Choose a pen for pinpoint stone chips, edge nicks, and very fine marks where the tip can place paint inside a small damaged area. Broad scrapes, peeling finish, spreading rust, dents, or panel-size damage need a different repair format or professional refinishing.

A pen gives the most control on pin-size chips and narrow marks. A brush bottle is more practical when the chip is larger or a short scratch needs a controlled brush stroke. Choose the smallest applicator that can place paint cleanly without flooding the surrounding finish.

Partify starts with VIN, license plate, or the factory paint code rather than an on-screen color guess. That data identifies the factory formula used for the color pen. Vehicle age, sun exposure, polishing, and previous bodywork can still affect how the original formula appears beside the panel today.

Paint Only supplies the matched color pen when compatible prep and finish products are already available. Essential adds the compatible 1K clearcoat pen for most small exterior chips with intact original primer. Preferred adds primer for deeper damage that exposes the substrate.

Primer is recommended when the damage has broken through the factory primer and exposed bare metal or plastic. If the original primer remains intact, another primer layer may not be needed. Active rust and loose material must be removed and treated before any pen product is applied.

Most modern glossy exterior finishes use clearcoat. When your matched system includes it, the compatible 1K clearcoat pen protects the color stage and helps bring the repaired spot closer to the surrounding sheen. Matte, satin, single-stage, pearl, and tri-coat finishes can require a different supplied layer plan.

A pen is intended for multiple localized pinpoint chips or very fine marks, not a complete panel. Practical coverage varies with the size and depth of each chip, the number of layers required, and how much product is used while priming and testing the tip.

After the product is mixed, the applicator tip must be primed so paint can reach it. Follow the label, keep the cap and tip assembled correctly, and establish an even, restrained flow on a test surface before moving to the vehicle.

Shake and prepare the pen as directed, then use gentle presses on a disposable test card until the tip is evenly wetted. Pause between presses and watch the flow. Never prime for the first time over the repair, and do not keep pressing once the tip is supplied.

For a chip, use light dabs inside the damaged area and let a small amount transfer from the tip. Dragging can lay down a heavy line and spread color onto sound factory paint. If the tip releases too much, lift it away, blot the excess on a disposable card, and retest before returning to the vehicle.

Move away from the vehicle, confirm the pen is assembled, shake it again, and gently prime it on a test card as directed. Never force, cut, or puncture the tip. To reduce clogs, wipe residue without damaging the applicator and replace the cap promptly; use only the cleaning method stated in the instructions.

Wash and fully dry the area, then remove wax, grease, dust, loose rust, and unstable paint. Work on a cool panel in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area. Before touching the vehicle, apply the complete supplied layer system to a test card, let it dry, and compare it beside the panel in natural light.

Build thin, controlled layers until the supplied instructions indicate sufficient coverage; never fill the chip with one heavy deposit. Follow the timing on each Partify pen before the next layer and before compatible clearcoat. Cool, humid, or poorly ventilated conditions can extend drying and cure.

These finishes depend on the complete ordered layer system and can change with coat thickness and viewing angle. Apply Layer 1 and Layer 2 in the supplied sequence before compatible clearcoat, then wait for the complete stack to cure for the stated period before washing, waxing, sanding, or polishing.

A pen repair seals exposed material and reduces the visual interruption; it does not recreate a machine-sprayed full panel. Wet color may also look darker or flatter before it dries and receives every required layer. Judge only a fully dried test beside the panel in natural light.

Stop before applying the pen to the vehicle. Recheck the VIN or factory paint code and every required layer. Sunlight, age, polishing, and prior bodywork can change a faded or repainted panel; if the fully dried test still differs, contact Partify with the order number and clear comparison photos.

Clean the applicator area, close the cap completely, and store each labeled pen in a cool, dry place away from sun, heat, and freezing. Shelf life depends on closure and storage conditions, so inspect and test flow on a disposable surface before reuse; do not use material that behaves abnormally.

Contact support before vehicle application if the matched color test looks wrong, the tip will not develop controlled flow, a layer or package is unclear, or the product arrived damaged. Include the order number, vehicle details, and clear photos so the team can help verify the system.