How to Fix Tiny Paint Chips on a Truck Fender

Even though trucks are used for more than work, hauling cargo and off-road driving, they still get abused more than most cars. You may have large tires or tires with all-terrain tread, which is larger than regular tread. These tires pick up rocks easier than regular tires and can sling them up onto your truck's fenders, causing tiny chips in the paint. Fix these chips in your truck’s paint before they become a large rust problem.

Things You'll Need

• Car soap
• Sponge
• Chamois or towel
• Touch-up paint
• Toothpick
• Hobby paintbrush

Instructions

1. Wash the chipped fender with car soap and a soft sponge to remove surface dirt and debris. Dry it with a chamois or towel.

2. Dip a toothpick or a hobby paintbrush into touch-up paint that matches your truck. For small chips, use the paintbrush. For very tiny chips, use the end of the toothpick. Don’t use the brush that comes with the touch-up paint, since the brush is too thick for small chips.

3. Spread the touch-up paint over the chipped area so it covers all of the bare metal. Let the paint dry for 30 minutes.

4. Add another coat of the touch-up paint and let this coat dry for 30 minutes. You may add a third coat if the touched-up area still is very noticeable. Let the final coat dry for several hours before touching it.

Tips & Warnings

• Tiny chips don’t need to be sanded prior to painting. You can sand them if you want to, but it will create a bigger area to touch up.

• Don't apply paint to a damp or wet paint chip. Make sure the area is completely dry. Adding paint on top of moisture can lead to rust underneath the paint.