How To Use A Kia Touch Up Paint Pen
Oct 28th 2026
Small chips and scratches happen, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to head straight to a body shop. For minor paint damage, a Kia touch up paint pen can be a convenient way to improve the appearance of your vehicle and cover small areas where the original paint has been damaged.
At Kia Stuff, we offer Genuine OEM Kia Paint Pens made to correspond with Kia paint colors. If you're unsure which paint color your vehicle requires, providing your VIN allows Kia Stuff to look up the original paint color associated with your vehicle.
But before you start touching up that scratch, there are a few important things to know.
How Do I Find the Right Paint Color for My Kia?
Getting the correct color is one of the most important parts of using automotive touch-up paint.
Your Kia's VIN can be used to identify the vehicle's original paint color. When you provide Kia Stuff with your VIN, we can look up the paint color associated with your vehicle.
Why does the correct Kia paint code matter?
Kia vehicles are available in many different paint colors, and colors that look similar aren't necessarily the same.
That's why you shouldn't choose a paint pen based solely on what the color looks like online. Identifying the proper paint color before ordering gives you a much better starting point.
Kia Stuff Tip: If you're unsure which Kia paint pen you need, provide your VIN when ordering so we can look up the vehicle's original paint color.
Will a Kia paint pen match my vehicle perfectly?
There is a possibility that new touch-up paint may look slightly different from the paint currently on your vehicle. The existing Kia Stuff guide notes that sun exposure can cause a vehicle's paint to fade over time.
How to Use a Kia Touch Up Paint Pen: Step-by-Step Guide:
Once you've identified the proper paint color, you're ready to start.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
The current Kia Stuff guide recommends having the following available:
- Your Kia paint pen
- Sanding stick
- Clean cloth
- Clear coat, if desired
Take your time and work carefully. For touch-up jobs, less paint is usually better than trying to cover the entire area with one heavy application.
Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Damaged Area
Before applying paint, clean the area around the scratch or chip with a clean cloth.
For a deeper scratch, the existing Kia Stuff instructions recommend using a fine-grit sanding material to smooth the edges if needed.
Step 3: Prime the Kia Paint Pen
Before applying the paint to your vehicle, make sure the pen is ready to dispense paint.
We recommend pressing down on the tip until you hear a "pop," then priming the pen by pressing the tip up and down several times.
You want paint flowing properly before you begin working on the vehicle.
Step 4: Apply a Thin Coat of Paint
Hold the Kia paint pen at approximately a 45-degree angle and apply a thin coat to the damaged area. The existing guide recommends working in small sections and slightly overlapping each stroke.
Avoid applying too much paint at once. Heavy application can cause the paint to run. For a small chip, think precision, not coverage.
Step 5: Let the Paint Dry
Give the first coat time to dry before adding more.
Please allow the paint to dry for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before applying another coat. A deeper scratch may require additional coats.
Several thin applications are preferable to trying to fill the damage with one excessively thick coat.
Step 6: Apply Clear Coat If Desired
A clear coat can be applied after the touch-up paint. The clear coat helps protect the paint and prevent fading. Avoid over-applying the product.
Step 7: Allow the Repair to Dry
After applying the clear coat, the current Kia Stuff guide recommends giving it 24 hours to dry before driving the vehicle.
Patience here is worth it. Give the touch-up time to set rather than rushing the process.
Tips for Getting Better Results With Your Kia Paint Pen
A few small details can make the process easier:
- Don't over-apply the paint.
Applying too much paint can cause runs and make a small repair more noticeable. - Take your time.
Build the repair gradually instead of trying to completely cover the damage with your first coat. - For extremely small imperfections, use a precise applicator.
A toothpick or cotton swab may be useful for very small scratches. - Use a mirror when visibility is difficult.
For scratches in awkward locations, a mirror can help you see the repair area. - Know when to call a professional.
A paint pen is a practical option for minor touch-ups. If you're not comfortable doing the repair yourself, Kia Stuff recommends having a professional perform the touch-up.
Kia Paint Pen FAQs
What is a Kia touch up paint pen?
A Kia paint pen is a touch-up paint product designed for small areas of paint damage, such as minor scratches or chips. The paint pens sold through Kia Stuff are Genuine OEM paint pens and can be matched to the vehicle's original paint color using the VIN.
How do I know which Kia paint pen I need?
Provide us with your VIN, and the original paint color for the vehicle can be looked up. This helps remove the guesswork from choosing between similar-looking Kia colors.
How many coats of Kia touch up paint do I need?
This depends on the damage. We recommend a thin coat followed by approximately 10 to 15 minutes of drying time before another coat. Keep in mind, deeper scratches may require three coats.
Do I need clear coat after using a Kia paint pen?
The clear coat is optional, however it can help protect the paint and prevent fading. We recommend applying the clear coat.
Can I use a Kia paint pen on a deep scratch?
Paint pens are for minor scratches and repairs. Deeper scratches may require additional preparation and coats of paint.
For more significant body or paint damage, we'd recommend contating your local body shop.
Why doesn't my touch up paint perfectly match my Kia?
Even when you've identified the original color, the existing paint on the vehicle may have changed from sun exposure and fading. Additionally, the VIN identifies the car's original paint color, so a previously repainted vehicle may not match the factory color information.
Shop Genuine Kia Touch Up Paint Pens
A little scratch or chip doesn't have to be the first thing you notice every time you walk up to your Kia.
With the correct Genuine Kia Touch Up Paint Pen and a little patience, you can address minor paint imperfections using a color selected for your vehicle.
Not sure which color you need? Provide your VIN when ordering from Kia Stuff so the original paint color can be looked up for you.
Shop Kia Touch Up Paint Pens at KiaStuff.com and find the right color for your Kia.
Here are some additional tips for using a Kia paint pen:
- If the scratch is very small, you may be able to get away with using a toothpick or cotton swab to apply the paint.
- If the scratch is in a difficult-to-reach area, you can use a mirror to help you see what you're doing.
- Be careful not to apply too much paint, as this can cause the paint to run.
- If you make a mistake, you can usually wipe away the excess paint with a clean cloth.
- If you are not comfortable using a paint pen, you can take your car to a professional for a touch-up.
- It is always good to push down on the tip of the paint pen until you hear a “pop.” Then you want to make sure you prime it by pushing up and down on it a few times.
Please keep in mind that there is a small chance the color may differ from the color of your vehicle. This can be due to sun fading the natural paint color over time. Also note that the VIN will pull the original color of the vehicle. If your vehicle has been painted, then the code from the VIN will not match.