How to Apply Honda Touch Up Paint

Scratches and dings happen.  Luckily, you don’t need a full paint job to fix these minor problems.  Using Honda touch paint is a quick and easy fix that will have your Honda looking great without spending a lot of money.

Find Your Honda Paint Code and Factory Code

Your Honda color code is located on the driver’s door jamb.  The white sticker will  have a series of six alphanumeric combinations beneath the barcode.  Yours will look something like this:

DEC    2    AA1    -NH583M    -F    -B

The fourth set of numbers and letters is your paint color.  In our example this is -NH583M. The sixth sequence is a single letter (in our case -B).  Since each model will have a unique variation of the paint color, the sixth letter is the factory code.  This letter is also the 11th digit of your VIN.

To ensure you get the right color touch up paint for your Honda, use both the Honda paint code and factory code when you order.

Which Type of Honda Touch Up Paint is Right for You?

Honda touch up paint comes in 3 different forms.  The right type of Honda touch up paint is decided by the size and type of damage you’re fixing.

 

  • Honda Touch Up Pens have a small tip and are perfect for scratches and quick touch ups.
  • Honda Touch Up Spray Paint is designed for larger or for previously unpainted areas.
  • Honda Touch Up Basecoat Paint Bottles work well for paint chips.

How to Retouch Damaged Paint with Honda Touch Up Paint

Prep your Honda for Touch Up Paint
Only use Honda touch up paint if the temperature is over 50 degree Fahrenheit. Colder weather will negatively effect paint application. Wash the areas you want to paint with soap and water. If you’ve recently waxed your car, use a wax and greaser remover.  Tape off the area with masking tape to protect the surrounding paint.

If you’re using Honda touch up paint on an unpainted surface such as bare metal or plastic, apply primer in several thin coats of primer before you paint.

If Your Honda has Rust...
Painting over rust will not stop the oxidation process and can lead to even worse rust problems down the road. Use 220 grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove all rust, then apply a rust converter on the affected areas to neutralize rust and prevent it from spreading.

How to Apply Honda Touch Up Paint...
The key to a great looking retouch is to apply the Honda touch up paint in thin layers.  This will build the paint up to be the same depth as the surrounding areas. Wait 10 to 20 minutes between coats. Once the paint has the proper coverage and depth, allow it to drive overnight. In temperatures below 70-degrees, additional time may be needed to thoroughly dry your Honda touch up paint.

Complete the Touch Up with Clearcoat
For a durable and uniform paint, apply clearcoat in several thin layers after your Honda touch up paint has dried completely. Wait 10-20 minutes between layers and allow the clearcoat to dry completely.

Finish Your New Paint Look with Rubbing Compound
Allow your clearcoat to dry for three days, then use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to apply rubbing compound using circular strokes and even pressure.  Buff to a high gloss.  For the best results, let your Honda touch up paint dry for 30 days, then apply an automotive wax.

Keeping your Honda’s paint looking like new is a job, but it will keep you feeling great about your vehicle, in addition to protecting your investment and helping your resell value when it’s time to upgrade.