Anybody used Paint touch up pens?

I got my first scratch on my taco. Its barely noticeable to anyone but me. Anyway, I did a search for touch up paint, and found these. Has anyone used them? Are they easy to use? I guess you have to do he primer and sanding first, right?
http://www.automotivetouchup.com/

 

Yea, I bought a bottle of their touchup paint and even with the primer the color did not match very well. It's fine for small rock chips in the hood, but for major scratches I would look elsewhere. Then again, maybe I'm the only one who has had issues with the color. My truck is Impulse Red btw.

 

This is a hair thin scratch, so it really isn't a big deal, but if it works, it would be nice to have on hand. Do you think the silver streak mica would be easier to match?

 

Silver would be easier to match. If it's just a thin scratch you probably wouldn't notice any slight differences in color anyway. Did the scratches go all of the way through the clear coat? If they didn't, you might try buffing them out first. If that doesn't work, then you will have to paint.

 

I'll have a look in the morning when the light is good. I don't think its very deep. I don't even know how or when it happened.

 

autozone also has color matched touch up paint, got a bottle for mine and the wifes car color matched almost perfect

 

touch up paint pens are pretty easy to use. basically.....after you clean the area that needs to be touched up.....you'll dab the touch up paint in, and let dry and repeat as many times as you need to to amke the area level and match....thats for a chip. for a scratch...you'll dab it on a few times, and after all is dry...go over with polish to blend.

 

So I don't have to do the primer and sanding first like they suggest?

 

I use http://www.langka.com/ and factory colored matched pen.

 

if the area is relatively small....nah....the paint should hold decently. to insure it does though....i use a small piece of steel wool and barely,lightly go over the area.

 

That kit looks easy to use. I might have to try that one myself. Good find.

 

Before using any touch up paint check to see if it can be buffed out. Unless it is deep it should come out.

If it is determined that it is to the metal then do a search on touch up techniques. If you do it and it turns out like shit then you'll be really pissed.

The mistake most people make is they rush the job. Touch up paint needs to dry for quite awhile before you can work it smooth or else it will chip right out. Also, prep is important even though it's a small area.

 

i got a touch up pen of silver streak mica from the dealership for about $10. matches perfectly...

 

I used a white pen/brush bottle purchased at my local dealer. It doesn't even come close to matching. I used it on the fender flare.

If it is a small scratch that does not go very deep, get yourself some denatured alcohol. This can be bought at Home Depot or Walmart in the paint department. Pour some on a white cotton terry towel and buff away. The alcohol softens the clear coat a little and allows you to buff out the scratch. Also works on removing sticker glue, tar or paint (like overspray from house paint - personal experience, from my idiot brother).

Just becareful where the alcohol ends up. You only want to get it on the area you are working on. Any super high dollar detail shop uses this method, that is where I learned it from. Just don't go hog wild with it.

Hope this helps someone....

 

I bought the OEM touch up paint from the dealership. Comes with brush and pen applicators. Works well and matches. It is the finishing that takes time. Be careful to not over-buff the spot after you let it dry.

 

i just do a quick wash of the area I want to use the touch up pen...mask that area off with painted tape...that way you don't have to worry about runs and you can concentrate on getting the necessary area fixed...do a couple of coats with 10-15 minutes of dry time between each coat...you should be good to go after that...

 

If your fingernail does not catch it then it can be buffed out easily...also sometimes just hitting it lightly with 2000 grit wet sandpaper and then buffing it will get it out...be careful on darker colors ..lighter colors are easier to to...I had a few nicks that would not buff out and I used touch up on them until the were higher then the surrounding paint...let them dry for a couple days then wet sanded and buffed..then used some polish cant even find where they were...I used the touch up paint from the factory...figured thats the closest I would get...

 

paper matchstick.

 

I also have 'fixed' (filled) a few chips with that Lanka system and OEM paint pens. It works well, but the problem with silver mica (which I have) is that you put the paint on and you CAN NOT use the "blob remover"on the last coat because it dulls the metallic paints. So you are left with kinda uneven surfaces "blobs" or if you smooth it, it dulls. I havent had a chance to get the spots really buffed out, I did it by hand with that scratch X stuff and it turned out ok. If it wasn't an off-road / DD truck I would have to get them professionally done.