How to Fix Chips in Car Paint: A Comprehensive Guide

Stone chips are an unfortunate reality for car owners. These small, yet noticeable damages to your car’s paintwork, often appearing on the bonnet, bumper, or wheel arches, are typically caused by gravel and road debris kicked up by other vehicles. While seemingly minor, these chips can detract from your car’s appearance and, if left unattended, can lead to more serious issues like rust. The good news is, fixing chips in car paint is a manageable task, and this guide will provide you with expert tips on how to tackle them effectively.

car stone chip repair

It’s no surprise that stone chips are more prevalent during motorway driving and winter months. Higher speeds on motorways increase the force of debris impact, while winter grit and salt spreaders add to the road’s abrasive particles. Ignoring these chips is not advisable, as rainwater and ice can seep into the exposed area, accelerating corrosion of the underlying metal. Prompt repair is key to preventing further damage and maintaining your car’s pristine condition.

While DIY touch-up can be effective for minor chips, knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. Let’s delve into when a do-it-yourself approach is suitable and when it’s best to consult experts for stone chip repair.

DIY vs. Professional Car Paint Chip Repair: Knowing When to Act

For many car owners, the first instinct upon discovering a stone chip is to attempt a DIY repair. This can be a viable solution for small, superficial chips. However, there are instances where professional intervention is necessary to ensure a long-lasting and high-quality repair.

When DIY Stone Chip Repair Might Be Sufficient

If you’re dealing with minor chips that haven’t penetrated deeply into the paint layers and haven’t exposed bare metal or rust, a DIY approach can be effective. These are typically small surface-level blemishes that primarily affect the clear coat or top layers of paint.

Situations Requiring Professional Stone Chip Repair

There are specific scenarios where entrusting your car to professionals for stone chip repair is highly recommended:

• Exposed Base Metal: If the stone chip has gone deep enough to reveal the bare metal underneath the paint, professional repair is crucial. Exposed metal is vulnerable to rust, which can spread rapidly and cause significant structural damage if not treated properly.
• Presence of Rust: If you notice rust spots around or within the stone chip, DIY touch-up alone is insufficient. Rust needs to be professionally removed and treated before any paint repair to prevent it from spreading. Attempting to paint over rust will only mask the problem temporarily, and the corrosion will continue underneath, leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.
• Multiple or Large Chips: Dealing with numerous stone chips or a few very large ones can be time-consuming and challenging to repair effectively with DIY methods. Professionals have the tools, expertise, and color-matching technology to handle extensive damage efficiently and ensure a seamless finish.
• Desire for a Flawless Finish: While DIY methods can improve the appearance of stone chips, achieving a factory-finish level of repair is difficult without professional equipment and skills. If you’re aiming for a completely invisible repair, especially for a newer or high-value vehicle, professional services are the way to go.

Choosing between DIY and professional repair depends on the severity of the damage and your desired outcome. For minor cosmetic touch-ups, DIY can save you money. However, for significant damage, rust concerns, or when a flawless finish is paramount, professional stone chip repair is a worthwhile investment.

The Cost of Fixing Stone Chips in Car Paint

The expense associated with repairing stone chips can vary based on whether you opt for a DIY approach or professional services. Understanding the cost implications of each option is essential for making an informed decision.

DIY Stone Chip Repair Kit Costs

For those choosing the DIY route, stone chip repair kits are readily available at automotive stores and online retailers. The price range for these kits typically falls between £10 to £50. It’s tempting to opt for the cheapest kits, but be aware that these often come with a limited selection of generic paint colors. This can result in a noticeable repair that doesn’t perfectly match your car’s original paint, diminishing the overall aesthetic improvement.

Investing in slightly more expensive DIY kits can be beneficial. Some companies offer paint matching services based on your car’s specific color code. This can provide a closer color match and a less conspicuous repair compared to using generic colors.

Professional Stone Chip Repair Costs: SMART Repair and Resprays

When considering professional repair, two main options exist: SMART repair and full panel resprays.

• SMART Repair (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology): SMART repair is a modern and cost-effective technique that focuses on repairing only the damaged area, rather than the entire panel. This localized approach saves both time and money compared to traditional methods. Professionals utilizing SMART repair employ color-matching technology to precisely blend the new paint with your car’s existing color, often achieving a virtually undetectable repair.
• Full Panel Respray: A full panel respray involves repainting the entire panel where the stone chips are located. This is a more traditional and labor-intensive method, resulting in a higher cost, typically running into several hundred pounds. While a full respray can provide a flawless finish, it’s often unnecessary for stone chips, especially when SMART repair offers a more targeted and economical solution.

