are there sources for OEM touch up paint other than at the dealer?...which is better a pen or bottle with brush?...location to find paint codes for 2025s?

 

Yes lots of availability

For type or applicators there is no better or best it all depends on the size and depth of the paint damage. Also depending on the chip how deep it goes where a 4 step kit complete with filler , primer, paint, clear may be needed ?
Any Paint supplier will have the information to get and to use to formulate the proper paint mix.

Personally, I prefer rattle can and often have my local paint supply company mix the paint and install it in an aerosol can (rattle can) for my med-large touch up work. There are several companies like Duplicolor that have perfect rattle can OEM paint available. If you don't see your application on their website contact them direct. The only thing with any rattle can is you really need to use a primer filler to save the time of applying 1/2 dozen coats to build the paint up which can be a PIA.

 

thanks...not looking for rattle can paint or a 4 step paint...just a small bottle of touch up paint for chips to protect any exposed metal from rust

 

The base coat on new Mazda paints is hard to chip down to the bare metal. If it is anything but silver in color, you only chipped the paint and not the base coat.
As for the choice of what to use it still goes without saying the type and depth of the chip. There is no BEST, Better ,Ok choices to do the job correctly.
Sorry but most DIY that use paint pins or brush applicators only paint the chip and not fill the gap left by the chip or as the proper description not for depth and from a direct light only using paint without filling looks like DOG POOP.
I would say if you are going to do the DIY easy route then at least get the 3-4 step push paint/pen applicator kits.

 

I'm a long time fan of https://drcolorchip.com/ Its a 2 step process and depending on the color and the size of the defect, it passes the 3 foot test. I've used it on a 2021 Mazda Metallic blue will good results.

 

Paint pens do work but they are for protection (chips dings to the primer or bare metal) and definitely not appearance.
Most actually pronounce the chip, like the tiny one above my driver door handle, they do not make it "disappear".
A real spray paint job with the required sanding and buffing is the only way to really fix it.

 

I second Dr Colorchip

 

thanks all...i'm not looking to make it look perfect and don't care if it makes it stand out...i just want to protect the bare metal on the chip(s) i have picked up over it's first winter