Any car driver knows that apart from the perfect endeavor, the automobile body surface is prone to scratches, flaws, or defects. The vehicle gets dirt or, at least, some particles even while driving on a clean, smooth road. For instance, when you park your vehicle in a busy garage, the side of your vehicle door may suffer from scratching. The tree branches by the roadside can scratch the car’s neat exterior coat while driving. It is also possible to get swirl marks during the transportation of the truck or improper washing. As a result, your vehicle is exposed to several possibilities contributing to the receipt of some form of abrasion or mark. Thus, a touchup pen is called into the picture. In this article, the reader will learn what a touch up car paint pen is and how to use one.
Touchup car paint pen
A touchup car paint pen is basically a sealed can of paint the same color as your car’s paint. If you have minor scratches on your painted vehicle, using a touchup pen is advisable for its repair. It is a correction pen that has to be rolled to correct minor damages without having to repaint the whole area.
Before proceeding to touch up car paint pen usage, you will need some items.
Necessary supplies
Some or most supplies should be on hand before using the pen
3,000 grit sandpaper: The surface preparation step is the first step when using the touchup correction pen. Before using this pen, you have to wash the surface you are going to use with dirt.
Primer: Based on the instructions for the correction pen, you may need a paint primer. See the instructions included in the correction pen’s package.
Clear coat: Just as a primer may necessitate that you apply a primer, situations where you may need a clear coat may also call for you to use a clear coat. Accordingly, the Auto Boss professionals say one should consider reading the instructions.
Touchup pen and its application guide
Here is the professional step-by-step guide to using Touch Up the Pen: Here is the professional step-by-step guide to using Touchup car paint pen:
Step 1: wash the area
Closely related, always clean the vehicle surface before using the correction pen. Clean the area and preferably the part that you want to stencil. Wash your car with a premium quality, pH-neutral car wash and a new cloth to minimize scratches. Remember! Scratches also increase to the extent of hard or dirty clothes. Check that your vehicle is in order after washing this component.
Step 2: Read the instruction
Could you read the manual that came with the paint correction pen you were using? To mix the paint properly with the pen, shake it for 30 sec.
Step 3: Clear out the dirt
Wipe the said surface and the writing end of the pen. Restraining yourself from scratching the paint from the scratches around the region is advisable.
Step 4: Start from the top
While rewriting with the correction pen, begin from the top of the scratch. Because of the force of attraction, paint may drop from the area touched by the touchup car paint pen, starting with the lower part. Please stay away from the bottom because it becomes a mess around the scratch. Be particularly cautious when erasing with a correction pen so that you will not make scores on the paper.
Remember! Stipulate only the necessary quantity of paint from the correction pen. Applying a low amount of paint may lead to disorganization or insufficient to fill in the required quota. Yes, you should ensure that the paint thickness of the area around the damaged portion is the same as that of the new layer.
It is easier to apply a small amount of paint to a scratch; however, if a lot of paint is applied to the scratch, it is difficult to cover it up. Further grinding may be needed to enhance the contrast on the damaged area.
Step 4: Let the paint cure
After applying the paint to the scratch, let the paint dry as recommended. Suppose the last applied paint coat is thin. In that case, it is relatively more straightforward to cure or dry, possibly because flow increases and the coating thickness decreases. Always bear in mind the climate in which you are going to use paint. Recheck the paint depth to get the right match for it.
Step 5: Clear coat
Some brands of correction pens have different coats. If you purchased the pen without a clear coat, once you have used it, put a thin layer of the coat on it.
Tips to follow when using a touchup car paint pen
The following tips should be followed while using a touchup pen:
Touchup pens only repair marginal abrasions, which may only impact the paint or clear coat coats. However, these pens work only on the size and depth of the imperfection and installer. The points to consider are:
Scratch’s size: Remember! Do not use touch pens for greater or deeper scratches, flaws, or defects. More to the point, a correction pen does not get into the scratches more than the paint layer. The entire process will not work if the scratches are deeper.
Matching color: Matching colors is one of the essential aspects to understand while using a correction pen. Equally, matching touchup pens are available. Regardless of the one stated above, you should ensure that the color of the touchup car paint pen is as close to that of the vehicle paint color as possible.
Preparation: The surface area preparation procedure should be done correctly before any process can begin. The surface preparation requires some of the essential steps, including The surface preparation requires some of the crucial steps, including:
- Cleaning
- Sanding down edges
- Priming the vehicle surface
The correction pen can cover minor scratches only if the car’s surface is prepared correctly.
Pro tip: The touchup functions only provide the needed finishes if the surrounding area is adequately prepared.
Application: When a touchup pen suggests that it takes a lot of time and a steady hand, you must put on the scratches.
Finishes: In most cases, when using a correction pen, one must wait for the resin to dry before continuing. They will insist on curing and then smoothing over the joint or polishing the area to get the paint mixed.
While a touch pen is cheaper, more efficient, and simpler to use for basic touch ups or erasing scratches or imperfections, it is strongly recommended that you seek the services of a professional for the best finish.
Aftercare tips
Every tuner in Auto Boss needs to read the professional tips before using the correction pen.
Don’t wax early
Do not wax your car if your paint is brand new. Generally, wait at least 60 days after filing the tax return to file an amended return. Car paint, especially new ones, has to be cured, which allows it to level to the desired smoothness. Waxing the paint before it is healed will interfere with the process. Hence, you can opt for a ceramic coating or an application of paint protection film. The alternatives that are suggested here are superior to waxing.
Choose the accurate color
If you need to know the actual color of your vehicle, consult a professional installer.
Don’t expect too much.
Although a touchup pen is the best way to cover minor scratches, it may not cure deep ones. If the scratch is large, the correction pen will not cover it.
Conclusion
Touchup pens’ effectiveness depends on the scratches’ depth, severity, and surface preparation. You would require patience to let the correction pen work properly.
FAQs
Does a touchup pen work on every scratch?
No! A touchup pen only covers a small area of two square inches or less. It will not cover a scratch or imperfection more than this length.
Can I use a touchup pen on any vehicle surface?
Yes! Touch pens are available for every vehicle type.