Best spray paint for touch ups

[Cubieman]

I had my strut towers repaired and I have used some gray POR-15 primer/topcoat for the underside, it doesn't match well buts that's OK.

For the topside I'd like to attempt to get a close enough match that's acceptable, Id like to do this on my own. Worst case I will have it done properly down the line.

I see many different options for Silvergray Metallic (A08) in spray can form. I just wondered if there was a particular brand that is considered better than others.

Also, I see that the engine bay paint is different from the body paint, less gloss. I have been doing some reading, man that's going to be hard to match.

Now also questioning my use of self-etch vs. epoxy for the primer on the underside of the towers, this car won't see much rain though.

[davidinnyc]

My engine bay paints are all flat - did some cars come with clear / glossy paint in the bay?

[Cubieman]

My engine bay paints are all flat - did some cars come with clear / glossy paint in the bay?

Mine is maybe 1/4th the clear coat look as compared to body panels, a small bit of semi-gloss. Going to be hard for me to recreate.

[Bimma360]

This is my go to place, albeit I haven't had the need to spray anything more than 2 or 3 times. The last time I used them was a few years ago on a lower trim piece for my e53 LMB X5. The match was perfect, I couldn't tell a difference between the surrounding paint. I go with their primer too, just to ensure good adherence with their paint.

https://www.automotivetouchup.com/?mallid=52&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=38477719&gb raid=0AAAAAD_tMVNw4gLM09S8j5d7PnRGuvuG8&gclid=CjwK CAiA1obMBhAbEiwAsUBbIm2lOwxBK88s4MvPjJty-IIvpX4FhqJMwHzSNRWOc4PatZ0IaEL-QBoChKMQAvD_BwE

[karter16]

Mine is maybe 1/4th the clear coat look as compared to body panels, a small bit of semi-gloss. Going to be hard for me to recreate.

Yeah interesting - mine is flat in the engine bay like David's. Yours is visibly more gloss than mine (also A08). FWIW I believe BMW went through a multitude of variants of A08 on different vehicles and as rules changed in the EU around paint ingredients. Mine is A08/7, but from what I've read that isn't even a guarantee of getting a match as the ingredients available today aren't the same as what was used when the car was painted.

[Cubieman]

Think I'll just choose a "quality" A08 aerosol, 2k primer (maybe 1k?), and some semi-gloss. I am learning about epoxy vs. self etch, and how I should have used expoxy primer for the underside as opposed to self etch.

I am contemplating whether or not I want to just paint the exposed areas or paint the entire tops of the towers.

I have an RE strut bar comming, I may trace around the base of it and just paint that area. There is no way it's going to match.
Unfortunately I have a few little areas where I zipped off paint when the dremel bounced around that won't be covered by the brace, I just need to accept it won't be perfect.


I did find a great way to paint in the heated garge while exhausting all the paint fumes outside into the winter weather. Inline fan I had laying around finally came in handy!