How to Fix Paint Chips on Your Car: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

Paint chips are a frustratingly common issue for car owners. Those small blemishes, often appearing on the hood, bumper, or fenders, can detract from your vehicle’s appearance and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems like rust. Understanding how to fix paint chips in your car is a valuable skill for any car enthusiast or responsible owner looking to maintain their vehicle’s condition and value.

car stone chip repair

Understanding Car Paint Chips

Before diving into the repair process, it’s helpful to understand what causes these chips and why addressing them promptly is important.

What Causes Paint Chips?

The primary culprit behind paint chips is road debris. Gravel, stones, and other fragments kicked up by your tires or other vehicles, especially at higher speeds on highways, are common causes. Winter conditions exacerbate the issue, as salt and grit spread on roads for de-icing become projectiles that bombard your car’s paintwork.

Why Fix Paint Chips?

Beyond aesthetics, repairing paint chips is crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing Rust: Chips expose the bare metal underneath the paint layers. This exposed metal is vulnerable to moisture and oxygen, leading to rust. Rust can spread and cause significant structural damage over time, resulting in costly repairs.
• Maintaining Appearance: Even small paint chips can be noticeable, especially on darker colored cars. Repairing them restores your car’s finish and overall look.
• Preserving Resale Value: A car in good cosmetic condition holds its value better. Addressing paint chips demonstrates care and attention to detail, which is attractive to potential buyers.

DIY vs. Professional Paint Chip Repair

Deciding whether to tackle paint chip repair yourself or seek professional help depends on the extent of the damage and your comfort level with DIY car maintenance.

When DIY is Suitable

For minor paint chips that haven’t penetrated to the bare metal or show signs of rust, a DIY approach can be effective and cost-saving. If the damage is superficial and you’re comfortable with a detailed process, repairing paint chips at home is a viable option.

When to Seek Professional Help

There are situations where professional repair is highly recommended:

• Exposed Base Metal: If the chip has gone through the clear coat, color coat, and primer, exposing the bare metal underneath, professional intervention is advisable to prevent rust and ensure a proper repair.
• Rust Formation: If rust is already present in or around the chip, professional rust removal and treatment are necessary before paint repair. Simply painting over rust will not solve the problem and will lead to further corrosion.
• Multiple or Large Chips: For extensive damage involving numerous chips or larger areas of missing paint, professional SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repair or body shop services will provide a more seamless and durable finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Paint Chips Yourself

If you’ve assessed the damage and determined that a DIY repair is appropriate, follow these steps for how to fix paint chips in your car:

1. Clean the Area Thoroughly: Begin by washing the affected area with car soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Then, use rubbing alcohol or a wax and grease remover to ensure a clean surface for paint adhesion. Allow the area to dry completely.

2. Sand Down Raised Edges (If Necessary): Inspect the chip for any raised edges of paint around the perimeter. If present, carefully use a very fine-grit wet and dry sandpaper (e.g., 2000-grit or higher) or a cutting compound like T-Cut to gently level these edges. Be extremely cautious not to scratch the surrounding clear coat.

3. Apply Primer (For Deeper Chips): If the chip is deep and exposes the primer layer or bare metal, apply a thin layer of automotive primer to the chip using a fine brush or applicator. Primer promotes paint adhesion and prevents rust. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Apply Touch-Up Paint in Thin Layers: Using a fine-tipped brush, applicator pen, or toothpick, carefully apply touch-up paint to the chip, filling it in level with the surrounding paint. Apply the paint in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This layering technique mimics the original factory paint application and prevents the paint from sagging or running. Ensure you use a touch-up paint that precisely matches your car’s color code for the best results.

5. Level the Paint (If Needed): Once the touch-up paint is completely dry, it might be slightly raised above the surrounding paint. To level it, you can use a very fine-grit wet and dry sandpaper (e.g., 2500-grit or higher) wrapped around a small, flat object like a pencil eraser or a specialized leveling block. Lightly wet the sandpaper and gently sand the touch-up paint until it’s flush with the surrounding clear coat. Work slowly and check frequently to avoid sanding too much.

6. Apply Clear Coat/Lacquer (If Applicable): If your car has a clear coat finish (most modern cars do), and your touch-up paint kit includes clear coat, apply a thin layer of clear coat over the repaired chip. This will protect the color coat and enhance the shine and durability of the repair. Allow the clear coat to dry completely.

Cost of Paint Chip Repair

The cost to fix paint chips varies depending on whether you choose the DIY route or professional services.

DIY Repair Kits

DIY touch-up paint kits are readily available at auto parts stores or online, typically ranging in price from $15 to $50. The cost depends on the brand, the inclusion of primer and clear coat, and whether the paint is custom-matched to your car’s color code. While cheaper kits exist, investing in a kit with color-matched paint is highly recommended for a less noticeable repair.

Professional SMART Repair

Professional SMART repair services offer a cost-effective alternative to full panel resprays. The cost for professional paint chip repair can range from $50 to $150 or more per chip, depending on the size and complexity of the repair, the location, and the service provider. SMART repair is generally more expensive than DIY but provides a higher quality, more durable, and less visible repair, especially for larger or more complex damage.

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Protecting Your Car from Paint Chips

While you can’t entirely eliminate the risk of paint chips, several measures can significantly reduce their occurrence and severity:

• Paint Protection Film (PPF): PPF is a transparent, self-adhesive film professionally applied to vulnerable areas of your car, such as the hood, bumper, and fenders. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts from road debris and preventing chips from reaching the paint. PPF is the most effective protection but also the most expensive, typically starting at several hundred dollars for partial coverage.

• Spray-on Car Paint Sealants: Spray-on sealants, like Supagard, create a protective layer over your car’s paint, offering enhanced resistance to chips and scratches compared to wax alone. These sealants are more affordable than PPF and can be professionally applied.

• Regular Waxing and Sealants (DIY): Regularly applying car wax or paint sealant as part of your car washing routine can add a thin layer of protection to the paintwork. While less robust than PPF or professional sealants, DIY wax and sealants provide a cost-effective way to enhance paint protection against minor chips and scratches.

Conclusion

Knowing how to fix paint chips in your car empowers you to maintain your vehicle’s appearance and protect it from potential rust damage. Whether you opt for a DIY approach for minor chips or seek professional help for more extensive damage, addressing paint chips promptly is a worthwhile investment in your car’s longevity and value.

If you’re considering professional paint chip repair, ChipsAway specialists are experts in car scratch removal and chip repair, offering convenient mobile repair services. Get a free, no-obligation estimate online to see how they can help restore your car’s finish.