• Clean the damaged area with the supplied wax/grease remover (paint doesn't stick to wax or grease).
• Shake very well! The pen mechanism is spring loaded. You push it down, and paint starts to flow. Generally, it's best to do this on a scrap piece of paper to start the flow of paint and see how it works. Then, with the web "nib", dab it on.
• It takes a little practice to be able to put just the right amount on. You generally want 2 coats to achieve your match. The more coats, the darker the color. See "Test Panel" instructions below to know in advance how many coats to apply.  Then, after allowing the color to dry for 30-60 minutes, apply to your clearcoat using a similar method.

More detailed directions are below, depending on the severity of your repair, the color/kit you ordered, etc. It is extremely important to do a “Test Panel”.  A test panel is a way for you to test the color before you proceed.  You can test the coverage, the dry time, and the color accuracy.  Compare the test panel to the color you are trying to achieve in direct sunlight to determine if the color is a proper match.  Do not proceed to the next step until your test panel is complete and the color on the test panel is the color you desire.  We have provided a sprayout card for this purpose. Do not try to “fill in” missing chunks of your piece from crash damage by laying down too many coats of paint. This will make the color too dark. 

SURFACE PREPARATION:

• Wash surface to be painter with soap and water.  Rinse thoroughly.
• Clean surface with supplied Wax & Grease Remover.  Use a clean, lint-free towel and wipe in one direction only.  Rinse with water and allow to dry.
• For best results, use 400-600 grit sandpaper to sand until repair area is smooth and all gloss from existing finish has been removed.  Blow or wipe off sanding dust.
• Use Wax & Grease Remover another time as described in step 2.  
• If repair area is down to bare metal or plastic, now apply primer following the instructions on the primer container.
• If repair area does not need primer, then proceed to “Painting Instructions”.

PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Tricoat/3-Stage Colors (base/mid or top coat/clearcoat)

• If your color is a 3-stage color, (base, top or mid-coat, clearcoat) apply one even, wet coat of the base.  Allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.  Apply a second coat in the same manner.  Allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.  Inspect painted area to be certain paint is even and has thorough coverage.
• Using your sprayout or test panel as a guide to the required amount of coats, apply light even coats of the mid or top coat waiting 5-10 minutes between coats.  Once desired color is achieved, do not add any additional coats.  
• Allow paint to dry for 30-60 minutes before performing applying clearcoat.

• Apply one even, wet coat of the colorcoat.  Allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.  Apply a second coat following the same procedure.  
• Inspect area to see if paint is applied evenly and thoroughly.  Apply additional coats as needed using your sprayout or test panel as a guide to achieve desired color.
• Allow paint to dry for 30-60 minutes before performing applying clearcoat.

• Apply one even, wet coat of the colorcoat.  Allow to dry for 5-10 minutes.  Apply a second coat following the same procedure.  
• Inspect area to see if paint is applied evenly and thoroughly.  Apply additional coats as needed using your sprayout or test panel as a guide to achieve desired color.
• Allow paint to dry for 30-60 minutes before applying clearcoat.

• Allow final color coat to dry. Clearcoat must be applied within 12 hours.
• Dab one very light, even coat onto dry color coat. Allow to dry for 10-20 minutes and repeat as necessary.

Additional Tips/Instructions

• Always test color with a test panel before painting.
• Do not sand between colorcoats or before clearcoat.
• Dabbing the paint on instead of rubbing or brushing it on will minimize brush strokes.
• Touch-Up Pens:  depress tip to start paint flowing.  Do not hold tip in for extended period of time.  Just get some paint on the tip and proceed with touch-up.  Do not depress tip while performing actual touch-up procedure; paint can run quickly out of the pen causing damage to the vehicle.
• Wetsanding, polishing, waxing, and buffing can be performed 5 days after paintjob has been completed.
• If paint looks dull or hazy after final clearcoat, there may be a slight amount of moisture causing the dullness.  After clearcoat is thoroughly dry (5+ days), polishing or buffing compound will restore the gloss.