Can You Buy Touch-Up Paint From a Dealership?

Yes, you can almost always buy touch‑up paint directly from a car dealership, and in many cases it’s the most accurate and reliable source for matching your vehicle’s original color. Dealerships typically stock or can order manufacturer-approved paint that corresponds exactly to your car’s paint code, which helps ensure a better cosmetic repair than most generic options.

How Dealership Touch-Up Paint Works

For many car owners, minor chips and scratches are inevitable, and touch‑up paint is often the simplest way to fix them. Dealerships play a key role in this small-scale repair market by offering paint that’s designed to match the specific color and finish of your vehicle as it left the factory.

Why Dealerships Sell Touch-Up Paint

Dealerships sell touch‑up paint as part of their parts and service offerings. Automakers supply dealers with small paint products—usually pens, bottles with brush applicators, or small spray cans—coded to the exact factory color of each model and year. This allows owners to fix cosmetic damage without a full respray.

Finding the Right Touch-Up Paint for Your Vehicle

To get the correct touch‑up paint from a dealership, you need to know your car’s paint code and sometimes additional details about trim and model year. Without this information, you risk buying a color that looks similar but doesn’t match perfectly in natural light.

How to Locate Your Paint Code

Automakers place the paint code on labels or plates in specific locations on the vehicle. Knowing where to look can save time at the dealership and reduce the chance of errors when ordering paint.

The following list outlines the most common places to find your paint code on modern cars:

• Driver’s door jamb: On a sticker with tire and manufacturing data (very common on U.S., Japanese, and Korean brands).
• Under the hood: On the radiator support, firewall, or underside of the hood, often on a metal or printed label.
• Trunk area: Under the trunk lid, near the spare tire well, or on side panels (common on some European and older vehicles).
• Owner’s manual / service booklet: Occasionally listed with vehicle identification data or build sheet information.
• VIN-based lookup: Some dealers can retrieve the paint code by entering your VIN into the manufacturer’s system.

Once you locate the paint code, you can give it to the parts or service department at the dealership, ensuring that the touch‑up product they provide matches your vehicle’s factory color as closely as possible.

What Information the Dealership Will Ask For

When you contact the dealership, they will usually need a few key details to identify the correct product and confirm compatibility with your car’s finish and year.

Below are the main pieces of information dealerships typically request before selling or ordering touch‑up paint:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Helps the dealer confirm color code, model, and production details.
• Paint code: The alphanumeric code assigned to your vehicle’s exterior color.
• Make, model, and model year: For example, “2021 Toyota Camry SE” or “2022 Ford F-150 Lariat.”
• Color name (if known): Such as “Deep Crystal Blue Mica” or “Alpine White,” which can help avoid confusion between similar codes.
• Type of product you want: Pen, small bottle with brush, or spray can, depending on the damage area and brand availability.

Providing this information up front typically speeds up the process and reduces the chance of ordering the wrong shade or finish for your touch‑up work.

Types of Touch-Up Paint Available at Dealerships

Dealerships typically carry several different touch‑up formats to address different types of paint damage, from tiny rock chips to scuffed bumper corners. Availability varies by manufacturer and model, but the basic options are broadly similar across brands.

Common Touch-Up Formats

Each format of touch‑up paint has advantages and limitations, depending on the size and location of the repair and your comfort level with application.

The following list describes the main forms of touch‑up paint you’re likely to find at a dealership:

• Touch‑up pens: Marker-style applicators ideal for pinpoint repairs on stone chips or hairline scratches; they offer good control but limited coverage.
• Bottles with brush applicator: Small bottles (often 0.25–0.5 oz) with a built-in brush in the cap, suited for slightly larger chips or scratches.
• Dual‑stage pen or bottle kits: Some brands bundle basecoat and clearcoat in a single pen or dual-chamber bottle to simplify the factory-like finish process.
• Aerosol spray cans: Less common at retail counters but sometimes offered or special-ordered for larger areas; often used with primer and clearcoat for more involved repairs.
• Accessory kits: Certain automakers sell small kits that combine paint, clearcoat, and sometimes sandpaper, masking tape, or blending solution.

Selecting the right format usually depends on the size and depth of the damage; smaller chips favor pens, while broader scuffs or panels with multiple scratches often require bottles or sprays for more even coverage.

Benefits of Buying Touch-Up Paint from a Dealership

While aftermarket options exist at auto parts stores and online, dealership paint carries specific advantages in color accuracy and compatibility with your car’s finish system.

Color Match and Quality Control

Dealer-sourced paint is designed to match manufacturer specifications. That means the pigments, metallic content, and finish are tuned to your specific color code, including many multi-stage or pearlescent colors used on modern vehicles.

