Is the Touch-Up Paint Pen Really Useful?
3 Answers
Touch-up paint pens are one of the tools for repairing car scratches. They can be considered for very minor scratches. However, if the scratches are relatively large or long, the results from using a touch-up paint pen may still leave you greatly disappointed. The reason is that touch-up paint pens cannot achieve the same perfection as professional paint repair, and color discrepancies might even make you regret using the pen. Additionally, for scratches that have exposed the primer, a touch-up paint pen can help conceal the damage and prevent rust, but it still cannot match the effect of a professional paint job. How to Use a Touch-Up Paint Pen? 1. Purchase a touch-up paint pen online. Some car owners might think they will receive just a single pen, but the complete set usually includes other tools needed for scratch repair, such as sandpaper, putty, tape, polishing compound, and blending clear coat. 2. Wash the car thoroughly beforehand. If this isn't necessary, at least clean the area where the scratch is located. Then, wrap wet sandpaper around a cotton block and gently sand the scratch until you can no longer feel any unevenness compared to the surrounding paint. 3. Prepare some newspapers and use tape to mask off areas that don't need touch-up. Assemble the touch-up paint pen with the mini spray can and apply the paint from about 20 cm away, moving back and forth. Be sure to wait a few minutes between coats to let the paint dry before applying the next layer, continuing until the scratch is covered. Avoid lingering in one spot for too long, as this can cause the paint to run or drip. 4. After applying the paint, wait about 20 minutes for it to dry. Then, assemble the blending clear coat with the spray can and apply it over the repaired area in the same back-and-forth motion. The blending clear coat helps the touched-up paint blend better with the car's original color and also protects the repaired area. 5. Wait a full day before applying a scratch-removal polishing compound to wax the repaired area, completing the touch-up process.
Speaking of touch-up paint pens, they are indeed useful, especially for dealing with minor scratches. I just bought a car, and there was a tiny spot of paint chipped off near the door handle. After applying the touch-up pen, the result was quite good—like putting a temporary band-aid on a wound—preventing the metal from rusting. However, the key is to choose the right color by matching the paint code; otherwise, a mismatched color can look terrible. Before applying, carefully clean the surface to ensure there’s no dust or grease, then apply a thin layer and let it dry before adding a second coat to avoid clumping. I’ve used it several times for tiny scratches, like those from stone chips or parking scrapes, without any issues. Just remember, it’s only suitable for small damages—around one or two centimeters in diameter. For larger dents or deep scratches, professional repainting is still necessary. Keeping one in the car for emergencies can help extend the body’s lifespan.
From a cost-saving perspective, touch-up paint pens are quite effective. Professional auto repair shops charge hundreds or even thousands for a paint job, while a touch-up pen costs just a few dozen bucks—a real blessing for those on a tight budget. I personally enjoy DIY fixes, like using the pen to cover minor scratches on the rearview mirror, saving both the time and money of visiting a repair shop. The operation is simple—just follow the instructions, apply the paint, let it dry, and within hours, the scratch is covered. Of course, the result depends on the quality of the product and the steps taken. I’ve bought cheap ones before, and the color was way off, so I recommend choosing reputable brands. While it may not be as durable or smooth as professional paint, it’s definitely sufficient for emergencies, especially in preventing rust. For daily maintenance, using it to handle minor issues keeps the car looking clean.
