Touch up Paint Advice

Recently purchased a 2001 4runner that has some beauty marks. Looking for advice on the best approach to fixing some of the paint blemishes. Ive watched plenty of videos of touching up paint the skilled DIY way, but I have 0 confidence in my ability to not mess it up. So would it be best to just sand the rust off and put some rust inhibitor on (unsure what color that stuff dries)? And then, if going that route, would be be the best clear coat option (I’ve read that applying ‘actual’ clear coat is the hardest step so I should probably avoid that).

Ideally, I’d handle the spot on the fender, which is the largest both dent and rust wide, by finding a replacement at a junkyard since tat fender flare had to be tossed anyways, but it’s probably going to take a bit of luck to find a white fender from a 2001-2002 that’s in good condition. On the roof, I don’t care about the paint appearance since a roof rack will cover it up, but want to address the rust.

 

I have used Gemplers Rust Converter in the past on a Subaru I had. I wire brushed it clean and painted it on there, never had any spread after that. It will turn black and was pretty easy to use.
I got some OEM touch up paint pens from Amazon for my 2021. I used it on the door edges and jambs and a few tiny chips which were starting to oxidize. It worked better than I expected for the price, just have to shake it a lot before applying. I also noticed it was easier to apply when it was warm outside Of course you will have to prep the area by wire brush and sanding to bare metal for it to stick properly.

 

I have used this in the past for some rust repair projects. Soaking the can in hot water for 10 -15 minutes before use helps it flow better.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Self-Etc...xBQx3zDCjJsZv4EN3eIVzj19mWbc2eRBoCk2EQAvD_BwE

 

Think I will try this for the rust converter. Mostly just based on a paint repair article I read in Popular Mechanics site. And it’s one of the only one I’ve come across that’s not a spray can so will hopefully work for my smaller rust spots.

$11 Permatex 81775 Rust Treatment , 8 oz. , GRAY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BKIGFA?th=1