Lena Rivera
If your Honda Pilot has scratches, dings, or paint chips, you can touch up the paint yourself. This is a simple and cost-effective alternative to getting a full paint job or paying a body shop to fix minor blemishes. To get started, you'll need to purchase Honda Pilot touch-up paint that matches your car's colour. You can find this at AutoZone or online at websites like PaintScratch.com. Once you have the paint, make sure the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, clean the area with soap and water, and then apply the paint in thin layers, waiting 10-20 minutes between coats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use touch-up paint | When there are scratches, dings, nicks, or paint chips on the car |
| Where to find the paint colour code | The driver's door jamb |
| What the paint colour code looks like | A series of six alphanumeric combinations beneath the barcode, with the fourth set of numbers and letters indicating the paint colour and the sixth sequence being a single letter indicating the factory code |
| How to order the right paint | Specify the factory code and paint colour code |
| How to prepare the car for touch-up paint | Wash the areas to be painted with soap and water; if recently waxed, use a wax and grease remover; tape off the area with masking tape; if the surface is unpainted, apply primer in several thin coats before painting |
| How to apply touch-up paint | Use a paint pen, brush, or spray; apply in thin layers, building up to the same depth as the surrounding areas; wait 10-20 minutes between coats; allow to dry overnight; apply clearcoat in several thin layers after the paint has dried |
| How to finish the paint job | Allow the clearcoat to dry for three days, then buff to a high gloss with a soft, non-abrasive cloth; wait 30 days, then apply automotive wax |
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What You'll Learn
Finding the right paint colour
Locate the Paint Code
Each car has a unique paint code, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door, under the bonnet, in the boot, or on the door jamb. This code is like a fingerprint for your car's paint and will ensure an exact match. The paint code is typically a combination of letters and numbers and may be labelled with "EXT PT" or "C". Sometimes, the code is not clearly identified, so look for abbreviations like "EXT PNT" or identifiers like "BODY COLOR CODE".
Vehicle Information Sticker
If you cannot locate the paint code, look for the vehicle information sticker, which usually contains the paint code or colour description. This sticker can be found inside the car, often on the driver's side interior dash, inside the door jamb, or in the trunk.
Monroney Sticker
If you purchased your Honda Pilot new, check if the Monroney sticker (window sticker) was saved and stored with your owner's manual. This sticker includes your vehicle's build information, and the paint code or colour description may be included.
VIN Lookup
If you cannot locate the paint code or vehicle information sticker, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find the paint code. The VIN is a 17-character combination of letters and numbers found on your vehicle title, registration certificate, or car title and insurance documents. Contact your dealership with the VIN, and they can provide you with the paint code. Alternatively, you can use online databases to look up the paint code using your VIN, make, model, and year of manufacture.
Test the Paint
Before applying touch-up paint to your bumper, test it on a hidden spot on your car. This will allow you to see if the paint colour still matches your car, as sun exposure may have altered the original paint colour over time.
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Preparing the surface
Before applying touch-up paint to your Honda Pilot, it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a smooth and seamless finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Identify the Type and Extent of Damage: Assess the damage on your Honda Pilot bumper to determine the appropriate touch-up paint and application method. Honda Touch-Up Pens are ideal for scratches and quick touch-ups, while Honda Touch-Up Spray Paint is suitable for larger areas or unpainted sections. For paint chips, Honda Touch-Up Basecoat Paint Bottles are recommended.
- Check the Temperature: Ensure that the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit before starting. Colder weather can negatively affect paint application, leading to improper drying and an uneven finish.
- Clean the Surface: Wash the area you plan to paint with soap and water to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. If you have recently waxed your car, use a wax and grease remover to ensure the surface is free of any wax residue.
- Tape Off the Area: Use masking tape to tape off the area you will be painting. This will protect the surrounding paint and create a precise boundary for your touch-up paint application.
- Address Rust: If there is any rust present on the bumper, it is crucial to address it before painting. Use 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove all traces of rust. Then, apply a rust converter to the affected areas to neutralize the rust and prevent it from spreading.
- Apply Primer (if necessary): If you are painting on an unpainted surface, such as bare metal or plastic, apply several thin coats of primer before proceeding to paint. This will ensure better adhesion and a more uniform finish.
- Gather Your Tools: Ensure you have the right tools for paint application. Avoid using the small brush included in the touch-up paint container, as it may apply too much paint. Instead, opt for a small wooden toothpick or a micro-brush (available at auto paint stores) for precise and controlled paint application.
By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the surface of your Honda Pilot bumper for touch-up paint, ensuring a professional-looking and long-lasting result.
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Using the right tools
Paint Type and Colour
Honda touch-up paint comes in three different forms: pens, spray paint, and basecoat paint bottles. The type of paint you choose depends on the size and type of damage. For minor scratches and quick touch-ups on your Honda Pilot, paint pens are ideal. Spray paint is suitable for larger areas or unpainted sections, while basecoat paint bottles are perfect for paint chips.
