A paint marker, or a Paint Pen, is a type of marker pen that is used to create permanent writing on a variety of surfaces from paper to metal to stone and glass.
Paint marker Pen are ideal for use in automotive and other forms of transportation, construction, welding, and metal production and fabrication. These permanent or temporary liquid paint markers offer real paint in multiple tip sizes and colors, including a range of certified colors for nuclear and other corrosion resistant applications.
Unlike with most permanent markers the ink is an oil-based paint and generally requires shaking before use, similar to an aerosol spray paint can. In addition, the line is very opaque and, unlike spirit-based or other permanent inks, will not fade with exposure to UV light, and overlays all other colors beneath it. The paint from these types of markers is not truly permanent, as it can be removed using high pressure cleaning or paint thinning solvents such as acetone.
Shake the paint pen tightly capped until the ball rattles freely. Remove the cap and press the spring loaded tip of the paint pen on a flat surface until the paint flows through. You may need to press the tip in a few times for some colors. This process may need to be repeated in between coats. Paint should be tested on a surface before using on your vehicle.
Apply touch up primer over bare metal or plastic. Apply paint pen primer waiting 5-10 minutes in between each coat. Apply enough primer to cover the area to be primed. Wait 30 minutes before sanding with 600 grit wet sandpaper or applying color. Do not use prep solvent over fresh primer.
Thoroughly shake the automotive base coat color pen before applying. Apply as many coats necessary to cover the area waiting at least 5 minutes between each light coat. Do not wet sand or use prep solvent in between coats of touch up paint. Wait at least one hour before using clearcoat.
If your paint color is tri-coat, you’ll need to use the groundcoat first (one coat at a time until the area is covered), then use the midcoat on top of that afterwards. Apply one coat at a time until you achieve the pearl effect of the factory color.
Please allow at least 1 hour after the last coat of basecoat to apply the clearcoat paint pen. Apply 2-3 coats of clearcoat using a light dabbing motion waiting 10-20 minutes in between each coat. Be gentle with the tip because you do not want to scratch the basecoat layer with the clearcoat pen. Wait one day to use rubbing compound to bring out a higher level of gloss. Do not wax the repair for one month.
Thoroughly clean area to be repaired with dish soap and water. Then dry completely. The use of prep solvent and a clean lint free towel assures the best clean surface free of wax, grease, and other oil based surface contaminates. For better results do not apply in direct sunlight.
Dangers:
Paint markers, and permanent markers generally, contain the toxic compounds xylene or toluene. Like spray paint, these markers give off volatile organic compounds, which can be dangerous when not used in a well ventilated area or with a particulate mask. Gloves can also be worn to avoid absorption through the skin.
Solidified paint pens:
Another type of paint marker is the solidified paint pen. This is a type of marker, often contained within a twist tube, that is a cylinder of semi-hardened oil-paint with a pointed tip. As one writes with it, the point wears down and must be advanced to in order to continue writing. The marker leaves a mark similar to that of chalk. It is useful for marking on wet or oily surfaces.