
How to Use a Car Touch up Paint Pen
- Step 1 – Inspection There may be several locations on the car that require the use of a car touch up paint pen so it will be prudent to begin by examining the entire car. ...
- Step 2 – Prepare Surface ...
- Step 3 – Apply Primer ...
- Step 4 – Apply Paint ...
How to use a car touch up paint pen?
How to Use a Car Touch up Paint Pen
- Inspection. There may be several locations on the car that require the use of a car touch up paint pen so it will be prudent to begin ...
- Prepare Surface. It will be necessary to prepare the surface by cleaning it first to remove any particles on the surface that could interfere with the car ...
- Apply Primer. ...
- Apply Paint. ...
What is the best touch up paint for cars?
Types of Automotive Touch Up Paint
- Aerosol Paint. One of the most common formulations out there, aerosol paints are easy to use but offer messy application results than other varieties.
- Touch Up Pens. The most common type of automotive touch-up paint out there, touch up pens often come standard with a new vehicle purchase.
- Paint Brush Touch Up Kits. ...
When to have car paint professionally touched up?
You Should Expect Touch Up Paint to Last for at Least 4-5 Years The smaller the damage, the better the application, so you should expect touch-up paint to last until you’re ready to move on. The car needs to be washed and wax. In addition, if there are scratches or damage, they should be repaired.
How much does a car paint touch up cost?
How Much Does It Cost To Get Paint Touched Up On A Car? In 2019, the average cost of a professional dealer or auto body shop will range from $800 to $1200. It could be as little as $500-$800 for a small job, anything less is not worth the time and effort.
How to test touch up paint pen?
Why do you need a touch up pen for car paint?
How long does it take for a car to dry before applying primer?
How to clean rust off car?
Can you touch up a car with a paint pen?
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About this website

Do auto touch up paint pens work?
Touch-up paint pens make the damage look worse 95% of the time. They are unnecessarily hard to use and the results are far from acceptable. Touch-up paint pens are pretty much just for the dealerships and car manufacturers to sell as an additional source of income.
How do you touch up a car with a paint pen scratch?
Use thin light coats and let dry between coats. Do not try to cover the scratch with one coat and remember to depress the paint pen off the vehicle to start the paint flowing. Wipe the excess paint off the tip before applying.. Once the basecoat has dried, the clearcoat can now be applied.
Do touch up pens need primer?
Depending on the touch-up paint you select, the steps will be slightly different. Some touch-up paints require primer, others have a clear coat included. Each is a little different. For these steps and video, we used Ford's touch-up kit.
How does a paint repair pen work?
Car scratch repair pens are applicators that are filled with clear coat resin. This is basically the same resin that forms the outer layer of car paint. They claim to give professional results in a few easy steps; fill the scratch with clear coat, let the area dry, then buff or polish the surface.
Do I need clear coat After touch up paint?
Clearcoat needs to be sprayed, and it isn't necessary for the very small area that you'd be using touch-up paint for.
How do you smooth touch up paint on a car?
Use a Lacquer Thinner The process for using lacquer thinner to smooth out touch up paint is simple: clean and dry the area, apply a small amount of the solvent with a cotton swab, and slowly rub the glob of paint away. After you've used lacquer thinner, be sure to thoroughly clean the area.
How long will touch up paint last?
Touch Up Paint Should Last At Least 4-5 Years A more reasonable life expectation is 4-5 years. The smaller the damage, the better the application, the more likely the touch-up paint will last until you're ready to move on to another car.
How long does it take touch up paint to blend in?
Allow at least two weeks for touch-up coats to dry thoroughly, before judging whether you need to re-apply. When you use different application methods with the same paint job, touch-up problems can occur.
How do you touch up paint like a pro?
1:589:46Tips & Tricks | Using Touch-Up Paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then coming out it's simply bouncing right over the top and it's much less noticeable. So let'sMoreAnd then coming out it's simply bouncing right over the top and it's much less noticeable. So let's go up back up to the car and we'll put this into. Practice.
Do paint pens work on deep scratches?
As a rule, these products won't help on any scratch that's deep enough to feel with a fingernail, or if you can see primer or bare metal. For that kind of damage, you'll need more than clear filler and a steady hand. The only way to repair damaged paint is with more paint.
