Car Paint Help & FAQs

An OEM paint code is the manufacturer's reference for the original colour formula used on the vehicle. It is the best starting point for mixing the correct colour.

Yes. Enter your registration and we use available vehicle information to help identify the correct paint. Some vehicles can have more than one colour variant, so a paint code or extra vehicle details may occasionally be needed.

You can use the paint code when ordering. It helps identify the manufacturer's original formula, although age, fading and previous repairs can affect how the existing finish looks.

We mix to the manufacturer's colour information. The final appearance can still be influenced by age, fading, lighting, application technique and previous repair work, so a test application is always recommended.

Clean and degrease the damaged area, prepare any rough edges, then apply the paint in thin controlled coats. Let each coat dry before adding the next. Use primer or lacquer where your repair requires it.

Metallic, pearl and most basecoat systems normally require clear lacquer for gloss and protection. Direct-gloss systems can differ, so follow the instructions for the paint you selected.

Primer is mainly used where bare metal, plastic or filler is exposed. Sound existing paint usually only needs correct cleaning and preparation.

Shake the can thoroughly for 2–3 minutes before use. If the removable nozzle is blocked, remove it and clear the opening carefully or soak the nozzle in warm water before trying again. Never puncture or heat the pressurised can.

Metallic and pearl colours can look different depending on lighting, spray distance and coat thickness. Existing paint can also fade over time. Compare a fully dried and correctly lacquered test area in daylight.

Wash and degrease the area first. Use a sanding block on flatter areas and work carefully around edges and curves. Feather damaged paint until there is no sharp edge, then remove all dust before painting.

Use the method recommended for the coating and abrasive. Dry sanding is common for shaping and preparation, while wet sanding is generally used for refining suitable fully cured finishes.

The correct grit depends on the stage of the repair. Coarser abrasives remove damage, while finer grades refine primer or cured coatings. Avoid sanding through sound paint unnecessarily.

Loose or lifting lacquer needs to be removed back to a stable edge. Feather the remaining clear coat, clean the area and restore any exposed colour before applying fresh compatible lacquer.

No. Active rust and unstable coatings need to be removed and the metal prepared correctly before primer and paint are applied.

Fisheyes are usually caused by contamination such as silicone, wax, oil or grease. Allow the coating to dry, then clean and prepare the affected area before repainting.

This can happen because of moisture, high humidity, unsuitable temperature or trapped solvent. Stop applying more product and allow the coating to dry fully before deciding whether it needs refinishing.

Orange peel is often caused by poor atomisation, incorrect spray distance, temperature or coats that are too dry. Test your spray pattern and use light, even overlapping passes.

Runs usually mean too much product was applied at once or the can was held too close. Let the coating dry fully before levelling the defect and repainting with lighter coats.

A dry or gritty finish can happen when the paint starts drying before it reaches the panel, often because the can is held too far away or conditions are hot or windy.

We supply colour-matched touch-up pens, touch-up bottles, aerosol sprays, primers, lacquers and complete repair kits.

Pens are best for stone chips and fine scratches, bottles suit localised repairs and aerosols are better for larger prepared areas that need wider coverage.

Yes. Our complete kits combine the chosen paint format with the key preparation and finishing products needed for a more complete DIY repair.

Yes. Some colours require more than one colour stage plus clear lacquer. The exact system depends on the manufacturer's formula.

Colour-matched paint is mixed to order before dispatch. UK delivery is typically 2–4 working days after dispatch, with available services shown at checkout.

Yes. Tracking information is provided when the order is dispatched where the selected service supports tracking.

Availability depends on the product and destination. Aerosol products have additional transport restrictions, so available options are shown at checkout.

Made-to-order paint may not qualify for change-of-mind returns. This does not affect your rights if goods are faulty, damaged or incorrectly supplied.

Contact us with your order number, registration and paint code. We can help identify what was ordered and what replacement may be required.

Contact us with your order number and clear photographs of the item and packaging so we can investigate.

Send us your order number and we will investigate the delivery with the courier.

Yes. Send us your vehicle details, the approximate size of the damage and photographs if possible, and we can help you choose the most suitable option.

Include your order number if you have one, plus the vehicle registration, paint code and photographs of the repair area. This helps us resolve your query faster.

Use our contact page or call +44 (0)28 6672 0165.