Fix It Pro Pen: Does it work on car paint?

The allure of a quick fix for minor car paint imperfections is undeniable. Whether it's a small scratch from a rogue shopping trolley or a chip from a stray piece of gravel, drivers are constantly seeking convenient solutions. Enter the 'Fix It Pro Pen', a product that promises to make those unsightly blemishes disappear with a simple swipe. But can you really use the Fix It Pro Pen on car paint and expect professional results? This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this popular automotive touch-up tool, exploring its functionality, its limitations, and what you need to consider before reaching for it.

Understanding the Fix It Pro Pen

The Fix It Pro Pen is essentially a clear resin that is applied to scratches and chips. The idea behind it is that the resin fills the damaged area, and when exposed to sunlight, it cures and hardens, creating a smooth surface that is less visible. The pen format makes it easy to apply precisely, and the marketing often highlights its ability to work on any colour car. It's marketed as a DIY solution for minor paint damage, a far cry from the more involved processes of professional detailing or body shop repairs.

How it Claims to Work

The mechanism of the Fix It Pro Pen relies on a few key principles:

• Resin Filling: The clear, liquid resin is designed to flow into the depth of the scratch or chip, effectively levelling the surface.
• UV Curing: The crucial step is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, typically sunlight. The UV rays initiate a chemical reaction within the resin, causing it to harden and become permanent.
• Bonding: Once cured, the resin is intended to bond with the surrounding paintwork, creating a seamless finish that blends in.

The pen's applicator tip is designed for precision, allowing users to target only the damaged area, minimising the risk of applying the resin to surrounding undamaged paint.

When is the Fix It Pro Pen Suitable?

The Fix It Pro Pen is generally considered most effective for very minor cosmetic issues. These typically include:

• Clear Coat Scratches: These are light scratches that have only penetrated the top protective layer of your car's paint (the clear coat). They often look like faint white lines and don't reveal the primer or metal underneath.
• Very Shallow Chips: Small chips where only the clear coat and perhaps the base colour coat are affected, but not down to the primer.
• Minor Scuffs: Light scuffs that haven't removed the paint entirely.

For these types of imperfections, the Fix It Pro Pen can offer a noticeable improvement by filling the void and protecting the exposed paint from further damage and corrosion.

Limitations and When NOT to Use It

It is crucial to understand that the Fix It Pro Pen is not a miracle cure for all paint damage. There are several scenarios where its use is not recommended, and where it is unlikely to yield satisfactory results:

• Deep Scratches: If a scratch has gone through the clear coat, the colour coat, and down to the primer or even the bare metal, the Fix It Pro Pen will not be able to restore the lost colour or protective layers. It will simply fill the scratch with clear resin, which will be very noticeable against the underlying layers.
• Deep Paint Chips: Similar to deep scratches, if a chip has removed a significant amount of paint, the pen cannot replace the lost colour.
• Rust Damage: The pen is not designed to treat or cover rust. Applying it over rust will not solve the underlying problem and may even trap moisture, exacerbating the issue.
• Larger Areas of Damage: While the pen offers precision, it's not practical for covering larger scuffs or damaged panels. It's intended for targeted repairs.
• Textured or Unpainted Trim: The resin is formulated for painted surfaces. Applying it to unpainted plastic trim or rubber will likely result in a sticky, unsightly mess.

In essence, if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it's likely too deep for the Fix It Pro Pen to effectively repair.

Comparing Fix It Pro Pen with Other Touch-Up Methods

To better understand the Fix It Pro Pen's place in car care, let's compare it to other common touch-up methods:

Tips for Using the Fix It Pro Pen Effectively

If you decide to use the Fix It Pro Pen, follow these tips to maximise your chances of success:

1. Clean the Area Thoroughly: Before applying, wash and dry the area around the scratch or chip. Use a degreaser or isopropyl alcohol to ensure the surface is free from dirt, wax, and oils. This is critical for proper adhesion.
2. Work in Direct Sunlight: The pen relies on UV light to cure. Ensure you are in direct sunlight when applying the product and for the recommended curing time afterwards.
3. Apply in Thin Layers: Don't over-apply. A thin, even coat is more likely to cure properly and blend in better than a thick blob of resin.
4. Wipe Away Excess Immediately: The pen comes with a 'wiper' or you can use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess resin that gets on the surrounding paintwork before it starts to cure.
5. Be Patient: Allow the resin to cure fully according to the product instructions. Rushing this process can lead to a poor finish.
6. Multiple Applications: For slightly deeper scratches, you might need to apply the resin in multiple thin layers, allowing each to cure before applying the next.

What to Expect After Application

When used on appropriate damage, the Fix It Pro Pen should fill the scratch, making it less visible. The cured resin should be hard and dry to the touch. However, it's important to manage your expectations. The resin is clear, so if the scratch is deep enough to have removed the car's coloured paint, the pen will not restore that colour. You might see a slight 'hump' or difference in texture if over-applied. Over time, the resin may also yellow or degrade, especially if exposed to harsh conditions or UV rays for extended periods, though its protective nature might still prevent further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the Fix It Pro Pen be used on all car colours?

A1: Yes, the Fix It Pro Pen contains a clear resin, so it doesn't have a specific colour. It works by filling the scratch, so the underlying colour of your car is still visible. However, it's most effective when the scratch itself is only in the clear coat, regardless of the car's colour.

Q2: Will the Fix It Pro Pen remove a deep scratch?

A2: No, it is designed for very shallow scratches and chips that have only penetrated the clear coat. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it is likely too deep for this product.

Q3: How long does the Fix It Pro Pen take to cure?

A3: The curing time varies depending on the product and sunlight intensity, but typically it requires a few hours of direct sunlight. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for precise curing times.

Q4: What happens if I get the Fix It Pro Pen on the surrounding paint?

A4: It's important to wipe away any excess resin immediately with a clean cloth before it starts to cure. If it cures, it can be difficult to remove without polishing or compounding.

Q5: Can I polish or wax over the Fix It Pro Pen once it's cured?

A5: Once fully cured, you can generally polish or wax over the repaired area. However, be gentle, as aggressive polishing could potentially wear down the cured resin over time.

Conclusion

So, can you use the Fix It Pro Pen on car paint? Yes, but with significant caveats. It's a useful tool for addressing minor, superficial scratches and chips that are confined to the clear coat. For these types of imperfections, it can provide a quick and easy solution that makes the damage less noticeable and offers some protection. However, it is not a substitute for proper paint repair when dealing with deeper scratches, chips that expose primer or metal, or any form of rust. Always assess the damage accurately before deciding on a repair method. For anything beyond minor clear coat damage, you may need to consider touch-up paint pens, rubbing compounds, or professional assistance to achieve a truly seamless and durable repair.