https://www.reference.com/vehicles/t...milarQuestions

Says to put the clear coat on before the color coat. I thought it was
the other way around. I would have thought the clear coat is shiny and
color coat won't adhere to it well.

Also I thought the clear coat is the reason that paint jobs look better
now than 30 years ago or so, especially wrt white cars. In the past
white cars looked dull and dirty after a few years, but I've only washed
my white car once in 5 years, it's a 2000, and the finish looks fine. I
thought that's because of the clear coat, and if it's under the white
paint, I don't see how it could help the appearance at all.


Q:How do you touch up the paint on your car?
A:Quick Answer

To touch up the paint on your car, wash the vehicle, sand the blemished
areas, apply a layer of clear coat, and apply the paint following the
manufacturer's instructions. Then wax and buff the painted spots

Full Answer

Begin touching up the paint on your car by noting how many areas need a
touch-up job and buying the paint quantity needed. Choose the correct
paint shade using the shade chart of the car manufacturer. Normally,
touch-up car paints are available in pint or quart-size aerosol cans.
They are also available in bottles and as applicators to which a brush
is attached.

After washing the car with clean water, allow it to air dry completely.
Use a car paint sandpaper to sand the blemished areas.

Apply a clear coat to the blemishes, particularly those that are large
in size, to act as a base for the paint. When using the touch-up paint,
first test it on an inconspicuous spot on the car. Apply the clear coat
on the test spot before applying the paint. Judge how glossy the paint
is, and use the paint accordingly.

Follow the instructions given with the car paint since the method of the
touch-up job varies between paint brands. When painting, move the hand
back and forth to apply the paint evenly in straight lines. Overlap the
bands of paint by one-half of each band width.

Wax the spots soon after painting, and buff to give the area a shine. If
required, use a hair dryer over the painted spots to give them a glossy
look. Avoid painting the car on a humid day.