How to Fix a Small Paint Chip on Your Car: A DIY Guide

Stone chips. Just the sound of it can make car owners cringe. These tiny blemishes, often found on the hood, bumper, or fenders, are more than just cosmetic annoyances. They are small, deep, and localized damages in your car’s paintwork, typically caused by gravel and road debris kicked up from the tires of vehicles ahead. While seemingly minor, ignoring these paint chips can lead to more significant issues down the road. The good news is, for small paint chips, a do-it-yourself repair is often achievable and can save you a trip to the body shop.

car stone chip repair

Stone chips are especially prevalent when driving on highways where vehicles travel at higher speeds, increasing the force and frequency of debris hitting your car. Winter conditions also exacerbate the problem. Salt and grit spread on roads to combat ice can easily flick up and cause paint damage, either directly from salt-spreaders or indirectly from other vehicles. Compounding the issue, winter weather itself, with its rainwater and ice, can seep into these chips, reaching the bare metal underneath and potentially leading to rust.

Fortunately, fixing these small paint chips is usually a straightforward and cost-effective process. Addressing them promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration, particularly in wet or icy conditions. If you’re wondering how to fix a small paint chip on your car yourself, this guide will provide you with the essential steps and tips to restore your car’s finish and protect it from further damage.

DIY Stone Chip Repair: Is It Right for You?

Many car owners, upon discovering a paint chip, consider a DIY touch-up. For minor chips and superficial damage, this can be an effective solution. However, it’s important to recognize when a DIY approach is suitable and when professional intervention is necessary.

When DIY Stone Chip Repair is a Good Option:

• Small and Shallow Chips: If the chip is small and hasn’t penetrated deeply into the paint layers, a DIY touch-up can effectively conceal the damage and prevent further issues.
• Surface Level Damage: If the damage is primarily to the clear coat or top layers of paint and hasn’t exposed bare metal, it’s often manageable with a DIY repair.

When to Seek Professional Stone Chip Repair:

• Exposed Base Metal: If the stone chip has gone through all paint layers and exposed the bare metal underneath, professional repair is highly recommended to prevent rust and ensure proper sealing.
• Rust Formation: If you notice rust spots within or around the paint chip, professional treatment is crucial. Simply painting over rust will not solve the problem; the rust will continue to spread and cause more extensive damage.
• Multiple or Large Chips: Dealing with numerous stone chips or larger areas of damage can be time-consuming and challenging to achieve a seamless finish with DIY methods. Professionals have the tools and expertise for more efficient and aesthetically pleasing repairs in such cases.

Rust is a significant concern when it comes to paint chips. New paint will not adhere properly to rusty metal. If rust is present and not properly treated, it will continue to spread, potentially leading to more costly repairs or even panel replacement in the future.

How to Fix a Small Paint Chip: Step-by-Step Guide

For those small, manageable paint chips, here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing them at home:

What You’ll Need:

• Touch-Up Paint: Obtain touch-up paint that precisely matches your car’s color code. You can usually find this information in your car’s owner’s manual or on a sticker in the door jamb. Automotive parts stores or dealerships can help you find the correct paint.
• Cleaning Supplies: Car soap and water for washing the area, and isopropyl alcohol or wax and grease remover to ensure a clean surface for paint adhesion.
• Sanding Tools (Optional): A fine-grit sanding block or wet/dry sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) and rubbing compound for smoothing out any raised edges.
• Primer (Optional but Recommended): Automotive primer to improve paint adhesion and corrosion protection, especially if bare metal is exposed.
• Clear Coat (Lacquer): Clear coat to protect the touch-up paint and match the surrounding paint’s gloss level.
• Applicators: Fine-tipped brushes, paint pens, or even toothpicks for precise application of paint, primer, and clear coat.
• Polishing Compound: To blend the repaired area seamlessly with the surrounding paint.
• Microfiber Cloths: For cleaning, applying products, and polishing.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash the area around the paint chip with car soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Rinse and dry completely. Then, using a microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or wax and grease remover, wipe the area to eliminate any wax, grease, or contaminants that could hinder paint adhesion. Allow to dry completely. This step is crucial for ensuring the touch-up paint bonds properly.

2. Sand Down Raised Edges (Optional but Recommended): Inspect the paint chip for any raised edges around the perimeter. If present, gently use a fine-grit sanding block or wet/dry sandpaper (2000-3000 grit) to carefully smooth down these edges. Work lightly to avoid scratching the surrounding clear coat. Alternatively, a rubbing compound like T-Cut can be used to gently level raised edges. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure.

3. Apply Primer (Optional but Recommended): If the paint chip has reached the bare metal, applying a thin layer of automotive primer is highly recommended. Primer provides better adhesion for the touch-up paint and helps prevent rust. Using a fine-tipped brush or applicator, carefully apply a small amount of primer only within the chip, avoiding the surrounding paint. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Apply Touch-Up Paint in Thin Layers: Shake the touch-up paint bottle thoroughly. Using a fine-tipped brush, paint pen, or toothpick, carefully apply a very small amount of touch-up paint into the chip. The goal is to fill the chip, not to paint over the surrounding area. Apply the paint in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry for the time specified by the paint manufacturer before applying the next. Multiple thin layers are better than one thick layer, as they reduce the risk of drips, runs, and uneven drying. Patience is key here. It may take several thin coats to bring the touch-up paint level with the surrounding paint.