It is crucial to get the exact colour match for your Honda Pilot. You can find the Honda colour code on the driver's door jamb. It will be a sticker with a series of six alphanumeric combinations beneath the barcode. The fourth set of numbers and letters is your paint colour, and the sixth sequence is the factory code. When ordering touch-up paint, specify both the Honda paint code and the factory code to ensure an exact match.
Paint Applicators
While some touch-up paint options come with built-in applicators, such as brush tips or pens, it is recommended to use separate tools for better precision and control. Toothpicks or micro-brushes, available at auto paint stores, are excellent for applying small amounts of paint to specific areas. These tools help you work in thin layers, building up the paint gradually to match the surrounding depth.
Surface Preparation
Before applying touch-up paint, ensure the surface is clean and free of any contaminants. Wash the area with soap and water, and if there is any wax, use a wax and grease remover. If you're dealing with rust, use 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove it completely, then apply a rust converter to prevent further oxidation.
Protection
Masking tape is essential to protect the surrounding areas of the bumper that are not being painted. Carefully tape off the area to ensure that only the desired section is painted.
Primer and Clearcoat
If you're painting on an unpainted surface, such as bare metal or plastic, a primer is necessary. Apply several thin coats of primer before applying the touch-up paint. After the touch-up paint has dried, complete the process with a clearcoat. Apply the clearcoat in several thin layers for a durable and uniform finish.
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Applying the paint
Before applying the paint, ensure that the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder weather will negatively affect paint application. Wash the areas you want to paint with soap and water. If you've recently waxed your car, use a wax and grease remover. Tape off the area with masking tape to protect the surrounding paint.
If you are using Honda touch-up paint on an unpainted surface, such as bare metal or plastic, apply primer in several thin coats before painting. Painting over rust will not stop the oxidation process and can lead to worse rust problems. Use 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove all rust, then apply a rust converter to neutralize rust and prevent its spread.
The type of paint you use depends on the size and type of damage. Touch-up pens are perfect for scratches and quick touch-ups, while spray paint is designed for larger areas or previously unpainted surfaces. Basecoat paint bottles work well for paint chips.
When applying the paint, use thin layers and build up the paint gradually to match the depth of the surrounding areas. Wait 10 to 20 minutes between coats. Once you've achieved the desired coverage and depth, allow the paint to dry overnight. In temperatures below 70 degrees, additional drying time may be needed.
After the paint has dried, apply a clear coat in several thin layers for a durable and uniform finish. Wait 10 to 20 minutes between layers and let the clear coat dry completely. Then, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to apply rubbing compound using circular strokes and even pressure. Buff to a high gloss. For optimal results, let the touch-up paint dry for 30 days before applying automotive wax.
To avoid applying too much paint, shake the bottle well and use a small wooden toothpick to dab a small amount into the affected area, filling in to the edges. Your repair may take two coats. Apply very little paint each time, and take your time.
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Finishing touches
Once you have applied the paint, you will need to wait 10 to 20 minutes between coats. It is recommended to apply two thin layers of paint to achieve the desired coverage and depth. After applying the paint, let it dry overnight. If the temperature is below 70 degrees, the paint will need more time to dry.
After the touch-up paint has dried, you can apply a clear coat for added protection and a uniform finish. Similar to the paint, the clear coat should be applied in several thin layers. Wait 10 to 20 minutes between each layer, and let the final coat dry for at least three days.
Next, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to buff the area. Apply rubbing compound in circular motions with even pressure. This will help you achieve a high gloss finish.
For optimal results, it is recommended to let the touch-up paint dry for 30 days before applying an automotive wax. This final step will enhance the appearance and protection of your Honda Pilot's paint job.
By following these detailed instructions and taking your time with each step, you can achieve a seamless and durable touch-up paint job on your Honda Pilot's bumper.
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Frequently asked questions
Your Honda colour code is located on the driver's door jamb. The white sticker will have a series of six alphanumeric combinations beneath the barcode. The fourth set of numbers and letters is your paint colour. The sixth sequence is a single letter, which is the factory code. This letter is also the 11th digit of your VIN.
You can use a paint pen for small scratches, or a brush bottle for larger scratches and chips. For larger paint repairs, a spray paint can will deliver the best results. You will also need masking tape, primer, and clearcoat.
Wash the areas you want to paint with soap and water. If you've recently waxed your car, use a wax and grease remover. Tape off the area with masking tape to protect the surrounding paint. If the bumper is unpainted, apply several thin coats of primer before painting.
Apply the paint in thin layers, building up the paint to match the depth of the surrounding areas. Wait 10 to 20 minutes between coats. Once the paint has the proper coverage, allow it to dry overnight. Complete the touch-up with clearcoat, applying several thin layers.