How do I remove deep scratches from my car?
Use A Scratch Repair KitClean The Area Around The Scratches. Start by thoroughly cleaning the area around the scratches on your car. ... Apply Scratch Remover. ... Use The Buffing Cloth To Remove The Scratches. ... Remove Any Extra Polish.
What is the best way to get rid of scratches on a car?
Most light scratches can be fixed by polishing the clear coat with a rubbing compound. It will remove the damaged layer and leave your paint looking good as new. If the scratch is deep, you may need to sand the area before polishing it. It will remove any rough edges and make it easier to apply the compound evenly.
How do you fix paint chips on car paint pen?
4:5911:49How To Correctly "Paint Touch-Up" Stone Chips On Your Car To Get ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea slowly covering the chip dab by dab. Now if you're using the same two-step. Process with a baseMoreArea slowly covering the chip dab by dab. Now if you're using the same two-step. Process with a base color and then a clear coat you want to just add enough paint in this first step to cover the chip.
How do you remove scratches from a car pen?
Product descriptionClean the scratch area before use.Remove the wax of the scratch area.Remove the iron rust.Shake the pen about 10~40 times before using.Please use in sunny days to ensure product effectiveness.
How do I repair paint scratches on my car?
Step-by-Step Instructions:Sand the scratched area. Sand with 2,000-grit sandpaper until you reach your car's metal panel. ... Spray primer and then paint onto the sanded area. Mask off the area with paper and masking tape to not spread paint/primer to any other area. ... Polish until the area matches the rest of the car.
How do I buff out a scratch on my car?
The process is simple:Wash and dry the car.Apply the scratch remover to a microfiber towel. ... Apply firm pressure and rub the area for about 60 seconds, then let it dry to a haze.Remove the dried product with a microfiber towel.Repeat the process until the affected area is buffed clean.
How To Use a Touch Up Paint Pen to Repair Car Paint Scratches (New!)
http://www.PaintScratch.com founder Collin Harris demonstrates how to use a touch up paint pen to repair a small scratch on his ranch truck. Paint pens are t...
Apply Car Touch Up Paint: 5 Tips to Get It Right - HOW TO
When your car gets the inevitable scratch, and the question comes to mind: Do it myself or pay someone to do it for me? For minor damage like keying, chips or other light scratches, it can be a rewarding do-it-yourself job, if you follow these 5 steps: Step 1: Get the exact paint for your car.
How to test touch up paint pen?
Test the car touch up paint pen in the same way that you did for the primer. Shake the pen and make sure that paint is flowing properly before using it on the car. Apply the paint evenly and avoid drip marks by not leaving it in one place for too long and not depressing the nib against the car’s surface. Let each coat of the car touch up paint dry ...
Why do you need a touch up pen for car paint?
In the normal course of using a car, you may find that you occasionally need to use a car touch up paint pen to rectify any scratches or discoloration. By knowing how to use the item properly, you can ensure good results every time.
How long does it take for a car to dry before applying primer?
Leave it to dry in accordance with the instructions or for at least 20 minutes. After it has dried, use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface where the primer has been applied.
How to clean rust off car?
Ensure that you dry the surface after cleaning it. If there are any defects that are serious enough to show signs of rust, use a wire brush to clean it away before proceeding.
Can you touch up a car with a paint pen?
There may be several locations on the car that require the use of a car touch up paint pen so it will be prudent to begin by examining the entire car. You may find that there are some scratches present that you may not have noticed before. This will also give you the opportunity to determine the depth of the scratches, ...
What is touch up paint pen used for?
This pen certainly has its limitations. It is mainly used for small chips off the paint. If your car has larger streaks of paint scratched off, you will not want to use a pen.
What to do before painting a car?
Before doing any type of paint, make sure to clean the area well. There are many home products you can use to clean your car’s exterior. You will want to remove all the residue or the pen will leave nasty streaks on your car.
What to use on a dirty car?
If your car is especially dirty, you may want to consider wax and grease remover for some tougher action.
Is a touch up paint pen cheaper than a professional painter?
