Can a touch-up pen be used for exposed metal?
3 Answers
Exposed metal on a car is a relatively serious situation, and using a touch-up pen is not very suitable. Touch-up pens are suitable for minor damage. You can first perform preventive treatment at home and then go to a regular 4S shop for repair. Here is more information about touch-up pens: Concept: A touch-up pen is a car scratch repair tool. By selecting the appropriate model that matches the original color of the car paint, you can perform the repair yourself. After applying the touch-up pen to small scratches or areas where the paint has peeled off, it can cover and fill in the scratches. Using different touch-up pens: The composition of touch-up pens is generally the original car paint. Since car models vary, different cars can only use dedicated touch-up pens.
Exposed metal can certainly be treated with a touch-up pen, which is a cost-effective and convenient method. I've done it myself several times. However, remember that if the exposed metal isn't addressed promptly, it can easily rust, and once it spreads, it becomes a never-ending issue. First, thoroughly clean the surface with a soft cloth and alcohol to remove dust and grease; then spray some rust inhibitor and wait three to five minutes for it to absorb; next, lightly sand the area to smooth it out and apply a layer with the touch-up pen, then sand it again lightly after it dries. Touch-up pens are quite handy, and the color matches well, but the result might be a bit uneven since it's a small-area repair. I'm the kind of person who enjoys DIY projects, and seeing the car restored to some extent gives me a sense of accomplishment. During regular car washes, pay extra attention to the edges and corners to avoid new exposed metal spots, saving yourself the trouble.
If the car's surface has exposed metal, using a touch-up pen is fine. I've been driving for twenty years and often encounter this situation. A touch-up pen is a temporary fix and quite handy in emergencies, but make sure to clean the exposed metal area first, lightly sand it with sandpaper to remove rust; then apply some primer or a simple rust inhibitor to protect the metal from corrosion; finally, apply the color layer from the touch-up pen. I recommend beginners give it a try, but the results are never as good as professional work. If left untreated for a long time, the car paint may bubble or rust, affecting the entire body structure's safety. It's best to regularly check the car paint and take action at the first sign of exposed metal, saving you from spending a lot on repairs later. A car, when well-maintained, can last much longer.
