How to Fix Chipped Paint on a Car

It is bound to happen: You might accidentally ding your car, or somebody else may. You may be lucky enough to get by with no real damage to your car, but you might find that the paint on your car has been chipped. Now what are you to do?You could go to an expensive repair shop and have them fix it for you. If you are up for a small challenge, however, you can fix your car yourself. Many people have found that it is fairly easy to fix chipped paint on a car. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Clean shop towels
• Scratch remover or auto wax
• Rubbing alcohol
• Your car's paint code
• Touch-up paint

Instructions

1. Check to see how substantial the chip is. If you are lucky, the chip or scratch didn't go all the way through the paint job, and you might get by with a good buffing. To do this, take a clean, soft towel and apply some scratch remover or auto wax onto the towel. Rub the towel over the scratch or chip in a circular motion. Rub over the entire chip. Allow the remover or wax to dry, and inspect your work. Do you still see the chip or scratch? If you don't, your job is done. If you do, the chip will require more extensive work to fix.

2. Look for your car's paint code. This paint code is what you will use to match the paint of your car with the touch-up paint you will need to buy. Generally, this paint code is located on the inside panel of the driver's side door. If you happen to own a Japanese-manufactured car, it may be on the inside of the glove compartment.

3. Take this code to your local automotive dealer or store, and purchase a bottle of touch-up paint. This paint usually comes in a small bottle with a brush applicator (similar to nail polish).

4. Clean the area around the chip and in the chip itself. You can do this with a clean, dry towel (make sure it is lint free), and by using a little bit of rubbing alcohol. Allow the area to thoroughly dry before applying the paint.

5. Read the directions on the paint. You may need to shake the bottle before use. Use the paint to carefully brush the area that has been chipped or scratched. Try to keep a steady hand. Apply a thin layer, and try to keep the paint from becoming bumpy. You can clean up any mistakes you make with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

6. Survey your work. Reapply paint if needed. Apply a thin layer of clear coat paint, if warranted.

7. Polish the area once more by buffing the area with a thin amount of car wax.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find that the paint dried in a lumpy-like manner, you may want to sand the area gently using a wet/dry type of sandpaper. You will then have to polish the area to help combat the new dull appearance that was created.

• You should wait at least 5 days before washing your car after painting, even with a small area like a chip. This will give the paint ample time to completely set.