Professional SMART repair for stone chips generally offers a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. It provides a superior finish compared to most DIY attempts while being significantly less expensive than a full panel respray. For accurate cost estimates, it’s always best to get a free quote from a reputable SMART repair specialist.

Stone Chip Repair FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about stone chip repair to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the process and best practices.

Can a Stone Chip Actually Be Repaired?

Yes, stone chips in car paint are definitely repairable to varying degrees. The extent of repair possible depends on the chip’s size, depth, and whether rust is present. For minor chips, touch-up paint can effectively fill and conceal the damage. More significant chips may require specialized techniques and products found in chip repair kits or professional services. While a perfectly invisible repair might not always be achievable, significant improvement in appearance is almost always possible, preventing further damage and restoring your car’s aesthetics.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Touch Up Stone Chips on Your Car

For those opting for DIY touch-up, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to effectively repair minor stone chips:

1. Clean the Area Thoroughly: Begin by washing the area around the stone chip with soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Follow up by wiping the area with isopropyl alcohol or white spirit using a clean microfiber cloth. This crucial step removes any remaining grease or wax, ensuring proper paint adhesion. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.
2. Smooth Raised Edges (If Necessary): Inspect the chip for any raised edges around the perimeter. If present, gently sand them down using a cutting compound like T-Cut or very fine-grit wet and dry sandpaper (e.g., 2000 grit or higher). Be extremely careful not to apply excessive pressure or sand beyond the immediate chip area, as you could damage the surrounding clear coat.
3. Apply Primer (Optional but Recommended): For deeper chips that reach the underlayers of paint, applying a thin layer of automotive primer is recommended. Primer creates a better bonding surface for the touch-up paint and helps prevent corrosion on exposed metal. Use a fine-tipped brush or a paint pen if included in your kit to apply a small amount of primer directly into the chip. Allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Apply Touch-Up Paint in Thin Layers: Using a fine brush, applicator pen, or the brush included with your touch-up paint, carefully apply the paint into the chip. The key is to apply thin, even layers, mimicking the original factory paint application. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to drips or a blobby finish. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat for achieving a smooth and even fill. Confine the paint application to the chipped area, avoiding spreading onto the surrounding good paintwork.
5. Level the Paint (If Needed): Once the touch-up paint is completely dry (allow sufficient drying time as per paint instructions), assess if the new paint is level with the surrounding original paint. If the touch-up paint is slightly raised, you can gently level it using very fine-grit wet sandpaper (2500 grit or higher) wrapped around a small, flat object like the blunt end of a pencil or a rubber block. Wet the sandpaper and the painted area and lightly sand in a circular motion. Check frequently to avoid sanding too much. The goal is to make the touch-up paint flush with the surrounding paint.
6. Apply Clear Coat/Lacquer (If Applicable): If your car has a clear coat finish (most modern cars do), and your touch-up kit includes a clear coat or lacquer, apply a thin layer of clear coat over the dried touch-up paint. This seals the repair, adds gloss, and provides extra protection. Allow it to dry completely.
7. Polish and Blend: After the clear coat is fully cured, use a polishing compound and a soft microfiber cloth to gently polish the repaired area. This helps to blend the edges of the touch-up paint with the surrounding paintwork and enhance the shine. Work in small circular motions and avoid excessive pressure.

Patience and attention to detail are key to achieving a good DIY stone chip repair. Following these steps carefully will significantly improve the appearance of minor chips.

Can WD-40 Remove Car Scratches?

While WD-40 is a useful multi-purpose product, it is not designed for removing car scratches and is not a recommended solution for car paint repair. WD-40 is a lubricant and water dispersant. It might temporarily mask the appearance of very fine, superficial scratches by filling them with oil and creating a glossy surface, but it does not actually repair or remove the scratch damage. The masking effect is temporary and will wash away.

For effective scratch removal, use dedicated automotive scratch removers, polishing compounds, or seek professional paint correction services.

Is Getting Stone Chips Repaired Worth It?

