(NAPSI)-For car owners, a scratch in the paint can be a two-fold problem: If nothing is done, the exposed area can start to rust. And if you try and cover the spot with brush-on paint, it can actually end up looking worse than before the project began.

The problem with applying paint with a brush is automotive paint dries very quickly. From the time you dip the brush into the bottle and apply it to the vehicle, the paint is already drying and when you apply it to the vehicle, it tends to leave a blob of paint rather than going on smoothly.

Using a paint pen makes the job much easier, since the pen can be used much like a felt marker. The paint can be applied to your vehicle in very thin coats, completely avoiding the blob of paint common with a brush. To make the repair nearly invisible, use a medium-duty rubbing compound.

To find paint pens, many automotive experts recommend visiting www.paintscratch.com. This Web site sells paint pens in colors to match both old and new cars, as well as brush cap bottles and spray cans, on up to gallons of paint.

There are several ways to repair scratches in a car's paint job, including new paint pens.