Can a paint pen fix scratch to metal?

Scratch is down to the metal in one area, the rest looks to be to the primer. Live in an area that gets salt on roads so want to avoid any rusting and make it look as good as possible. Color is cement , year is 2020

For those that will ask... Tailgate was leaned against garage door, garage door was partially opened and quickly stopped but the scratches had already happened.

 

It will, but make sure the surface is clean before doing so.

 

Is Acetone or rubbing alcohol safe to use? And do I need to clear coat over the paint pen touch up

 

Yes it should be safe to use but test in an inconspicuous area first. And most paint pens come with a clear coat brush on the other end. There's some videos on YouTube that show you how to get decent results touching up with a pen.

 

NO ACETONE. Mineral spirits or methanol. Rubbing alcohol has too much water.

 

It would be best to take the tailgate off and work with it as flat as possible. To get the paint to be level with the existing it will likely take a few coats. The paint goes on thick but it shrinks down a lot. Just be patient and also be realistic that is t won’t come out perfect.
I’ve had great experience recently with a company called automotive touch up. Their paint looked great and was really easy to work with.

 

@Offroadr you might find this site useful for your repairs. Good luck!!

https://www.drcolorchip.com/

 

I've not used it but I've heard great things about Dr. Color Chip especially in the climate you mentioned

 

You will never be able to build up enough layers with a paint pen alone. I'd recommend cleaning it up bit, using glazing putty to get it up close to the level and then putting paint on in layers. It won't look perfect but will look better from 12' away.

 

Not near to the extent that you will not be able to see the repair.

Someone hit my '18 TRD Sport and put a small gash in my fender flare, so I ordered a 1/2oz bottle of Dr. Color chip Silver Sky Metallic paint at $28 and it' didn't even come close to a match.
In fact, the GM Blade Silver touch-up paint for my C7 Corvette was a closer match.

I finally got tired of looking at it so took it to my local paint shop who had successfully fix other minor issues over the years and they made an undetectable perfectly matched repair for $191.
So my advise to you is to take it to a good body/paint shop and get it properly fixed.

 

If you use your truck as a truck and just want protection, you can do that and look better too.

If you want to be mall rated, a good body shop is in order.

 

Can u elaborate? I've never heard of this.

 

There's a guy in Asheville who is genius. I take all my blemished to him. Gets it back to you later the same day.

If it's convenient I'll post the address.

 

This, post your location and maybe someone has a recommendation for a place close to you OP

 

I guess to elaborate on what I said before, it just depends what you're going for. You'll definitely need a lot more than just a paint pen to make it look factory. If you just don't want it noticable, a paint pen should be more than fine.

 

My guy is Paul Bailey. 828-231-2151.

He works independently at Apple Tree Honda. 242 Underwood Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732. It's just outside of Asheville, NC.

I'm always bumping into things. If there is a noticeable dent, he can't help you. But a scratch, there is no body better.

 

Salt Lake UT area

I spoke with a local chain body store and they said they would want to repaint the whole tail gate and wanted $500-$600.