How to Fix Paint Chips On a Car in 6 Steps
Stone chips are caused by gravel, rocks, and road debris your wheels kick up as you drive. They leave small, localized dents that can damage your auto paint and lower your car’s resale value.
So, what’s a driver to do? Should you try to fix the stone chip yourself or let a professional handle the job?
The technicians at Elite Window Tinting are here to give you some guidance. Here’s everything you need to know about fixing stone chips on your car.
WHEN DOES A PAINT CHIP NEED REPAIR?
The simple answer is always. Large and small paint chips on your vehicle should always be fixed as soon as possible. While small chips, especially, might look like straightforward cosmetic imperfections, they can lead to costly damage.
Fixing chipped auto paint is important to boost your car’s resale value, keep it looking fresh, and prevent other damages. If you lease a car, you’ll also want to repair the chips before returning it to the dealership.
WHEN DOES A CAR PAINT CHIP NEED PROFESSIONAL REPAIR?
The real question is: When can you fix car paint chips yourself and when does it need professional attention?
With the right tools, enough time, a steady hand, and a good eye for detail, many car owners can take care of minor paint chips at home. There are a few situations, however, when you always want to turn to professionals:
- Chips that are down to the base metal, especially if starting to rust
- Multiple chips in one area
- Chips larger than ¼” in diameter
These cases require a more experienced hand, and a mistake can cost you more in the long run.
Think you might need professional stone chip repair? Call the certified technicians at Elite Window Tinting at (503) 744-7999 or stop by either of our locations. We’ll give you an honest assessment of the damage and, if necessary, make it disappear. |
HOW MUCH DOES A STONE CHIP REPAIR COST?
The cost of fixing a stone chip depends on the severity of the damage and whether you choose to do it yourself or have it fixed by a professional.
An experienced detailer will likely charge around $50 to $60 for repair costs. The price depends on the time and difficulty of the repairs.
The best part about taking your car to a professional is the peace of mind knowing the chip was properly repaired. But if you’re looking to save some money, you might want to consider taking the DIY repair route.
A car paint chip repair kit can cost anywhere between $20 and $40. Don’t get tempted into buying the cheapest kit you can find. This will limit the quality of the repair.
If you decide to attempt a DIY paint chip repair, be sure to get a multi-part kit that includes everything you need, from sealant to paint.
HOW TO FIX SMALL PAINT CHIPS ON YOUR CAR
Remember to take your time. Here’s how to fix a small paint chip in seven simple steps.
1. CLEAN THE AREA
To make sure you get a smooth paint job and the color remains true, start by thoroughly cleaning the area you’re going to repair.
Use soap and warm water to wash and rinse the area you’re going to repair. Rub it down with alcohol to remove any grease and buildup. Let the area dry completely before moving on.
2. SMOOTH DOWN RAISED EDGES
The edges around a paint chip will be rough, making a smooth repair difficult. Start by removing flecks and chips with your hands or with a can of compressed air.
To sand, use a very fine grain sandpaper and be mindful of rubbing too hard. You don’t want to cause more damage to your car’s clear coat or paint.
You can also use a rubbing or cutting compound like T-Cut to smooth down minor imperfections.
3. APPLY PRIMER
If the metal body of the car is exposed, it will need a primer before you can paint. Your kit probably comes with a small brush or pen.
Take your time with this step. You want complete coverage, but only a thin coat. Wipe any drips and streaks immediately and be sure you don’t get primer on the paint surrounding the chip.
Make sure the primer is completely dry before moving on. If it feels sticky, it’s not ready yet.
4. PAINT
For small paint chips, the tiny brush or paint pen that comes in a repair kit is just right. Be sure to apply thin layers, to mirror your car’s original paint. Allow each layer to dry before adding another, and don’t let it drip onto any surrounding areas that aren’t damaged.
Notice that the paint shrinks just a little when it dries. So your last layer or two may seem like too much at first. Let it dry and see where the surface of the paint levels off. If the new paint bulges slightly, that’s okay.
5. SAND TO LEVEL
After the paint has dried, gently sand it to level it evenly with the surrounding paint using wet sandpaper. Wrap the sandpaper around the eraser-end of a pencil to fix small paint chips. Take your time!
6. SEAL
Lastly, apply the top coat in thin layers, just like you did with the paint, to seal the repairs. Allow each layer to dry completely.
7. POLISH
This last step really helps your repair blend seamlessly with the rest of the car’s paint. Using a microfiber cloth, apply a polishing compound in firm, circular motions. Extend the polish beyond the small paint chip area to blend it with your vehicle’s finish.
PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM PAINT CHIPS
If you want to avoid the hassle of stone paint chips, consider installing paint protection film (PPF) on your car. This creates a long-lasting barrier of protection against chips, scratches, swirl marks, and other damages.
To learn more about PPF, contact the XPEL Certified Installers at Elite Window Tinting today. We can be reached at (503) 744-7999. We look forward to hearing from you!
CAR PAINT CHIP REPAIR FAQs
How do you fix paint chips on a car?
Small stone chips (¼” or less) can be fixed with a paint chip repair kit, an eye for detail, and a steady hand. If you’re not confident, don’t have time, or think the damage might be more than just a minor chip, it’s best to let an experienced technician take care of it.
Why is my car paint chipping?
Car paint chips for a lot of reasons. We usually think of stone chips, caused by small debris that hits cars as we drive, but there are other factors. Harsh chemicals in some cleaners and animal droppings—as well as other environmental factors like hail and polluted rain—can wear down finishes and lead to chipping paint.
Can you wrap a car with chipped paint?
No. Chips—as well as scratches or small dents—cause bubbles and other distortions in car wraps. A really good wrap will adhere to every detail in the car’s surface, making chips even more pronounced.
Are stone chips covered by insurance?
Whether stone chip repairs are covered by insurance depends on your carrier and the level of coverage you have. Most basic insurance plans do not cover stone chips in paint or windshields, but many comprehensive coverage plans do cover stone chip repairs. Call your insurance agent to find out.
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