Scratch Repair with touch up pen

Does anyone have some experience repairing scratches with a touch up pen? Someone opened their door into my truck and left 2 scratches and a red scuff mark. I've been thinking of using a touch up pen from Automotive Touch Up, but don't know what prep is required for long lasting results. Thanks!

 

How deep are the scratches? If it's just the clear coat try to polish it out.

 

The scratches are down to the primer, I believe. If not, it's down to bare metal. Just noticed them last night so I didn't get a chance to really inspect them.

 

red scuff might be able to remove with a clay bar or light use of a magic eraser if it is a transfer scuff. Otherwise like others said try to hand polish it out first to see what you have.

I would be curious to how the touch up pens work.

 

I bought a toyota pen, used a little acetone to clean the area with a cotton ball.

Asked here about the use of one, never did get an answer, so I went with the above.
Turned out alright. Still have a few spots to do when it warms up.

 

I used a Toyota touch up pen on my Camry and it looked like $h*t. I'd highly advise you get it fixed professionally if you cant buff it out yourself.

 

Far from an expert on this, but have used the Toyota OEM touch-up pens several times in the past and was satisfied with the results, made it where the touch-up spots weren't noticeable unless you were looking for them - and knew where to look/focus on.

I personally do the following:

1. Clean the area with regular car wash or dish soap and water to clean the area, then dry it with a cleaning cloth/chamois towel.
2. Place painters tape on the outside of the areas that needs painting - you don't want much (if any at all) of the pain pen to be applied on top of the regular - non damaged paint or it is going to be more noticeable and draw attention to the area.
3. Shake the paint pen and use a piece of paper/cardboard to start applying it on until the tip is flowing good.
4. Apply a quick stroke of the pen (I normally use the brush end) over the scratched area. Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Apply a second coat.
5. After allowing to dry for at least an hour, apply a coat of Toyota OEM clear coat - also available as a paint pen online or from a Toyota dealer.
6. Remove the painters tape.

Ideally do the job in a clean/dry area (garage/carport etc) when it is not raining. A lot of moisture in the air tends to make the paint run (even with quick/thin coats). And do not drive the vehicle until you are certain its dried.

Do not expect perfection when using a touch-up pen, but you should be able to make it where the prior areas aren't noticeable from 5+ feet away or unless you are looking for them and know where to look.

I am far from a professional painter, just extremely OCD when it comes to my vehicles. Maybe a professional painter can chime in with more detailed or better instructions, or correct me if anything I currently do should be done differently.

Good luck!

 

Don't be afraid of wet sanding and you will never worry about a chip or scratch again.

Youtube is full of repair videos. I bought a Porter Cable Orbital buffer and different grits of wet sand paper along with paint from http://www.automotivetouchup.com/ for each vehicle.

 

Do these protect the metal from rust as well? I'm finding all kinds of chips and shit every time I give my baby a wash...

 

I bought the pen from the dealer and just added a coat to it and let it dry. Did that until I could make the paint as level as possible. If you look its there but only if you know what you are looking for. Before and after pictures below.

 

Nicely done.

 

Factory OEM Toyota paint pens are pretty nice. FYI you can pick them up on Amazon as well, just make sure you double check your color code before buying.

 

I got a small rock chip on my Quicksand bumper. Ordered the Dr. Colorchip kit. I've had nothing but perfect results. Rock chip totally gone. Ordered clear bra for the whole bumper part and it was delivered to the wrong address and stolen. 200$. Usps will pay!

 

Did you do any clear coat on top or any additional prep work?

 

Damn

 

It takes patience to do it right. If you rush you'll have crappy results. Take your time and do it right once...

 

No sir. Just the paint. all I did was clean it with water before hand. Was really suprised.

 

@TacoTimmy7414 how much was the pen????? and how long did it take for you to it because it looks amazing? any tips when doing it, have the same scratchh/chipped paint on mine.

 

Did you use the brush or the ball point pen to apply the touch up paint? I used the brush but I might try the ball point end on the next rock chip.

 

I think the pen was $10-20 at the dealer? They had to order it for me because of the Quicksand since they didn't have any in stock but I saw the pens over the counter and they had a lot of other colors on hand so you might be able to just walk in and out.

It took me maybe 30-45 mins max. I tried the ballpoint first but it didn't seem to be working well for me so I switch to the brush. I used enough on the first coat to make sure the black that was showing was at least covered. Let the first coat sit and dry really well, maybe 10-15 mins in the Florida sun while in the garage. Then did the second coat to make sure the paint was level with the scratch. Might of did another dry and coat but don't remember to be honest.

Like @Synergy001 said, be patient and take your time. Just use a little at a time because you can always let it dry and add more if you need to. I rushed the same situation on my last car and had this big glob because I rushed. Remember its paint so use it like a paintbrush, in order to not have streaks or bubbles from dabbing it on.