How long after using a car touch-up pen can you sand it?
2 Answers
You can sand the area 2 to 3 days after using a car touch-up pen. The method for using a car touch-up pen is: 1. Depending on the width of the scratch, choose the fine or slightly thicker end of the pen to gently apply the paint; 2. Apply repeatedly multiple times until the paint is slightly higher than the original car paint surface; 3. Allow it to dry completely for 2 to 3 days before sanding. Precautions for using a touch-up pen include: 1. Choose the correct color of the touch-up pen, as the color directly affects the final result; 2. Do not unscrew the cap when the pen is horizontal or upside down to avoid paint leakage; 3. Store the touch-up pen in a cool place when not in use for extended periods, as it can dry out and become ineffective.
I've dealt with quite a few small scratches and used touch-up paint pens several times. Generally, you must never rush to sand after application. You need to wait at least 24 hours for it to fully cure, especially for deep repairs. Acting too soon may cause the paint to peel or result in an uneven surface. Once, I was impatient and sanded after just three hours of waiting, which ended up smudging the paint and requiring rework. There are many influencing factors—for instance, high summer temperatures might accelerate drying to about six hours, but it's safer to wait overnight. Remember to clean the surface before sanding, gently smooth it with fine-grit sandpaper, and then polish to perfectly restore the paint's smoothness and extend the overall appearance's lifespan. Such minor issues shouldn't be delayed—addressing them early can save a lot of hassle.
