Markal paint sticks were used to write on the body, engine and chassis at the factory.

Examples: A typical Mustang or Ford car was painted with the fenders and hood off of the vehicle. The location of the paint racks containing these items was written on the outside of the fender aprons. The rear axle assembly had an identification number written on the pumpkin usually with an orange marker. Some markings are eventually painted over and are only visible as raised lines under the paint.

Paint sticks were not used to apply stripes to springs, driveshafts etc. these markings were applied using a liquid paint.