The following points summarize key advantages of buying touch‑up paint at a dealership instead of relying solely on generic options:

• Factory color accuracy: Paint is matched to official OEM paint codes, reducing visible mismatch under daylight and varying lighting conditions.
• Compatibility with clearcoat systems: Dealer paint is formulated to work with your car’s factory clearcoat and basecoat system.
• Better support for special finishes: Pearls, metallics, tri‑coat colors, and matte or satin finishes are more likely to be correctly matched by OEM products.
• Access to updated formulas: Automakers sometimes tweak paint formulas by year; dealers receive current versions aligned with those changes.
• Guidance from parts or service staff: Staff can advise you on the correct product and basic use, especially if your vehicle’s color is complex.

These benefits make dealership touch‑up products particularly valuable for newer vehicles or for owners who care about maintaining resale value and visual uniformity.

Warranty and Resale Considerations

Cosmetic chips and scratches are usually considered normal wear and tear and are not covered by standard warranties. However, using OEM touch‑up products avoids arguments over non-factory materials if you seek warranty coverage for corrosion or paint defects in adjacent areas later.

In terms of resale, properly matched and applied touch‑up paint can help prevent exposed metal from rusting and reduce the visual impact of minor damage. Prospective buyers and appraisers often view OEM-correct repairs more favorably than obvious mismatches or poorly executed repainting.

Costs and Availability at Dealerships

Touch‑up paint from dealerships is generally more expensive than some aftermarket solutions, but the price difference is often modest compared with the potential benefit of a better match. Availability can vary based on brand, color, and age of the vehicle.

Typical Price Range

Pricing depends on the automaker, product type, and country, but there are standard ranges for what customers can expect at most franchise dealerships.

The list below outlines common price expectations for dealership touch‑up paint in many markets as of late 2024:

• Single touch‑up pen or bottle: Often in the range of about $15–$35 USD.
• Dual‑stage kits (color + clearcoat): Frequently around $25–$50 USD, depending on brand and complexity of the color.
• Aerosol cans: Usually more expensive per unit, frequently in the $20–$40 USD range per can, sometimes sold with separate clearcoat cans.
• Premium or specialty finishes: Tri‑coat, matte, or special-edition colors can cost more and may be available only as kits.
• Labor (if dealership applies it): If you ask the service department or body shop to do the touch‑up, labor charges can quickly exceed the cost of the paint itself.

While these prices can be higher than generic touch‑up products at discount retailers, many buyers see the OEM match and guidance as worth the incremental cost, especially on newer or higher‑value vehicles.

How to Check Stock and Order

Not every dealership will stock every color for every model year, especially for older or less common paints. However, most can order touch‑up products directly from the manufacturer or regional parts distribution centers.

The following list shows practical steps to ensure you get the right product with minimal hassle:

• Call or email the parts department first: Provide VIN and paint code to verify availability and price before visiting.
• Ask if the item is in stock: If not, request an estimated arrival time and whether any shipping fees apply.
• Confirm the product type: Check whether you’re getting a pen, bottle, kit, or spray so you can prepare tools and expectations.
• Inquire about return or exchange policy: Some dealers cannot accept returns once paint packaging is opened.
• Compare with online OEM sources: Official brand sites and authorized online parts retailers can sometimes offer better pricing on the same OEM product.

By planning ahead and confirming details before you go to the dealership, you can avoid multiple trips and ensure you receive the correct touch‑up solution for your vehicle.

Alternatives to Dealership Touch-Up Paint

Although dealerships are a strong source for color-correct paint, drivers sometimes look elsewhere for cost, convenience, or availability reasons. Alternatives range from aftermarket pens to custom-mixed paints at professional body shops.

Aftermarket Products and Online Retailers

Many third-party brands sell vehicle-specific touch‑up paint using OEM color codes, often through e‑commerce platforms or auto parts stores. Quality and color accuracy can vary, so it’s important to research before buying.

The list below highlights the main pros and cons when considering non-dealer touch‑up options:

• Pros – typically lower price: Aftermarket kits can undercut dealership prices, particularly for common colors.
• Pros – convenience and speed: Online ordering and home delivery can be faster than special-ordering through a dealer in some regions.
• Pros – broader toolkit-style offerings: Some aftermarket kits include primers, clearcoats, sandpapers, blending agents, and detailed guides.
• Cons – potential color mismatch: Even when labeled with the right code, pigment or finish differences may be more noticeable than OEM paint.
• Cons – variable quality control: Cheaper brands may use lower-grade pigments, solvents, or applicators, affecting durability and appearance.

For older vehicles or minor cosmetic concerns, aftermarket options can be perfectly acceptable, but for newer cars or visible panels, many owners still prefer OEM paint for the best chance of a precise match.

Body Shops and Professional Repairs

For larger or more visible damage, professional body shops can mix paint to match your specific vehicle, using computerized color-matching systems and spray equipment. In many cases they can also supply a small bottle of custom-mixed touch‑up paint for you to use later.

