We mix using PPG Envirobase and Deltron, and Akzo Nobel refinishing systems — professional paint lines engineered to match OEM factory color codes. These are the same systems collision repair centers use worldwide to restore vehicles to factory finish; and in many cases, the same systems used in automotive manufacturing. The formulation for each color is selected from the paint line that delivers the best result for that specific color — weighing OEM match accuracy, toner availability, and compatibility with the delivery format, whether bottle, aerosol, or pro size kit.
Below is a simple breakdown by kit type.
1. Bottle Kits
Primer, base color (including mid-coat for tri-coat colors), and clear coat in bottle kits are waterborne automotive refinishing paints.
Our bottle base color uses the same type of waterborne formulation used by many original equipment automotive manufacturers.
This is a low-VOC system.
Clear coat is required to properly seal, protect, and fully develop the color match.
2. Aerosol Kits
The base color in aerosol kits may be waterborne or solventborne, depending on the specific color.
To identify your aerosol base:
Look at the back of the paint can (color coat).
If you see an “S” code, the paint is solventborne.
If the can shows any other code (such as P, I, or U), the paint is waterborne.
Aerosol primer and aerosol clear coat are single-component (1K) solventborne formulations.
3. Pro Size Kits (half-pint, pint or quart sizes)
Pro base color:
Waterborne automotive refinishing paint
Low VOC
Clear coat is required to seal and fully enable the color match
Pro primer and pro clear coat:
Two-component (2K) urethane (solventborne) system
Professional-grade durability and performance
Metallic and Pearl Paints
Composition
Metallic and pearl colors are mixed using the OEM paint code formula for that color — the manufacturer's specification for the type, size, and concentration of metallic flake or pearl pigment assigned to that color code.
Pearl and metallic pigments behave differently from solid colors during application. Metallic flakes align with the spray angle, and pearl pigments refract light rather than reflect it, creating color shift across viewing angles. Both need drop coats (also called top coats or control coats) to finish — just spray your last coats a little faster and farther away than your coverage coats. This aligns the metallic or pearl pigments evenly for a factory-matched finish. Drop coat technique is demonstrated in the Spray a Test Card Tutorial.
FAQ
Is your touch-up paint real automotive paint?
Yes. Our paints are real automotive paint mixed using the OEM paint code formula for that color, using professional automotive refinishing systems that body shops use to match factory paint codes and factory paint colors.
In many cases, these are the same high-quality paint systems used in automotive manufacturing.
Will your touch-up paint match my car?
Our paints are mixed using the OEM paint code formula for your vehicle’s color. Automotive paint finishes can vary slightly due to factors like factory inconsistencies, aging, sun exposure, and previous repairs. For this reason we offer a Color Match Guarantee to make sure you get the closest possible match for your vehicle.
Do you offer 2K clear coat in aerosols?
Yes. Our 2K clear coat aerosol can be ordered separately:
https://scratcheshappen.com/shop/clear-coat/2k-clear-coat-aerosol/
https://scratcheshappen.ca/shop/clear-coat/2k-clear-coat-aerosol/
By default, our standard kits include a single-component (1K) clear coat.
Pro size kits include 2K urethane clear coat.
Can I swap the 1K clear coat in my kit for 2K clear coat?
1K and 2K clear coats are not interchangeable within standard kits. Our kits are priced and packaged based on the clear coat system included.
The 2K urethane clear coat is a higher-cost, two-component product, so it is sold separately.
If you would prefer 2K clear coat, you can purchase it individually and use it with your kit.
Pro size kits include 2K urethane clear coat by default.
Does metallic touch-up paint include real metallic flakes?
Yes. If the vehicle’s paint code is a metallic or pearl color, the paint formula includes the metallic or pearl flakes specified for that paint code.
Is your paint the same quality as factory paint?
We use professional automotive refinishing paint systems from major manufacturers (PPG and Akzo Nobel lines). These are industry-standard systems used for collision repair and refinishing.
Why does my aerosol say “S” on the aerosol can?
An “S” code indicates a solventborne base color.
If your can has another code (such as P, I, or U), the base color is waterborne.