Can you buy car paint from dealership?
Yes. In many cases you can buy OEM touch-up paint or related supplies at a dealership, but you usually won’t find gallons of paint or full refinishing kits in the showroom.
Dealerships generally stock small quantities of color-matched touch-up products through the parts or service departments. Availability varies by dealer and model. For larger paint jobs, most customers turn to auto body shops or paint suppliers that can provide larger quantities and complete refinishing options, often using the vehicle’s exact factory color code.
What you can buy at a dealership
Below is a look at the common paint-related items dealerships tend to carry for public purchase. The list showcases typical formats and purposes you might encounter.
- OEM touch-up paint bottles and pens that match your car’s color
- Spray paint cans or small touch-up kits designed for minor repairs
- Color-matched primers, sealers, and clear coats sold through the parts department
- Small quantity supplies for occasional repairs, often available in limited colors
Dealerships often provide these products as convenience items for minor cosmetic fixes or to support ongoing service work, rather than as a substitute for a full paint job.
How color matching works and what to expect
Before listing the typical process, here is what customers should know about matching a car’s color at a dealership.
- Color code lookup from the vehicle’s VIN, door jamb tag, or their internal database
- OEM paint formula or closely matched code provided by the dealer or manufacturer
- Inventory and color availability can vary, especially for less common colors or newer models
- Some dealers offer services or guidance on applying the paint and may assist with samples
For larger repairs or full refinishes, dealerships usually refer customers to an authorized body shop or paint supplier that can provide more extensive options and warranties.
Alternatives and best practices if a dealership can’t help
If you don’t find the paint you need at the dealership, consider these alternatives and practical steps to ensure a proper match.
- Auto parts stores or independent paint suppliers often stock OEM- or close-match touch-up paints
- Independent or manufacturer-authorized body shops can order exact OEM paint and perform refinishing
- Professional color-matching services use digital spectrophotometers to verify a precise shade
- Obtain a service estimate to compare DIY touch-up results versus professional refinishing
In many cases a precisely matched touch-up kit or spray can is sufficient for small defects, but large or blend-required repairs typically benefit from professional resizing and coating applications.
Practical steps to buy from a dealership
Below is a practical, step-by-step approach to purchasing paint from a dealership when you know your color code and need a match.
- Identify your color code using the vehicle’s VIN or the color label in the door jamb
- Call the dealership’s parts department to confirm whether OEM touch-up products are in stock
- Provide your vehicle details and color code to ensure the correct match
- Choose the format (pen, bottle, or spray can) and confirm price and return policy
- Arrange pickup or delivery; confirm any applicability of service discounts or restrictions
Availability and formats can vary by dealership and color; it’s best to call ahead and confirm before visiting.
Summary
The core takeaway is that car dealerships can be a source for paint-related products, especially OEM touch-up paints and small supplies for minor fixes. For larger refinishing work, you’ll typically rely on auto body shops or dedicated paint suppliers. Always verify color codes, available formats, and pricing with your local dealer to avoid delays.
Can I buy touch up paint for my car?
Yes: Our exact-match car touch-up paint, primer, and clear coat come in aerosol cans and ready-to-spray cans that you can apply with a spray gun.
Can I get my car painted at the dealership?
Most dealerships equipped to offer auto body work and auto collision repairs can perform paint services. However, these services are typically limited to touch-ups and minor paint repairs. Fewer facilities have the equipment and skills to perform more extensive work, such as complete vehicle repainting.
Can you buy touch up paint at a dealership?
You can buy automotive touch up paint that matches your car from the dealership, from auto parts stores, or from online sources such as Amazon.
How much do dealerships charge for touch up paint?
The average cost for a professional dealer or auto body shop can charge anywhere from $800-$1200 in 2019. For small jobs it could be anywhere from $500-$800, anything less is not worth their time in labor.
