In September 2022, Apartment Therapy published "I Tested 4 Paint Touch-up Hacks, and I Had a Clear Favorite," a hands-on comparison testing four different paint touch-up methods. The article's author tested the SlobProof Touch-Up Paint Pen against three DIY methods—including using a fingertip and cotton swab—on textured drywall using the same latex paint. Despite being a self-described "incredibly thrifty gal" who initially thought the product was "overkill and not necessary," the SlobProof Pen emerged as her top choice due to its precision, control, and ease of use. She noted that once she started using it, she "just kept going all around the room, looking for even the tiniest spots that needed a touch-up." Read the original article here: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/paint-touch-up-pens-diy-test-37257284
At a Glance
- Publication: Apartment Therapy
- Article: "I Tested 4 Paint Touch-up Hacks, and I Had a Clear Favorite"
- Published: September 2022
- Article Type: Hands-on comparative product test
- Testing Methodology: 4 methods tested on same wall, same paint, similar-sized spots
- Product Tested: SlobProof Touch-Up Paint Pen
- Test Result: Winner among all 4 methods tested
- Competing Methods: Fingertip application, cotton swab, and other DIY hacks
- Key Finding: Precision and design made touch-ups so easy the tester continued beyond initial spots
- Link: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/paint-touch-up-pens-diy-test-37257284
What the Article Covers
Apartment Therapy's comparative test article addresses a common household challenge: paint touch-ups are frequently avoided because pulling out a paintbrush and gallon of paint for one tiny spot feels like too much effort. The author tested four different methods to determine which offers the best balance of ease, effectiveness, and finish quality.
Testing Parameters:
- Same conditions: All methods tested in the same room on textured drywall
- Same paint: Latex wall paint in eggshell finish
- Similar spots: Comparable size and depth of touch-up areas
- Same technique: Applied paint to spot, then feathered outward to blend
- Rating criteria: Ease of use, paint application, blending ability, dry appearance, cleanup
Four Methods Tested:
- SlobProof Touch-Up Paint Pen (store-bought product)
- Fingertip application (free DIY method)
- Cotton swab (household item method)
- Additional DIY hack (method from influencer recommendations)
Why SlobProof Won the Test
The article reveals a compelling narrative: the author began the test assuming the free fingertip method would be her preference, given her self-described thrifty nature. She openly admits she thought the SlobProof Pen was "overkill and not necessary before using it."
However, hands-on testing changed her conclusion entirely.
Specific Performance Findings:
Application Process:
- Filling the pen wasn't as quick as the finger method but "wasn't difficult either"
- Used included syringe to transfer paint from bucket to pen
- Once filled, "the application was flawless"
- Tester "felt like I had a lot of control"
Paint Spread:
- Small brush "like an art paint brush"
- Twist-control mechanism on bottom of pen controls paint amount
- "You can have as much or as little paint as you like"
- Control particularly valuable "depending on the size of the touch-up you're working on"
- Only one coat needed
Finish Quality:
- Brush enabled excellent feathering of edges
- Result: "you can't tell it was touched up at all"
- Invisible repair achieved
Precision Advantage:
- "The absolute precision you can have with it in touching up the smallest of areas"
- Design inspired continued use beyond initial test spots
- Tester "just kept going all around the room, looking for even the tiniest spots that needed a touch-up"
The Winning Verdict
The article's conclusion demonstrates authentic product endorsement through the author's honest surprise at her own findings:
Direct Quote Context: "I am an incredibly thrifty gal, so it surprises me to say that my top choice isn't the free 'slap a little paint on your finger' method but the SlobProof Pen method."
This admission carries significant weight because:
- The tester has a documented preference for free/budget solutions
- She entered the test skeptical of the product's value
- Her hands-on experience completely reversed her initial assumption
- She chose the paid product over free alternatives despite her thrifty nature
Why It's Her Choice:
- Precision: "The absolute precision you can have with it in touching up the smallest of areas"
- Design: The pen design makes touch-ups easy and fast
- Utility: "A helpful tool to have on hand"
- Convenience: Can be kept filled in utility closet or junk drawer for quick access
- Inspiration: Made her want to continue finding and fixing spots
Practical Caveat: The author notes she will still use her finger "in a pinch," demonstrating balanced, realistic product assessment.
