How to apply paint marker

However, it is important to follow the instructions indicated by the manufacturer to make sure you get the most out of it. Additionally, choose a pen type that you are most comfortable with without compromising durability.

How to Use a Touch Up Paint Pen? – Start to Finish!

Getting paint scratches and chips is inevitable. It’s part of the wear and tear of every paint job that you have to be prepared for. But did you know that you can actually touch up those chips and scratches with a paint pen?

In this article, we’ll learn how to use a touch-up paint pen and discover how you can effortlessly restore car scratches, stone holes, and dings without spending much.

We’ll also get familiar with different types of touch-up paint pens and give you a simple guide in choosing the right product.

Table of Contents

• Step-by-step to Use a Touch-up Paint Pen
• Choosing the Right Touch-up Paint Pen
  • 1. Touch-Up Paint Pen Format
  • 2. Color Matching
  • 3. Paint System
  • 1. Preparation
  • 2. Application
  • 3. Finishing Touches

  Step-by-step to Use a Touch-up Paint Pen

  Before we go through the guide, let’s first learn the different formats, colors, and systems of touch-up paint pens to help you pick the best touch-up paint pen for your application.

  1. Touch-Up Paint Pen Format

  • Marker Type—easy to use, this works like a regular paint pen. Some may feature a piston-like tip that needs to be prime before application.
  • 2-in-1 Type—it either comes with a fine metal nib and a brush tip or a dual-ended In the latter case, one end will contain the colored paint, whereas the other is the clear coat.
  • All in 1 Type—it can be in the form of a kit or a single touch-up paint pen with an abrasive tip, 2 applicators, and a clear coat.

  2. Color Matching

  

  Finding the exact color match can sometimes be more tricky than learning how to use a paint pen on a car. To do so, look for a supplier who offers OEM or precision color matching.

  Another option is the manufacturer’s paint pen. This is sold by brand manufacturers themselves, so you’re guaranteed to get a perfect color match.

  3. Paint System

  While some certain touch-up paint pens only require one step, they may not be very long-lasting. As such, you should pick ones that require a full three-step process. This includes treatment and protection that is completed by priming, applying the base coat, and a clear coat.

  
  

  Step-by-step Guide

  1. Preparation

  1. Cleaning

  

  It is strongly advised to clean your car or at least the area to be treated thoroughly with wax remover before applying paint or doing a touch-up. If you don’t have a wax remover, cleaning detergent will suffice.

  2. Sanding, Filling, and Priming

  

  If the target area is already rusted, you may want to sand it out with a 3000-grit sandpaper or use a rust converter. However, should the scratch has chipped off the whole paint layer or penetrated down through the surface, you will have to use a primer or body fillers to car chips.

  • Use painter’s tape to isolate the touch-up area. If you are working with car paint, use automotive-grade tape.
  • Choose your work location Avoid working under direct sunlight and in a humid area.
  • Practice applying the paint pen before you start the actual application.

  2. Application

  

  After your surface is clean, treated, and dried, it’s time to start touching up.

  1. To reactivate the paint and ensure the pen produces a uniform color, give it a good shake for about 1 minute.

  2. Check and test the pen on cardboard for color and consistency.

  • Piston type—prime it first by depressing the tip onto a hard surface until you get your desired consistency. Wipe clean any excess ink from the tip before the actual application.
  • Metal tip—squeeze the body lightly to release the paint.
  • Brush type—can be applied directly as long as the paint is not dried.

  3. Lightly dab the tip of the touch-up paint pen or the brush on the target area. Do not get tempted to glide it over to car scratches like a regular paint pen.

  4. If another coat is necessary, let the first one dry for about 20 minutes before you apply touch up paint pen again. 2 coats should be enough.

  5. Make sure the base coat is of the same level as the original paint or slightly above it.

  6. Smooth out touch-up paint using a rubbing compound. Pour some onto a clean microfiber cloth and rub it on top of the touch-up area.

  7. Once you are satisfied with the color, let it dry completely and leave it for a few hours or check the label for the recommended drying time.

  3. Finishing Touches

  

  1. Apply a clear coat. You can dab up to two coats, but be sure to wait for at least 10 minutes for the first coat to dry.

  This step is optional and may not be that necessary. However, having an extra clear coating will give your touch-up a glossier finish and UV protection. For some kits, the clear coat is also designed to aid color matching.

  2. Reapply the rubbing compound until you get a glossy look. Always use a fresh and clean cloth to avoid scratching your newly repaired surface.

  3. Wax your car to get a full glossy finish. Do note that waxing right after the touch-up is not recommended.

  You will have to let the touch-up fully cure. This will take at least 2 days, but for better results, let the paint set for a week up to a month before waxing.

  
  

  How To Use Touch-Up Paint

  

  The unthinkable has happened. You came back from your parking spot at the grocery store only to find your cherished ride is now sporting a paint scratch. Or maybe a wayward pebble took a piece of paint with it on the highway. Regardless of how the paint scratch happened, fixing it at home has never been easier. Let’s take a look at how to use touch-up paint on a car and get your vehicle looking its best again.

  What Is Touch-Up Paint?

  Touch-up paint is a specially formulated paint designed to match your factory paint color exactly. It typically only comes in small quantities because it is meant to be just for repairing small areas, not to paint an entire car. Touch-up paint is also designed to be easy to use without needing any of the specialty equipment or chemicals of a professional auto body shop. Simply find the touch-up paint that matches your factory paint color and you are all set to begin.

  While there are many touch-up paints on the market, for this example we are going to focus on the Dupli-Color® Scratch Fix All-in-1 touch up paint pen. It is a true all-in-one product that can prime, paint, and seal a paint scratch in your own driveway. Here’s how to use a car touch up paint pen:

  1. Start by identifying your vehicle’s color code for an exact paint match. The paint code may be under the hood, in the trunk, or inside the driver’s side door jamb. Getting the correct color code is important, so don’t just guess as a paint repair with the wrong color may stick out worse than the original scratch.
  2. Give the car a good wash to remove any dirt or grime from the paint. Dry it thoroughly so the touch-up paint is not affected later.
  3. Identify the scratch(es) you want to repair.
  4. Use the abrasive prep tip to clean the damaged paint area. Notice that the prep tip is designed with a fine point for control. Only clean the scratched/damaged area, do not disturb the surrounding undamaged paint.
  5. Wipe the now cleaned area with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to remove any dust or grease.
  6. The tool has both a fine tip paint pen and a small brush to apply touch-up paint. For fine lines and scratches start with the paint pen. For larger areas wider than the pen tip use the small brush. Apply a light coat of touch-up paint to the damaged area and allow it to dry for 30 minutes.
  7. Once the touch-up paint has dried you may now apply the clear finish top coat. Using a smooth, even stroke gently apply the top coat.
  8. Give the paint a full week to dry, then you can blend in the repaired area gently with rubbing compound and polish it with your favorite wax..

  That’s it! While touch-up paint won’t save you when serious damage occurs, it is the perfect solution for small problems and preventing corrosion from taking hold.

  Check out all the paint & body supplies available on NAPAOnline or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to use touch-up paint on your car, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto Parts store .