Are you sick of seeing those pesky paint chips on your car? It can be hard to know how to fix them, and with the wide variety of products available it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed.
Luckily, The team at Southend Smart Repairs have over 45 years of experience when it comes to flawless car paint chip repairs, and we’re here to tell you exactly what needs doing!
Our simple guide will walk you through everything from identifying paint chips correctly, finding supplies, and completing repair work in no time. Let us help make sure your vehicle is back looking as good as new in no time!
Instances when you can carry out car paint chip repair yourself using touch up paint
Car paint chips are a common issue that most car owners face. Fortunately, in some cases, a touch-up paint pen can be all you need for an easy and inexpensive way to perform a DIY paint chip repair and restore your car’s paint.
But before you go to fix stone paint chips yourself, it’s important to know when you can use a paint pen and when you’ll need something more extensive.
Here are some instances when you can carry out car paint chip repair yourself using touch-up paint:
Small chips and scratches
If the chip or scratch on your car is small, say around the size of a pencil eraser or smaller, then it can be easily fixed using touch-up paint.
Evenly distributed chips
If there are small chips that are evenly distributed on the surface of your car, then you can take on the task of fixing them up with touch up paint.
Shallow damage
If the damage to the paint is shallow and it hasn’t penetrated through the primer, then it can be easily repaired using touch up paint.
When you KNOW you have the right colour.
You may think red is red and blue is blue when it comes to car paint colour, but not all paint is created equal. In fact, there are hundreds of different shades of each colour, so reaching for the red paint chip pen that your friend used instead of buying one of your own may end up making your car look worse rather than better.
If you are purchasing a pen online, look for a site that allows you to input your vehicle identification plate. This will cross reference your car with a database that will ensure you get the exact colour you need for your repair.
In any case, it’s important to remember that touch-up paint can only provide a temporary solution. For more severe paint damage, it’s best to consult a professional.
How to fix the stone paint chip yourself?
Removing stone chips requires patience, a precise colour match and a dexterous hand.
Follow these detailed instructions for a successful stone chip repair on your vehicle. From start to finish, this guide will provide an efficient and easy-to-follow plan of action that you can use to restore the original appearance of your car.
- Before painting, it is essential to clean the area with soap and water. Then, rub down the surface with alcohol or white spirit to eliminate any grease residue that could prevent paint from adhering properly. Lastly, after cleaning let the area dry completely before proceeding further.
- For any raised edges around the chip, it is best to sand them down. You can use a cutting compound such as T-Cut or very fine grain wet and dry sandpaper; just be careful not to damage the area’s clear coat by rubbing too hard. After that, apply your primer or base coat with a small brush or paint pen from your kit if available. Make sure you allow enough time for drying before proceeding to the next step.
- When painting your car, replicate the original process of application by using thin layers. Letting each layer dry is essential to ensure that only the affected area receives new paint and prevents any seeping onto surrounding surfaces.
- Once your fresh paint has dried, you can sand it gently to make sure that the area is level with the surrounding paint. For this task, use fine-grain wet sandpaper and employ precision for best results. If you’re trying to smooth over smaller chips in the paint, wrap the paper around the blunt end of a pencil so as not to damage what’s already there!
- Preserve the stone chip repair with a top coat or lacquer, allowing ample time for it to dry.
When should you call a car paint chips specialist for expert help?
In some cases, a professional car paint specialist may need to be called in for more severe damage to the paintwork. Issues such as deep scratches, rust spots or discolouration cannot be remedied with touch-up paint alone and will require either repainting or refinishing of the affected area.
If you’re not sure what needs to be done, or if the damage is too severe for you to tackle yourself, don’t hesitate to call in an expert. They are experienced professionals who can assess and carry out any necessary repairs.
What’s the average cost for stone chip repairs?
The average cost for stone chip repairs in the UK can vary based on several factors such as the size of the chip, the type of repair needed, and the location of the garage. However, to give you a general idea, the cost of stone chip repair can range from £40 to £150.
For smaller chips or scratches, the cost could be lower, while for larger or more severe damage, the cost could be higher. Additionally, some repair shops may charge more depending on the type of vehicle and paint colour because certain paint colours require more work and materials to achieve the desired results.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of the repair may also depend on the method of repair used, for small chips you may be able to take advantage of SMART (small to medium area repair technology) which is an innovative and cost-effective option.
For a more specific estimate, it’s best to consult with a local repair shop that specialises in stone chip repairs.
How to prevent stone chips
Stone chips can be a real nuisance, but with a few simple tips you can prevent your vehicle from becoming the next victim. Firstly, try to maintain an appropriate speed when driving on unpaved roads. If a rock does fly up and hit your car, it’s unlikely to cause any significant damage if you’re not driving over the speed limit.
Furthermore, you should also check your car’s alignment regularly. Poorly aligned wheels can cause the vehicle to drift and throw stones off course, potentially damaging other cars.
Lastly, if you want to protect your vehicle’s special paintwork or colour, then clear vinyl wrapping could be the perfect solution for you! It offers an added layer of protection that is sure to preserve your car’s unique look and style.
By following these tips, you should be able to reduce the likelihood of stone chips occurring.
Summary
In conclusion, while touch up paint can prove successful in repairing small stone chips on a car, more severe damage should be dealt with by experienced and knowledgeable specialists.
Southend Smart Repairs are just that – experienced professionals who have been carrying out repairs on cars across Essex for over 45 years.
We offer a vast range of services to ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition and make sure that only the highest quality materials and parts are used in all repairs.
If you’re looking for reliable repair work at a competitive price then you couldn’t do better than Southend Smart Repairs. Give our friendly team a call today for a free quote and let the experts help you keep your car looking its best!