TimeForTouchUp Aerosol Spray Can Instructions

Prep is everything. The fastest way to great results is to spend extra time cleaning, sanding, and masking. Tape off edges and cover surrounding areas so you don’t get unwanted overspray.

What you’ll need

• TimeForTouchUp color aerosol and clear coat aerosol

• Soap and water, isopropyl alcohol or wax/grease remover, microfiber towels

• 800 grit sandpaper (and 1000–2000 grit for finishing if needed)

• Masking tape and masking paper or plastic

• Tack cloth (optional)

• Nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a proper paint respirator

• Optional: primer if you have bare metal or plastic showing

Ideal conditions

Paint in a dust-free, well-ventilated area at roughly 65–80°F (18–27°C) with low humidity. Avoid direct sun and wind.

Step-by-step

1. Wash and decontaminate
   Wash the repair area with soap and water. Dry fully. Wipe with wax/grease remover or isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils, silicone, or wax.

2. Sand the defect
   Feather the damaged area with 800 grit until edges are smooth. If you expose bare metal or raw plastic, spot prime per the primer’s label and let it dry, then scuff lightly.

3. Mask thoroughly
   Mask seams and body lines with tape. Cover adjacent panels, trim, glass, and wheels with paper or plastic. For a softer blend on an open panel, “back-tape” the edge (fold the tape so the paint dies into air, not a hard tape line).

4. Shake the can
   Shake for at least 1 minute after the ball starts rattling. Shake between coats.

5. Test spray
   Test on a scrap card to check fan pattern and practice distance and speed. Check color match too. 

6. Apply the color basecoat

   • Hold the can about 6–8 inches from the surface.

   • Start and stop your passes off the panel. Keep the can moving.

   • First pass: very light “tack” coat. Wait 5–10 minutes.

   • Follow with 2–4 light-to-medium coats, 50% overlap, flashing 5–10 minutes between coats.

   • Do not chase gloss with basecoat. Base should dry to a uniform satin/matte.

   Pro tip: For metallics/pearls, a final light “orientation” pass from slightly farther away can help even the flake.

7. Tri-coat colors (if applicable)
   If your color requires a mid-coat (pearl), apply 1–3 very light, even coats over the fully flashed base, checking match as you go. More coats = more effect. Flash 5–10 minutes between coats.

8.  Apply the clear coat

    

   • First coat: medium-wet. 6–8 inches distance, 50% overlap.

   • Flash 10–15 minutes, then apply 1–2 full wet coats, allowing the surface to go from wet to tacky between coats.

   • Aim for smooth, even coverage without heavy buildup on edges.

    

    

9. Unmask at the right time
   When the last clear coat is tack-free (not stringy), carefully pull tape back over itself at a low angle. This helps avoid a hard edge.

10. Dry and cure
    Let the vehicle sit dust-free for at least 24 hours. Avoid moisture for the first day. Normal handling is usually OK after 24 hours; full hardness can take 3–7 days depending on temperature.

11. Finishing (optional)
    After 48–72 hours, you can nib sand dust specks or texture with 1500–2000 grit wet sand, then compound and polish to restore gloss. Work slowly to avoid burning through the clear.

12. Aftercare
    Gentle hand wash is fine after 72 hours. Wait 30 days before waxing or sealing.

Quick troubleshooting

• Runs or sags: Let it cure 24–48 hours. Level with 1500–2000 grit wet sand, then re-clear or polish.

• Orange peel (bumpy texture): Next time, spray a little closer or a touch slower. You can sand and polish after cure to level it.

• Dry spray/rough feel: You’re too far away or moving too fast. Lightly sand smooth after cure, then re-clear if needed.

• Fisheyes/craters: Surface contamination. Stop, let it dry, sand, thoroughly degrease, and respray.

• Color looks dull: That’s normal for metallic basecoat. Gloss and depth appear after clear.

• Edge line after unmasking: Wet sand the edge with 2000 grit after cure, then polish to blend.

Safety and cleanup

Always use a proper respirator, gloves, and eye protection. No flames, sparks, or smoking near the work area. When finished, invert the can and spray briefly to clear the nozzle. Store at room temperature.