Over time all cars will have paint chipped away. It might be due to weather, bugs or even scratches from other cars, car doors, bikes or, unfortunately, keys. Car companies and aftermarket companies have developed a solution for minor paint repairs that makes it easy for anyone to use without the expense of going to an auto shop for repair.

Paint Code

Every car has a paint code. Before you make any attempt to repair chipped paint, you must find this code. In the car's manual dealers and manufacturers will either write or put a sticker on the page labeled "exterior or paint care." The code will usually be signified by the first or first two letters of the color and a string of numbers or letters. For example, a blue 2000 Acura Integra's paint code will look like this: B97M. This code is only good for Acuras in the year 2000 (it is not universal). If the paint code is illegible or you cannot locate it, you can get the code by calling a dealer and giving him your VIN. If the code is not in the manual, there are several places it can be. Most cars have a code listed on metal plate attached to the door jamb, but some cars are different. The code can be under the hood, under the trunk carpet, near the radiator, near the spare tire. The exact location of your code plate can be found using a paint code finder.

Touch-Up Paint

Once you have located the paint code, order the touch-up paint. The paint usually comes in a half-pint can on or a pen-sized container that has a thin pen-like tip, as well as a small brush. Directions usually come with the touch-up paint or are printed on it as well.

How to Paint

Clean the chipped area of all dirt. Rub the area with a clean soft cloth as if you were buffing it. For thin scratches use the pen tip and push down on one end of the scratch and literally draw over it. The paint will come out in a thin line. Fill the scratch and wait for it to dry before buffing. If the scratch is larger than the pen, use the foam brush, which might require more than one coat.

Source:

paintscratch.com: Paint Code Plate Finder

sherwin-automotive.com: Vehicle Paint Codes

decodethis.com: VIN Decoder