How to fix unevenness after using a touch-up pen?
3 Answers
Soak 2000/3000 grit sandpaper in soapy water for 20-30 minutes to soften it. After the touch-up paint has dried, perform wet sanding. Use the pre-soaked sandpaper to sand the touched-up area in the same direction until it is level with the original car paint surface. If the car paint surface remains uneven after sanding, you can sand it again. Apply polishing wax to a dry cloth and rub it onto the touched-up area in a clockwise direction. After drying for one minute, wipe it clean.
I've encountered this issue a few times as well, mainly due to the paint not being fully dry or applied too thickly. Don't worry, let it dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours in an environment that's not too humid or dusty. Once completely dry, use 2000-grit fine sandpaper with water to gently sand the uneven areas, moving softly in one direction without going back and forth. After sanding, rinse with clean water, dry it off, then apply car-specific polishing compound on a soft cloth and polish in circular motions for a few minutes. After polishing, apply wax to protect the surface, which will make it much smoother. Always work in a clean, well-ventilated space to prevent dust from affecting the finish. Remember, patience is key—if the coat is too thick, you may need to apply several thin layers instead.
I often help friends with this issue. Uneven paint after application could be due to moving too quickly or incorrect paint mixture ratio. The key is ensuring the surface is fully dry and not tacky. Use fine-grit sandpaper like 1500 to smooth the entire area, being careful not to over-sand and damage the primer. Then apply household toothpaste or professional polishing compound evenly and buff to a shine—I prefer wrapping a cotton cloth around my finger for small-area polishing. If it's still uneven, consider that the paint wasn't applied uniformly, and reapply a thin coat before polishing again. Remember to wear gloves for safety to avoid skin irritation. Finally, apply wax to seal and protect against rust while maintaining gloss.