Lena Rivera
Scratches and chips on your Mercedes-Benz can be frustrating and expensive to fix. Touch-up paint is a great way to restore your car's flawless finish without a full repaint. To select the right touch-up paint, you'll need to find your Mercedes-Benz paint code, which is usually a three-digit number located on a label inside the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or on the front passenger door column. With this code, you can order a touch-up kit with the correct colour and get started on repairing your car's paint job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Spray paint, touch-up paint pens, touch-up jars, basecoat paint bottles, aerosol spray cans |
| Paint application | Aerosol, brush, paint, applicators, dabbers |
| Paint colour | Platinum, black, white, obsidian black |
| Paint code | Three numbers, sometimes preceded by "DB-", located on the driver's door jamb, under the hood, or on the front passenger door column |
| Paint repair products | Primer, colour, clear coat, sandpaper, polishing compound, wax and grease remover, rust converter |
| Paint repair process | Wash damaged paint with soap and water, use masking tape to protect surrounding paint, sand primed area, apply thin coats of paint, polish with a soft cloth |
| Paint kit contents | Paint, blend, polish |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find your Mercedes paint code
The paint code for your Mercedes will be located in different spots depending on the model of your car. The paint code will be on the manufacturer's tag, which also has the VIN on it. This tag is typically white, black, or silver with a barcode running along the bottom. The paint code is located above this barcode, near the top of the tag, and may be placed next to the "PASSENGER CAR" heading.
For the E-Class (W210) model, there is a metal plate near the radiator, and the paint colour code may be one of the numbers on it. On sedans, the paint code can be found on a black sticker under the hat shelf in the trunk, next to the word "Lack". For wagons, the black sticker may be located in the cargo area, perhaps on the right hatch in the back where the CD changer and Bose amplifier are located.
The paint code will be a series of numbers and may be followed by an "'M' if the paint is metallic and/or a "'C' if it is a clear coat". Mercedes paint codes are usually between two and four digits long.
If you are still unsure of your paint code, you can enter your make, year, and model into a website like ColorChip, and it will show you the colours available for your car.
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Choosing the right applicator for the job
When it comes to choosing the right applicator for the job, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and the surface area that needs to be covered. For small scratches, rock chips, and quick touch-ups, a touch-up pen applicator is ideal. These pens are designed with a firm, chiseled nib tip that allows for precise application and ensures that the paint stays within the damaged area.
If you're dealing with slightly larger areas or multiple small chips, touch-up paint jars with application dabbers or brushes can be a good choice. These jars offer a more versatile approach, allowing you to cover a larger area while still having control over the application. Brushes come in various sizes and can be useful for achieving smooth, even coats.
For repairing significant scratches or larger damaged areas, spray paint is often the best option. Spray cans with a rotatable nozzle allow for a smooth fan pattern, making it easier to cover large panels, bumpers, or mirrors. This method is particularly useful when you need to blend the new paint seamlessly into the surrounding area.
Additionally, for very precise and small touch-ups, such as fixing a single chip, you might consider using a pipette application method. This involves dropping paint precisely next to the chip and then using a small squeegee to blend and repair the damaged spot.
It's worth noting that some companies offer combo kits that provide multiple applicators, giving you the flexibility to address different types of damage with a single purchase. Ultimately, the right applicator depends on the size and nature of the area you need to repair, and you may find that using a combination of applicators gives you the best results.
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Preparing the surface
Cleaning the Surface:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the area that requires touch-up paint. Use car wash soap or a suitable cleaning agent to remove any dirt, grease, or road grime. You can also use a wax and grease remover specifically designed for this purpose. Ensure you clean the area with a microfiber towel or cloth to prevent scratches and leave the surface contaminant-free.
Sanding and Rust Removal:
Once the surface is clean and dry, it's time to address any rust and flaking paint. Use 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove all traces of rust. You can also use a carbide-tipped scriber to dress down the internals of the scratch to prevent rust onset. After rust removal, apply a rust converter to the treated area. If you have an unpainted surface, such as bare metal or plastic, it is essential to apply a primer before proceeding.
Priming:
Apply several thin coats of primer to the area you will repair. Let the primer dry overnight if possible. This step ensures that the touch-up paint adheres well to the surface.