5. Sand Gently to Level (Optional): Once the touch-up paint is completely dry and has slightly built up to or just above the level of the surrounding paint, you can gently level it using wet/dry sandpaper (2000-3000 grit). Wrap a small piece of sandpaper around a small, flat object like the end of a pencil or a rubber block to create a small, controlled sanding tool. Wet the sandpaper and the surrounding area with water. Lightly sand the touch-up paint, using very gentle pressure and circular motions. The goal is to level the touch-up paint with the surrounding clear coat. Work slowly and check your progress frequently to avoid sanding too much and damaging the surrounding paint.

6. Apply Clear Coat (Lacquer): After the touch-up paint is level and dry, apply a thin layer of clear coat over the repaired area to protect the paint and restore the gloss. Use a clean fine-tipped brush or applicator. Apply a thin, even coat of clear coat, again staying within the repaired area. Allow it to dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You may apply multiple thin layers of clear coat, allowing each to dry before the next, for better protection and gloss.

7. Polish and Blend: Once the clear coat is fully cured, use a polishing compound and a clean microfiber cloth to gently polish the repaired area. This step will help to blend the edges of the touch-up paint with the surrounding paint and further enhance the gloss and appearance of the repair. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the microfiber cloth and rub gently in circular motions over the repaired area. Buff off any residue with a clean section of the microfiber cloth.

Cost Considerations: DIY vs. Professional Repair

The cost of DIY stone chip repair is significantly less than professional services. A touch-up paint kit, including paint, applicators, and sometimes even clear coat, typically ranges from £10 to £50. You may already have some of the necessary cleaning and sanding supplies, further reducing the cost.

Professional stone chip repair costs can vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the labor rates in your area. A full panel respray, while providing a flawless finish, is the most expensive option, potentially costing several hundred pounds. However, many professional repair services offer SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repairs. SMART repair focuses on repairing only the damaged area, making it a more cost-effective and time-efficient solution compared to a full respray. Professionals also utilize color-matching technology to precisely blend the new paint with your car’s existing paint, often achieving a near-invisible repair.

For small, isolated stone chips, DIY repair offers a budget-friendly and effective solution. However, for more extensive damage, rust concerns, or if you prioritize a flawless, factory-finish repair, professional services are the better choice.

FAQs About Car Paint Chip Repair

Can a stone chip be repaired?

Yes, stone chips in car paint are definitely repairable. The extent of the repair and the methods used depend on the size and severity of the chip. For minor chips, DIY touch-up paint application can be very effective. For more significant damage, professional services offer solutions ranging from SMART repairs to panel resprays. While a perfect, invisible repair might not always be achievable, especially with DIY methods, significant improvement in appearance and protection against further damage is almost always possible.

How do you touch up stone chips on a car?

Touching up stone chips involves cleaning the area, potentially sanding raised edges, applying primer (if needed), carefully applying thin layers of touch-up paint, leveling the paint (optional), applying clear coat, and polishing to blend. Patience, attention to detail, and using the right materials are key to a successful DIY touch-up.

Is it worth getting stone chips repaired?

Yes, repairing stone chips is generally worth it for several reasons. Firstly, addressing chips promptly prevents further damage like rust and corrosion, which can lead to more costly repairs down the line. Secondly, repairing stone chips helps maintain your car’s resale value by keeping its exterior in good condition. Thirdly, fixing paint chips significantly improves the overall appearance of your car, enhancing your pride of ownership. Whether you choose DIY or professional repair, addressing stone chips is a worthwhile investment in your vehicle’s longevity and aesthetics.

Are stone chips on cars common?

Unfortunately, yes, stone chips are very common, especially on areas like the hood, bumper, and lower panels that are most exposed to road debris. Driving on highways, following vehicles closely, and driving in areas with gravel or road construction increase the likelihood of stone chips. While unavoidable in many driving conditions, taking preventative measures can help minimize their occurrence.

Can you spray over stone chips?

No, simply spraying paint over stone chips without proper preparation will not result in a satisfactory repair. Spraying directly over chips will leave indentations and the repair will be very noticeable. Stone chips need to be filled in to level the surface before any paint is applied. Touch-up paint is used to fill the chip, creating a level surface that can then be further refined and blended.

What is the best protection for stone chips?

While no method can completely eliminate the risk of stone chips, several options can significantly minimize damage. Paint Protection Film (PPF) is considered the most effective protection. This clear, durable film is professionally applied to vulnerable areas of the car and acts as a barrier against stone chips and scratches. Spray-on car paint sealants, like Supagard, offer a less expensive but still effective layer of protection. Regularly applying car wax and sealants as part of your car washing routine can also provide a degree of protection against minor stone chips and road debris. Avoiding driving on gravel roads and maintaining a safe following distance can also help reduce the risk of stone chips.

Concluding Thoughts

Dealing with small paint chips on your car doesn’t have to be a major headache. By understanding when a DIY approach is suitable and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively fix minor paint chips at home, saving money and maintaining your car’s appearance. For more extensive damage or if you prefer professional-quality results, remember that professional car body repair services are always available to restore your car’s paintwork to its former glory. Taking care of those small blemishes promptly will keep your car looking its best and protected from the elements for years to come.