Benefits of a Touch Up Paint Pen. Touch up paint pens are a great, cheaper alternative to a professional job. They can be much quicker and are usually simple to do. If the job is larger or complicated, though, you may want to go to a professional for help.
Do you buff out paint on a car?
Once the final coat has drie d, you will need to buff your car to even out the paint. This will give your car a more natural paint finish. This will restore your car close to its former glory before all of the scratches.
Can a car pick up scratches?
It’s not uncommon for a car to pick up a few scratches over its lifetime. If the scratches on your car have impacted it’s paint job, you may be wishing for something that will help return it to its rightful state.
Why do you touch up your paint?
Another seemingly obvious priority when touching up your paint is to ensure that you have the correct color. That’s not as easy as it may sound, and it definitely isn’t something you can just eyeball. Reputable companies such as TouchUpDirect provide a guarantee that enables you to input your car’s make, model, year and color to receive the exact factory color it had when it left the manufacturer.
How long does it take to polish a car after painting?
Use a circular motion to smooth the area. Finally, after about 48 hours, give the area a polish and wax to provide an added shine. It probably goes without saying, but the rain is no more your friend than is direct sunlight. It will streak your careful work. Applying touch-up paint to your car is, in some ways, all about timing.
How to get rid of a gouge in paint?
If you notice a deeper scratch, it requires special attention. Mask the undamaged paint around it with tape. Then use a paint cutting compound to remove an inch or so of the paint surrounding the gouge. Doing so will make blending the new paint with the old easier.
How to get rid of rust on a sandpaper?
Make sure the surface is clean and free of dirt or grease by using soap or grease remover. Eliminate all signs of rust with a wire brush or 220 grit sandpaper. Then apply an anti-rust cleaner. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth or a hand dryer held about a foot away from the surface.
How long does it take for paint to dry?
Between coats, allow 15 to 30 minutes. The paint should be dry to the touch before you start up again.
How long to wait between coats of zebra spray?
Leave half an inch of overlap on each pass of the spray can to avoid the dreaded zebra stripe effect. Between coats, allow 15 to 30 minutes.
How to avoid paint runny?
To avoid runny or distorted paint, do your painting in a cool and enclosed area such as a garage that has lower humidity. As with any task you have never done before, you are likely to make mistakes at first.
Removing Blobs from Touch-Up Paint Pens
Over the years, I’ve developed a method for removing blobs left from bad car paint touch-up since I come across it so often. I use the blending solution (or, as I like to call it, pink juice) that comes with each Dr. Colorchip touch-up kit. Put several drops on a folded t-shirt cloth, then add a few drops of acetone.
PaintCraft Can Help
Steve doing car paint touch-up at Subaru Orange Coast in Santa Ana, CA.
How long to wait to use clearcoat paint pen?
Please allow at least 1 hour after the last coat of basecoat to apply the clearcoat paint pen. Apply 2-3 coats of clearcoat using a light dabbing motion waiting 10-20 minutes in between each coat. Be gentle with the tip because you do not want to scratch the basecoat layer with the clearcoat pen. Wait one day to use rubbing compound to bring out a higher level of gloss. Do not wax the repair for one month.
How to load paint tip?
Loading The Tip With Paint. Shake the paint pen tightly capped until the ball rattles freely. Remove the cap and press the spring loaded tip of the paint pen on a flat surface until the paint flows through. You may need to press the tip in a few times for some colors.
How long to wait before applying paint primer?
Apply paint pen primer waiting 5-10 minutes in between each coat. Apply enough primer to cover the area to be primed. Wait 30 minutes before sanding with 600 grit wet sandpaper or applying color. Do not use prep solvent over fresh primer.
How to get pearl effect on factory paint?
If your paint color is tri-coat, you'll need to use the groundcoat first (one coat at a time until the area is covered), then use the midcoat on top of that afterwards . Apply one coat at a time until you achieve the pearl effect of the factory color.
Can you use prep solvent on a wax free surface?
Then dry completely. The use of prep solvent and a clean lint free towel assures the best clean surface free of wax, grease, and other oil based surface contaminates. For better results do not apply in direct sunlight.
How to get a good feel for car paint?
