Mastering the Art of Touch-Up Pens

Let us guide you through the precise process of utilizing touch-up paint to tackle minor scratches and imperfections on your vehicle's exterior with Motor Coater. Following these comprehensive steps will result in a flawless finish, seamlessly integrating the touch-up paint with your vehicle's surface.

Motor Coater's touch-up paint pen is the perfect solution for addressing minor scratches and small chips. Below, we present our recommended instructions for effectively using and applying touch-up paint.

If you encounter a deep scratch or chip, or if bare metal or plastic is visible, we advise starting with Motor Coater's Primer. If rust is present, our Rust Converter is also recommended for optimal results.

Surface Preparation: Setting the Stage for Touch-Up Paint Excellence

Prepare the surface for flawless touch-up paint application with Motor Coater's meticulous approach:

Thorough Cleaning: Initiate surface preparation by meticulously cleaning the affected area with Motor Coater's ProXL Procleaner Aerosol. Ensure the surface is free from any dirt, grease, or contaminants that could affect paint adhesion.
Utilize Scratch Repair Products: With a pristine surface, employ Motor Coater's Scratch Repair products for precise and seamless touch-up paint application. Emphasize precision to achieve professional results.
Shake and Test: Before application, vigorously shake the touch-up paint for 30 seconds with the cap on, allowing the internal ball to rattle. Test the color on a card to ensure accuracy and compatibility. If using a Motor Coater Touch-Up Pen or Paint Applicator, remove the cap and initiate paint flow by pressing the spring-loaded tip on a flat surface.

For optimal results, it's crucial to start with a clean and dry surface. Follow these steps to ensure effective surface preparation:

Remove Wax and Polish: Eliminate any wax or polish coatings from the surface using a suitable remover. These coatings can create barriers that hinder paint adhesion.
Clear Grease: Thoroughly remove greasy or oily residues using a degreasing cloth or product to prevent interference with paint bonding with ProXL Procleaner.
Apply Motor Coater's Panel Wipe Spray: For impeccable preparation, use Motor Coater's ProXL Panel Wipe Aerosol. Apply it to a clean cloth and wipe down the intended paint area. This ensures the surface is impeccably clean and ready for paint application.

Shaking the paint pen is a critical step in the process, particularly for metallic or pearlescent paints. Over time, paint inside the pen may settle or separate, making thorough mixing essential to achieve the right consistency and color uniformity. Here's why this step is crucial:

Even Dispersion: Extended shaking ensures that any pigments or components in the paint are evenly dispersed. This results in consistent color and texture, preventing unevenness or streaks in the final application.
Color Accuracy: Certain paints, especially metallic or pearlescent ones, can settle or separate, leading to uneven color. Shaking the pen blends these components, ensuring the color matches the original finish of your vehicle.
Enhanced Adhesion: Properly mixed paint adheres better to the surface, providing improved coverage. This reduces the risk of blotchy or uneven application, which can be challenging to rectify once the paint has dried.
Superior Finish: The final quality of your touch-up job relies on how well the paint is mixed. Well-mixed paint yields a smoother, more consistent result, making the repair less noticeable.

Brush or Nib: When selecting the appropriate applicator, consider the size and nature of the area you're repairing. The needle-like pen is ideal for precise, small-scale work, while the brush is better suited for slightly larger or more generalized touch-up areas.

For Motor Coater's 20 ml touch-up paint, you have two applicator options:

High Precision Needle-like Pen: Concealed inside the clear lid, this pen offers pinpoint accuracy for addressing scratches or small chips. Here's how to access and use it:
a. Locate the clear lid on the touch-up paint container.
b. Inside the lid, find the red protective tip securely nested to prevent spills or leaks.
c. To reveal the high precision needle-like pen, firmly pull the lid upward. Handle the pen with care for precise applications.
Small Fine Brush: Embedded within the paint itself, this brush is handy for broader strokes or areas requiring more coverage. Here's how to access and use it:
a. On the main container of the touch-up paint, identify the white collar around the neck.
b. The small fine brush is positioned inside the paint, just beneath this white collar.
c. Unscrew the white collar in a counterclockwise direction to reveal the brush for application.

Paint Application and Finish

Whether using a pen or brush, apply thin, light coats in smooth strokes, ensuring the paint is confined within the damaged area.

Pen Application: If using the needle point pen, allow the nib to sit inside the scratch or chip and gently squeeze to dispense the paint.

Be cautious to prevent the new paint from extending beyond the damaged area onto existing paint, as this can result in a darker or raised appearance compared to the original bodywork.

Allow the paint to dry for 15 minutes before applying additional coats. If no further coats are needed, let the paint cure for 1 hour before applying Motor Coater's Clear Lacquer.

Please Note: Cold or damp weather conditions may adversely affect paint application, finish, and drying time.

Finishing Touches and Considerations:

To seamlessly blend the repaired area with the surrounding surface, meticulous finishing touches are essential.

Flattening & Sanding:

After allowing the repaired area to set overnight, utilize Motor Coater's Wet & Dry P1500-2000 sandpaper and a small block for careful sanding. Minimize removal of the original clear coat to achieve a level surface.

Bringing to Shine:

Apply a high-quality rubbing compound to bring the repaired area to a brilliant shine. This enhances gloss and ensures a cohesive appearance with the surrounding paintwork.

Mixed Paints