Steamer Touch Up

It depends on how picky you are.  For runners that I just want to look decent, I use the black marker, after it dries I rub my finger over it.  It takes the sheen off the marker and really blends in quite well.  It's not a professional job, but for something that's going to get more bumps and bruises, it's somewhat pointless to keep painting it every time it gets a nick.

For most black touch up engine jobs, Krylon Satin Black, available in spray cans, has been the best match.

Most gloss blacks are too glossy and flat blacks are too dull

You can spray a small blast in the cap to allow use with a small brush for small spots.

Charlie

Gene, I have had real good luck touching up paint chips and scratches on Lionel postwar steam engines by using a FINE LINE PAINT PEN made by CRAFT SMART.  I have also used SHARPIE PERMANENT INK MARKERS but I like the paint pen a little bit better because it is slightly thicker, blacker and doesn't rub off as easily as a Sharpie.  I found the paint pens at Michaels.

I agree with Charlie

Thanks for the tips on Krylon Satin Black and the Paint Pens from Michaels.  I had wondered about them too.

Gene