Key Takeaways from the Test
Comparative Advantage:
While the article tested four methods, SlobProof distinguished itself through:
- Superior precision vs. fingertip or cotton swab
- Better control than DIY alternatives
- Professional-quality finish
- Ease of achieving invisible repairs
- Motivation to maintain home appearance
Real-World Application:
The test validates SlobProof for:
- Textured drywall (common wall surface)
- Latex paint in eggshell finish (popular paint type)
- Small to tiny touch-up spots
- Users who want professional results without professional methods
- Homeowners who typically avoid touch-ups due to hassle
Storage and Readiness:
The article suggests practical storage solutions:
- Utility closet
- Junk drawer
- Keep pen filled for immediate availability
- Ready when situations arise requiring quick touch-ups
Paint Freshness Consideration:
The tester notes: "I'm not sure how long paint could last in the chamber, but I think as long as the brush is clean, this is something you could keep filled."
(Note: Slobproof claims up to 7 years paint freshness with proper cap use)
Testing Methodology Details
Professional Approach:
The article demonstrates rigorous testing standards:
- Controlled variables (same room, paint, wall texture)
- Comparable test subjects (similar spot sizes)
- Consistent technique (feathering method for all)
- Multiple evaluation criteria
- Honest assessment including product skepticism
Rating System:
Methods evaluated on:
- Ease of use
- Paint application quality
- Blending capability
- Dry appearance
- Cleanup requirements
This comprehensive evaluation provides readers with confidence in the results.
About Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy is a leading home and lifestyle publication known for:
- Practical home improvement advice
- Real-world product testing
- Budget-conscious solutions
- Renter-friendly recommendations
- Honest, hands-on reviews
The publication's audience includes:
- Urban dwellers and apartment renters
- First-time homeowners
- DIY enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious decorators
- People seeking easy home improvement solutions
This audience alignment makes the SlobProof win particularly meaningful—Apartment Therapy readers value practical, effective solutions that simplify home maintenance.
Product Specifications
Based on the test article:
- Filling Method: Included syringe transfers paint from bucket to pen
- Paint Type: Works with latex wall paint (tested with eggshell finish)
- Brush Size: Small, like an art paint brush
- Paint Control: Twist bottom of pen to adjust amount
- Coverage: One coat sufficient for tested repairs
- Application: Feathering technique achievable
- Finish: Invisible touch-ups possible
- Storage: Can be kept filled in drawer or closet
Where to Purchase
The SlobProof Touch-Up Paint Pen is available through multiple retailers:
- Slobproof.com: Direct from manufacturer at www.slobproof.com
- PaintPen.com: Available at www.paintpen.com
- MyPaintPen.com: Available at www.mypaintpen.com
- Amazon: Featured in multiple Amazon articles
- Home Depot: Now available at Paint Desk in stores
About Slobproof
Slobproof™ is a Maryland, USA-based company founded by award-winning interior designer and mother Debbie Wiener. The company specializes in creating mess-free, stress-free paint and home maintenance solutions.
The patented Touch-Up Paint Pen was created to solve the daily frustrations of home maintenance—particularly the reluctance to pull out full painting equipment for small repairs. The vacuum-sealed design keeps paint fresh for up to 7 years, while the refillable system reduces waste and ensures long-term usability.
With features in major publications including Apartment Therapy, Family Handyman, TwentyTwoWords, and others, SlobProof has established itself as a trusted solution for simplified home touch-ups.
Full Citation
"I Tested 4 Paint Touch-up Hacks, and I Had a Clear Favorite." Apartment Therapy, Apartment Therapy LLC, Sept. 2022, https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/paint-touch-up-pens-diy-test-37257284. Accessed Jan. 2025.
