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How to Fix a Clogged Paint Pen

Paint pens are useful in repairing minor scratches on automobiles when more intensive body work is not necessary. The pens are also available in oil-based and acrylic paints to use on craft projects and painting fabrics. Even the best quality paint pens clog at times and this prevents the paint from flowing out of the pen tip or nib. It is important to use the correct solution to remedy the problem. This allows you to use the remaining paint before discarding the pen.

Things You'll Need

  • Small bowls or drinking glass
  • Automotive lacquer thinner
  • Paint thinner
  • Liquid dish-washing detergent
  • Paper towel or cleaning cloth
  • Sheet of paper (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Automotive Paint Pen

    • 1

      Soak the end of the automotive paint pen in automotive lacquer thinner in the bottom of a small bowl.

    • 2

      Leave the paint pen in the solution for about five to 15 minutes to dissolve the clog.

    • 3

      Wipe the end of the paint pen with a cleaning cloth or a paper towel before using.

    Oil-Based Paint Pen

    • 4

      Pour a small amount of paint thinner in a small bowl.

    • 5

      Set the oil-based paint pen in the bowl for about 10 minutes. This dissolves any paint that is clogging the pen.

    • 6

      Wipe the pen tip with a paper towel before continuing with your project.

    Acrylic Paint Pen

    • 7

      Wash off the tip of the acrylic paint pen with warm, soapy water in a small bowl.

    • 8

      Use a drop of liquid dish-washing detergent in the bowl and swish the paint pen around for about three minutes or longer until the clog dissolves.

    • 9

      Rinse with warm water and wipe off the tip on a cleaning cloth or paper towel.

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