Small paint chips on your vehicle, commonly referred to as stone chips, as they are often caused by small stones flinging up off the road are chipping your vehicle, are not only unsightly to look at, but they also expose the metal of your vehicle, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to rust. Small paint chips on your vehicle need to be dealt with to protect your car's overall integrity.
Clean the Area
The first thing you need to do is clean the area where the stone chips are located. Just use some soap and water to remove any built-up dirt and splattered bugs. Once you clean with soap and water, go over the chips with a little cleaning alcohol. This will help eliminate any grease that is still clinging on and ensure the surface is ready to absorb paint.
Sand Down the Edges
Often, when rocks hit your vehicle, they don't just chip the paint; they leave behind a chip with some rough edges. If the edges are rough on any of the paint chips, you can use some fine grain wet and dry sandpaper to carefully sand down the rough edges. You can also use a cutting compound to smooth out the edges.
Just be careful and don't damage the clear coat on the paint around the chip. You don't want to cause further paint damage while fixing the chips.
Applying the Paint
Once the area is ready, you will want to apply a base coat or a primer coat, depending on how the paint in the kit is labeled. To apply the paint, use a fine paint pen or brush. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.
When it comes to the paint, you are going to need to work in layers. Even with small paint chips, this requires some patience. Apply a thin layer and let it dry before applying another. You are going to want to use a couple of layers of paint. While applying the paint, be careful not to go beyond the chipped area. If you think that will be an issue for you, you can put blue tape around the chip to ensure you paint only the intended area.
Finishing the Job
Once you have built up the paint, you can use a fine grain web sandpaper again to smooth out the paint if it is higher than the surrounding paint. When that is done, you will want to apply a topcoat, also called a lacquer, which will seal the paint job you just did.
If you don't have the time or patience to take on this task on your own, you can take your vehicle to an auto body shop, where they professionally fix all the little stone chips on your vehicle, enhancing the appearance and protecting your vehicle from rust. Contact a company that offers stone chip repairs for more information.
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