The following points outline when professional involvement might be preferable to a simple dealership touch‑up purchase:

• Extensive damage: Long scratches, large scrapes, or multiple affected panels usually benefit from professional prep and repainting.
• Complex finishes: High-end tri‑coat pearls, metallics, and matte finishes are harder to blend seamlessly by hand.
• Lease return inspections: To avoid end-of-lease penalties, professional cosmetic work may be recommended for highly visible areas.
• Corrosion concerns: If metal is exposed or rust has begun, a body shop can address underlying issues before applying paint.
• Color blending across panels: Pros can blend fresh paint into adjacent panels to avoid a patchy appearance, something touch‑up pens cannot achieve.

Professional repairs cost more than a DIY touch‑up, but they can restore a near-factory appearance where simple spot applications would remain noticeable.

Practical Tips for Using Dealership Touch-Up Paint

Once you buy the paint, application technique matters. Even with a perfect color match, poor preparation or rushed application can leave the repair more obvious than the original chip or scratch.

Basic Application Guidelines

Most touch‑up repairs follow a similar preparation-and-apply sequence, regardless of the brand. Manufacturers often include instructions on the product label or on their websites.

The following steps outline a common, broadly applicable approach to using dealership touch‑up paint:

1. Clean the area thoroughly: Wash and dry the damaged area, removing road grime, wax, and grease with appropriate cleaners.
2. Remove loose paint and rust: Carefully scrape or sand away any flaking edges or rust before painting; untreated rust can spread under new paint.
3. Mask surrounding areas (if needed): Use masking tape and paper to protect undamaged paint near larger scratches or chips.
4. Apply primer if required: For bare metal or deep chips, some systems recommend a thin primer layer to aid adhesion.
5. Apply the color coat sparingly: Use small, controlled dabs rather than heavy strokes; build up thin layers, allowing drying time between coats.
6. Add clearcoat if part of the system: Once the color coat is dry, apply clearcoat to restore gloss and protect the repair.
7. Allow proper curing time: Let the paint fully harden—often at least 24 hours—before polishing or waxing.
8. Lightly polish if necessary: Some fine polishing or careful wet-sanding (for experienced users) can level out raised spots and improve blending.

Following these steps patiently, rather than trying to cover the damage in a single heavy application, usually results in a more discreet and durable repair.

Summary

You can purchase touch‑up paint from a dealership in most cases, and it’s often the best way to get an accurate match to your vehicle’s original color. By using your paint code or VIN, dealers can supply pens, bottles, or kits formulated to manufacturer standards, especially important for modern metallic and pearl finishes. While alternatives exist through aftermarket brands and professional body shops, dealership paint strikes a balance between accuracy, cost, and convenience for typical chips and scratches. Taking time to identify the correct code, confirm availability, and apply the paint carefully will give you the best chance of a repair that protects your vehicle and keeps it looking close to factory‑fresh.

Can you order touch up paint for your car?

Yes, you can buy touch-up paint for your car from dealerships, auto parts stores, and many online retailers. To find the correct color, you need your vehicle’s specific paint code, which is usually located on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, but can also be found by looking up your car’s make, model, and year online. 
Where to buy

• Dealerships: Can sell you paint specifically matched to your vehicle. 
• Auto parts stores: Many have a selection of touch-up paints for various cars, or can order it for you. 
• Online retailers: Websites like AutomotiveTouchup, Paint Scratch, and even general retailers like Amazon sell a wide variety of touch-up paints and kits. 

How to find the right color

• Find the paint code: The most accurate way to match your paint is to find your car’s factory paint code.
  • Look for a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.
  • Other common locations include the firewall, trunk, or under the hood.
  • If you can’t find it on the car, you can often find it by looking up your car’s year, make, and model online.
• Verify the match: Once you have the code, ensure the product you purchase specifically lists that code for a precise color match. 

What to consider

• Applicator type: Paint comes in various forms, including felt-tip pens, brush-top bottles, and aerosol cans. Some products come as part of a kit with multiple applicators and a clear coat. 
• Kit contents: Some kits are comprehensive, including the paint, primer, and clear coat, while others may require you to purchase these items separately. 
• Paint fading: If your car’s paint has faded over time, a brand new touch-up paint might not be a perfect match. Some products are designed to account for this, while others may result in a slight color mismatch or shadowing effect. 

Do dealerships fix paint scratches?

Former car salesman here- IF you have a good dealer, they will cover the cost of repair. Most bigger dealerships have a dedicated after market person to repair paint/minor damage on-site. Many vehicles are damaged in transit. Bumpers are replaced etc and you never know.

Can you get touch up paint from a dealership?

You can buy automotive touch up paint that matches your car from the dealership, from auto parts stores, or from online sources such as Amazon. You can buy the paint by itself or as part of a kit that includes a small amount of paint, an applicator, and even a clear coat to finish the job.

Do dealerships do paint repair?

Most dealerships equipped to offer auto body work and auto collision repairs can perform paint services. However, these services are typically limited to touch-ups and minor paint repairs. Fewer facilities have the equipment and skills to perform more extensive work, such as complete vehicle repainting.