Repairing Chipped Car Paint in Simple Steps

Repair the paint chip in your car right now, before it turns into a bigger cost.

Fix Small Chips

• This is a common rock chip that is easy and can be able to repair with this technique. Even in the event that the car paint chip is only one-fourth of a nickel, you'll still be able to repair it.

Too Far Gone

This is a paint chip that could be repaired years ago.

• The chip's metal has started to rust and lift paint along the edges. The solution we present here is for new chips that haven't yet begun the process of rusting.
• If you notice the appearance of rust or a scratch in your chip, you'll have to make an even more difficult fix.

Clean the Paint Chips

• Wash the painted chip using soap and water, and then dry it using the softest cloth.
• Use a dab of polishing compound for cars on the chip of paint to soften any rough edges.

Pro tip: A dozen or so swirls will suffice. The excessive rubbing could harm the clearcoat that covers the paint and create paint cloudily.

Clean the Finish

Cleanse the finish using denatured alcohol.

• The alcohol will dissolve any remaining dirt or wax.

Pro tip: Do not flood surfaces with alcohol. Only a few wipes using a damp, soft cloth are enough.

Apply the Primer

Apply a little primer to the bottom of the paper match.

• Fill in the entire area of the paint chip of your car, close to the edge of the paint.
• Let the primer to dry for half an hour.

Get Your Touch-Up Paint and Primer

If you're not certain of the color code for your car, you'll need to locate it on the vehicle's identification plate.

• If you locate the number, then you can purchase one small bottle of paint to touch up. If you're unable to locate the right color online, ask the dealer. Dealers typically have colors that match the cars they sell.

Tips: In the event that you only find a spray paint that has the correct color code, you can make use of the paint by spraying just a small amount of paint in the cap and then applying it using an artist's brush.

• You can also buy a small jar from an auto primer.

Paint the Chip

Place a small amount of paint on top of your primer coat.

• Always check the color on a piece of paper to be sure that it's the same color. It will also provide you with a sense of the amount of paint you should apply to the brush for application.
• Apply a second coat around an hour after. Allow the paint to dry for a few days, then rub it out gently using a polishing compound to smooth around the edge of your repair.

A word of caution: Do not attempt this repair under sunlight or when temperatures are below 50°F.