Paint chips on your car can be unsightly and even dangerous if they are left unrepaired. There are a few easy ways to fix paint chips, depending on the depth of the chip. For shallow chips, you can use a touch-up pen or brush to fill in the area. For deeper chips, you may need to use automotive paint or buy a kit that comes with everything you need for the repair. Either way, it is important to fix paint chips on your car to maintain its appearance and safety.
What are Paint Chips?
Paint chips are small pieces of paint that have been chipped off the surface of your car. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as rocks or other debris hitting your car, brushes on automatic car washes, or even just normal wear and tear. Paint chips can range in size from specks to large chunks, and they can be any color depending on the paint of your car.
Why You Should Fix Paint Chips
Paint chips may seem like a minor issue, but if left unrepaired, they can lead to bigger problems.
First, paint chips can rust and cause further damage to your car. Second, paint chips can lead to larger cracks or even holes in your car’s paint job. This not only looks bad, but it can also lead to rust and further damage. Third, paint chips can reduce the value of your car if you ever decide to sell it.
Paint Chips: Shallow vs Deep
How to Fix Shallow Paint Chips
Shallow paint chips can be easily fixed with a touch-up pen or brush. Touch-up pens and brushes are available at most auto stores and come in a variety of colors to match your car’s paint job.
To use a touch-up pen or brush, simply apply the product to the chipped area and blend it in with the surrounding paint. Be sure to smooth out any rough edges so that the repair is less noticeable.
How to Fix Deep Paint Chips
Deep paint chips require a bit more work to fix.
First, you will need to clean out the chip with a razor blade or other sharp object. This will remove any loose paint or debris so that the repair will be smoother.
Next, wash the area with soap and water and apply some rubbing alcohol. Then sand down any edges of the paint chip that are raised up. Next you have to put on some primer so the paint will stick.
Then apply a very thin layer of automotive paint to the area and let it dry. You can add multiple thin coats if the chip is deep enough, just let each coat dry. Let it dry and sand it to level it out to the same height as the good paint. Then apply clear coat and let it dry.
Kits for Fixing Paint Chips
If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of matching paint colors or applying a clear coat, you can buy a kit that comes with everything you need for the repair. These kits are available at most auto stores and typically include paint, sandpaper, and a clear coat.
To use the kit, simply follow the instructions on the package. Most kits will require you to apply the paint and then sand it down before applying the clear coat.
If you have paint chips on your rims, you may be able to address those as well. If you have some major curb rash or a bent rim, you should address the wheel issue before painting it.
For painted calipers, fixing paint chips requires a paint that can withstand excessive heat.
Tip for Getting High-End Paint Touchup Kits Cheaper
Paint for high-end cars like Mercedes and BMW is more expensive than getting paint for your Toyota Corolla. For high-end cars, search for your exact car colors on Amazon and look for independent sellers, who sell very small bottles of your car’s paint.
They buy it in bulk and then put it in small bottles to resell for touch-ups. Some sellers not only provide a small bottle of paint with an application brush but also a small bottle of clear coat to go with it.
How to Find Out the Exact Color of your Car’s Paint
If you don’t know the name or color code of your car’s paint, there are a few ways to find out.
One way is to look up the paint code in your car’s owner’s manual. The paint code will be listed under “Exterior Colors” and will usually be a three-digit number.
Another way to find your car’s paint code is to look for it on the VIN (vehicle identification number) sticker, which is usually located on the driver’s side door or dash. The paint code will be listed as a three-digit number next to the letters “BC/CC.”
If you can’t find the paint code in either of these places, you can always call your dealership and ask for it.
Prevention Tips
Of course, the best way to deal with paint chips is to prevent them in the first place.
One way to do this is to keep your car clean. This will remove any dirt or debris that could chip your paint. You don’t want bird droppings or sap sitting on your car, over time it will eat through the clear coat.
Another way to prevent paint chips is to use a protectant on your car. This includes products like wax, ceramic coating, and clear bra. These products will create a barrier between your paint and the outside world, and it will make it easier to remove any debris that does manage to chip your paint.
Finally, you can buy a car cover to protect your car from the elements.
Fix Paint Chips – Conclusion
Paint chips can be a minor annoyance or a major problem, depending on their size and depth. Shallow chips can be easily fixed with a touch-up pen or brush, while deep chips may require automotive paint or a kit. either way, it is important to fix paint chips to maintain the appearance and value of your car. You can also prevent paint chips by keeping your car clean and using a protectant. If you do get paint chips, be sure to repair them as soon as possible to avoid further damage.