the touch-up paint on an inconspicuous area before moving ahead with it.

“A good wax or sealant can help protect your car’s paint and make it look like new.” -Consumer Reports

Using BMW touch up paint may seem daunting at first, but following the right steps ensures that you achieve flawless results that last long. Buffing is a crucial step for creating a seamless blend between the touch-up paint and surrounding paintwork.

Frequently Asked Questions