How to Fix Paint Chips on a Car Using Touch-Up Paint

Chips in a car’s paint may look like simple cosmetic issues, but they can be very costly problems if left unfixed. These small imperfections open up your car's metal to moisture and air, the perfect scenario for rust to develop. The best part? You can repair some chips in the paint yourself with the proper materials and technique, saving time and money and keeping your car looking like new. If you’d rather leave it in the hands of professionals, Arrowhead Imports auto repair shop knows how to fix paint chips on a car and beyond - we’re here for you! 

Assemble Your Supplies

Prior to commencing any chip fix, plan. You will need touch-up paint that is an exact color code (typically located on a sticker underneath the door panel or glovebox) for your vehicle. Gather also fine-grit sandpaper (approximately 2000 grit), auto cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol, auto body cloths, auto body primer if your chip extends through the paint to the metal, and clear coat as your finish.

Keeping all the materials prepared ahead of time will minimize disruption during the repairing period and yield improved results. Good-quality materials do contribute to the end appearance, so purchase car-grade items instead of the generic, universal ones.

Clean and Prepare the Area

Start by washing the damaged area extensively with soapy water, then drying. Remove dirty marks, grease, or car wax drippings that have melted on the car with car cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol. This step cannot be skipped as dirt could interfere with the adhesion of the paint.

On the chips that extend to the metal, lightly rub the spot with a dusting of fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the spot. Take off any loose flakes of paint or rust marks here. Wipe the spot again after rubbing to remove any dust particles.

Apply the Touch-Up Paint

If the chip exposes bare metal, prime lightly first, allowing it to dry off as indicated on the manufacturer's instructions. This gives an appropriate substrate that the paint will adhere to.

Cover the paint up in thin, even coats instead of attempting to cover the chip entirely with one stroke. Use the provided brush or applicator, working the paint outward from the center of the chip. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next. Thin, multiple coats are better than a thick coating - these are essential tips when you want to fix chips on car paint effectively.

Apply the paint inch after inch, progressively, to just beyond the ambient surface elevation. Paint that becomes too thick will be planed off during the finish phase.

Conclusion and Refinement

Once the paint is fully set (usually within 24 to 48 hours), lightly grind the spot that has been repaired with very fine sandpaper to feather it to the finish around the spot. Take care to prevent marring the original finish.

Apply a clear coat to protect the new paint and blend the gloss amount of the repaired panel to the remainder. Polish the entire panel once the clear coat is hardened, with auto polishing compound, to integrate the fix into the original finish seamlessly. With a little attention to detail, you can confidently fix chipped paint on a car and restore its appearance.

Call Experts

While some do-it-yourself fixes are effective in repairing paint chips, there are other cases where professional assistance is required. Car scratches that reach beyond several paint layers, flakes that happen where they cannot be reached easily, or serious damage should be left to auto body specialists.

It is worthwhile to comprehensively restore the car when restoring multiple chips or where precise color matching is critical to your vehicle's value. Consider your skill, time, as well as the importance of the restore before deciding whether to do it yourself or get professional help.

Protect Your Property

Catching paint repair early prevents rust accumulation and maintains your car's looks and resale value. Car owners can do professional-quality work with the right technique and patience. It boils down to proper preparation, thin layer painting, and careful finish work. Preventive care through the small fixes keeps your car looking great while avoiding future costly bodywork. Contact the pros when the damage is more severe or if you have a luxury vehicle requiring more care!