Light Sanding:
After the primer is completely dry, lightly sand the primed area with 220-grit sandpaper. Follow this with 600-grit wet and dry sandpaper to smooth out the surface further. This step helps create an even surface for the touch-up paint to be applied.
Masking:
Before applying the paint, use masking tape to protect the surrounding areas of the car that are not being painted. This step ensures that you only paint the intended area and prevents accidental paint application to other parts of your Mercedes.
Final Checks:
Before proceeding with paint application, ensure that the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Check that the surface is completely dry and free of any dirt, grease, or contaminants. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and are wearing safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any paint hazards.
Now that the surface preparation is complete, you are ready to begin applying the touch-up paint to your Mercedes. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen paint product for the best results.
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Applying the basecoat
The basecoat is the actual auto paint colour you ordered to fix your car scratch. It is important to get the right colour match for your car. Reputable companies such as TouchUpDirect provide a guarantee that enables you to input your car's make, model, year and colour to receive the exact factory colour.
Before applying the basecoat, ensure the surface is clean and free of dirt or grease by using soap or wax and grease remover. If your car paint is rusty, remove all traces of rust with 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush, and apply an anti-rust cleaner. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth or a hand dryer held about a foot away from the surface. Ideally, the drying temperature should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apply the basecoat in thin coats to get the level of the repaired scratch to match the level of the surrounding car paint. Leave up to 30 minutes between coats. You should also get back to the job no more than 24 hours after finishing the application of your primer or base coat. Freshly dried paint is more porous and is therefore able to absorb the next coat. If you wait too long, the existing coat will become harder and less permeable.
Be careful not to overload your brush or applicator with paint. If you are using a touch-up pen, resist the impulse to press hard with the pen as you are applying your paint. Although doing this seems like the best way to get the paint absorbed into the surface, all that will actually end up happening is that the pen tip will be damaged. In addition to destroying your pen, being too boisterous with your pressure level can also make your job more difficult in another way. You might actually compromise the appearance of lower coats of paint that you have recently applied.
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Applying the topcoat
The following instructions are for applying a topcoat to your Mercedes-Benz.
Firstly, ensure your car is at ambient temperature. Applying a topcoat in direct sunlight will soften the paint and make the coating less effective. Next, prep the surface with PolyWash to remove large particles of dirt and grime. Then, dry your vehicle completely, making sure all the water is off the surface.
Now you are ready to apply the topcoat. Have 4-5 clean, dry microfiber towels ready. Starting at the top of your vehicle, divide the surface into quarters and focus on one section at a time. Spray the topcoat directly onto the finish of the first section and polish with the first towel. Buff the topcoat in with a second, dry towel. Repeat this process, moving lower on the vehicle each time: from the top of the vehicle, move to the front glass, then to the hood, then to the back glass. Each time, divide the section in half, apply the topcoat directly to the surface, polish with one towel, then buff with a dry towel.
After you’ve applied the topcoat to the back of the vehicle, do the door glass, then move on to the doors, and then each quarter panel. After completing these steps on each section of the vehicle, get another dry towel and do a final buff to catch any overspray that may have occurred on one of the previous sections.
Finally, treat the rims and tires if desired.
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Frequently asked questions
The paint code is usually located on a label inside the driver's side door jamb or under the hood. It can also be found on the manufacturer's sticker, which is usually white or black.
Mercedes-Benz paint codes are usually three digits long and composed of numbers only. On older models, the code may be preceded by "DB".
Touch-up paint pens are great for small and quick paint jobs, while spray paint is better for repairing larger areas. Touch-up jars with application dabbers are also suitable for small damaged areas. Basecoat paint bottles work well if you have many chips to fix.
First, ensure the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Clean the damaged area with soap and water, then use a wax and grease remover to clean the spot. Let the surface dry completely before applying a small amount of primer. Once the primer is dry, apply the basecoat in thin, even layers, letting each layer dry fully before adding the next. Finally, apply a clear coat to restore shine and protection.
Touch-up paint for Mercedes can be purchased from various online retailers, including TouchUpDirect, PaintScratch, ERA Paints, Auto Paint HQ, and Chipex. These websites offer a range of touch-up paint products, repair kits, and instructions to help you complete the process at home.