Yes, repairing stone chips is generally worth the effort and cost. Here’s why:

• Prevents Rust and Further Damage: Stone chips expose the underlying metal to moisture and oxygen, leading to rust and corrosion. Repairing chips promptly prevents this from happening, protecting your car’s bodywork from more extensive and costly damage in the long run.
• Maintains Resale Value: A car with well-maintained paintwork, free from visible chips and scratches, holds its value better. Potential buyers are more attracted to vehicles that are aesthetically pleasing and show signs of care. Repairing stone chips is a small investment that can pay off when you decide to sell or trade in your car.
• Improves Appearance: Stone chips, especially if numerous or prominently located, detract from your car’s overall appearance. Repairing them significantly enhances your car’s aesthetics, giving it a cleaner, more cared-for look and boosting your pride of ownership.
• Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Addressing stone chips early is often more cost-effective than neglecting them. Allowing rust to develop can lead to more extensive repairs, potentially requiring panel replacement or more complex rust removal procedures. Small chip repairs are relatively inexpensive compared to dealing with rust damage.

Whether you choose DIY or professional repair, addressing stone chips is a worthwhile investment in your car’s longevity, appearance, and value.

Are Stone Chips on Cars Common?

Yes, unfortunately, stone chips are a very common occurrence for car owners. Everyday driving exposes your car’s paintwork to a barrage of road debris, gravel, and small stones kicked up by your tires and other vehicles. Areas most prone to stone chips include the bonnet, front bumper, front wings, and side skirts, as these are directly in the line of fire from road debris. While unavoidable in most driving conditions, taking preventative measures can help minimize their occurrence.

Can You Simply Spray Over Stone Chips?

No, you cannot simply spray paint directly over stone chips and expect a satisfactory repair. Spraying directly over chips without proper preparation will result in an uneven, textured finish with visible indentations where the chips are. The chips need to be filled and leveled to create a smooth surface before any top coat paint is applied. Proper stone chip repair involves cleaning, filling the chip with touch-up paint or filler, leveling the filled area, and then potentially applying a clear coat and polishing for a seamless finish.

Why Does My Car Keep Getting Stone Chips?

Several factors contribute to why cars repeatedly get stone chips:

• Road Conditions: Driving on roads with loose gravel, poorly maintained surfaces, or areas under construction significantly increases the risk of stone chips.
• Driving Habits: Frequent motorway driving or driving close behind other vehicles, especially trucks or construction vehicles, exposes your car to more road debris kicked up at higher speeds.
• Winter Driving: The use of salt and grit on roads during winter months increases the amount of abrasive debris present, leading to a higher incidence of stone chips.
• Vehicle Design: Some car models or body styles may be more prone to stone chips due to their aerodynamic design or lower ride height, which can increase their exposure to road debris.

While you can’t eliminate stone chips entirely, being mindful of road conditions and driving habits can help reduce their frequency.

What is the Best Protection Against Stone Chips?

While no method can guarantee complete protection against stone chips, several options can significantly minimize the risk and severity of damage:

• Paint Protection Film (PPF): PPF is considered the most effective protection against stone chips. It’s a transparent, self-adhesive urethane film professionally applied to vulnerable areas of your car, such as the bonnet, bumper, wings, and mirrors. PPF acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts and preventing chips from reaching the paintwork. While the most expensive option, PPF offers superior protection and is a worthwhile investment, especially for new or high-value vehicles.
• Spray-On Car Paint Sealants: Spray-on paint sealants, like Supagard, create a durable protective layer over your car’s paint. While not as robust as PPF, they offer enhanced resistance to chips, scratches, and environmental contaminants compared to regular wax. Sealants are a more affordable alternative to PPF and provide a good level of protection.
• Car Wax and Sealants (DIY): Regularly applying car wax or sealant is a basic yet beneficial DIY protection method. Wax and sealants create a thin protective barrier on the paint surface, helping to deflect minor impacts and reduce the adhesion of road debris. While less effective than PPF or dedicated spray-on sealants, regular waxing is a cost-effective way to add a layer of defense against stone chips and maintain your car’s paint.
• Mud Flaps: Installing mud flaps, especially on the front wheels, can help reduce the amount of road debris kicked up towards the rear of your car and other vehicles. While primarily protecting the lower areas and sides of your car, mud flaps can contribute to overall stone chip prevention.

Choosing the best protection method depends on your budget, driving conditions, and desired level of protection. PPF offers the highest level of defense, while sealants and waxes provide more affordable, albeit less comprehensive, protection.

Considering professional stone chip repair? ChipsAway specialists are experts in car scratch removal and chip repair, offering mobile car body repair services at your home or workplace. For a free estimate, complete our online form or call us today.