Practice Applying Touch Up Paint. Take a little time and practice using the touch up paint before you apply it to your car. This will give you a good feel for the paint and you can check the color match. Use a surface such as a metal can, a glossy sheet of paper, etc. to practice on.
How to make car paint shine?
Use rubbing compound (Cutting Creme) to make it shine. Wait at least three days, then apply rubbing compound (cutting creme) to the the entire area of car paint you fixed. This will make it smooth and shiny. Wait at least 30 days before waxing. Fixing a bumper scratch using a touch up paint pen.
What happens if the paint color is off?
If the color is off, the clearcoat or the primer WILL NOT HELP to make the color match better! If you apply the paint to your vehicle and it doesn't match, you will have to wash it off with automotive lacquer thinner or worse, if you allow it to thoroughly dry , you will have to sand it off.".
How to fix scratches on car paint?
Prepare your car. Clean the auto paint area you want to touch up using soap or wax and grease remover.
What paint do we use for urethane?
We use a medium (mid-temp) universal urethane reducer in the pints, quarts and gallons. Normally we will use PPG paints unless the formula is not available and then we will try another paint brand..
How long does it take for a car paint to dry?
Apply several thin coats to get the level of the repaired scratch to match the level of the surrounding car paint. Let it dry at least 20 minutes to overnight. Apply clearcoat to your auto paint. Apply several thin layers of clear coat, letting it dry between coats (about 10-20 mins).
How to clean rust off car paint?
Prepare your car. Clean the auto paint area you want to touch up using soap or wax and grease remover. If your auto paint is rusty, remove all traces of rust with 220 grit sandpaper or a wire brush, and apply Rust Away ( sold in our store ). Apply primer to any place where bare metal or plastic is showing.
How to test touch up paint pen?
Test the car touch up paint pen in the same way that you did for the primer. Shake the pen and make sure that paint is flowing properly before using it on the car. Apply the paint evenly and avoid drip marks by not leaving it in one place for too long and not depressing the nib against the car’s surface. Let each coat of the car touch up paint dry ...
Why do you need a touch up pen for car paint?
In the normal course of using a car, you may find that you occasionally need to use a car touch up paint pen to rectify any scratches or discoloration. By knowing how to use the item properly, you can ensure good results every time.
How long does it take for a car to dry before applying primer?
Leave it to dry in accordance with the instructions or for at least 20 minutes. After it has dried, use a piece of fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface where the primer has been applied.
How to clean rust off car?
Ensure that you dry the surface after cleaning it. If there are any defects that are serious enough to show signs of rust, use a wire brush to clean it away before proceeding.
Can you touch up a car with a paint pen?
There may be several locations on the car that require the use of a car touch up paint pen so it will be prudent to begin by examining the entire car. You may find that there are some scratches present that you may not have noticed before. This will also give you the opportunity to determine the depth of the scratches, ...

Step 1 – Inspection
- There may be several locations on the car that require the use of a car touch up paint pen so it will be prudent to begin by examining the entire car. You may find that there are some scratches present that you may not have noticed before. This will also give you the opportunity to determine the depth of the scratches, which will be necessary to determine the extent of repair required. B…
Step 2 – Prepare Surface
- It will be necessary to prepare the surface by cleaning it first to remove any particles on the surface that could interfere with the car touch up paint application. Use a regular car cleaning solution that has been diluted in a bucket of water. Ensure that you dry the surface after cleaning it. If there are any defects that are serious enough to show signs of rust, use a wire brush to clea…
Step 3 – Apply Primer
- If the scratches that require repair are deep enough to enable you to see the color beneath the paint, it will require the application of some primer first. This will also be available in the form of a paint pen. Shake the pen thoroughly and get the flow of liquid moving by pressing the nib to the scrap piece of cardboard before using it on the car. Apply the primer to the defect on the car’s s…
Step 4 – Apply Paint
- Test the car touch up paint pen in the same way that you did for the primer. Shake the pen and make sure that paint is flowing properly before using it on the car. Apply the paint evenly and avoid drip marks by not leaving it in one place for too long and not depressing the nib against the car’s surface. Let each coat of the car touch up paint dry ...