How to Repair Stone Chips on Your Car: A Comprehensive Guide

Stone chips are an unfortunate reality for car owners. These small blemishes in your car’s paintwork, often found on the bonnet, bumper, and wheel arches, are typically caused by gravel and road debris flicked up from the tires of vehicles ahead. Motorway driving, with its higher speeds and increased road debris, makes your car particularly vulnerable. Winter conditions exacerbate the issue, as salt and grit spread on roads become projectiles, further contributing to paint damage.

These seemingly minor chips are more than just cosmetic annoyances. If left unattended, they can lead to more serious problems like rust, especially in damp or icy conditions where moisture penetrates the chip and attacks the exposed metal beneath your car’s paint.

car stone chip repair

Fortunately, repairing stone chips is a straightforward process, often inexpensive, and crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and protecting its bodywork. This guide from Car Repair Online will walk you through everything you need to know about how to repair stone chips on your car, covering both DIY methods and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Stone Chips and Why Repairing Them Matters

Stone chips are essentially small areas where your car’s paint has been chipped away, exposing the layers beneath. They are most common on forward-facing panels like the bonnet (hood), front bumper, and sometimes along the sides and rear wheel arches, areas directly impacted by road debris.

Ignoring stone chips can lead to several issues:

Rust and Corrosion: Once the paint layer is breached, the bare metal underneath is exposed to the elements. Moisture, salt, and air can then cause rust to form and spread, weakening the metal and leading to more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
Paint Degradation: Even if rust doesn’t immediately form, water and contaminants can seep under the surrounding paint, causing it to lift, bubble, or peel over time, further damaging your car’s finish.
Reduced Resale Value: Visible stone chips detract from your car’s overall appearance. A vehicle with well-maintained paintwork, free from chips and scratches, is more attractive to potential buyers and retains a higher resale value.
Aesthetic Impact: Beyond resale value, stone chips simply make your car look less appealing. Repairing them restores your vehicle’s appearance and pride of ownership.

Promptly addressing stone chips is a small investment that pays off in the long run by preserving your car’s condition and appearance.

DIY Stone Chip Repair: Step-by-Step Guide

For minor stone chips that haven’t penetrated to the bare metal or show signs of rust, a DIY repair can be a cost-effective and satisfying solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to touch up stone chips on your car:

What You’ll Need for DIY Repair

Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. You can typically find stone chip repair kits at auto parts stores or online. Here’s what you’ll generally need:

Touch-Up Paint: Obtain touch-up paint that precisely matches your car’s color code. You can usually find this code on a sticker located on your car’s doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in your owner’s manual.
Cleaning Supplies: Car soap and water for washing, and isopropyl alcohol or a wax and grease remover to ensure a clean surface.
Fine-Tip Applicators: These can be very fine brushes (often included in touch-up kits), toothpicks, or detailing swabs for precise paint application.
Rubbing Compound (or Cutting Compound): For leveling the repaired area and removing minor imperfections.
Fine-Grit Wet Sandpaper (2000-3000 grit): For gently leveling the paint if needed.
Clear Coat (Lacquer): If your car has a clear coat finish (most modern cars do), you’ll need clear coat touch-up to protect the color coat.
Polishing Compound and Wax: To restore shine and protect the repaired area after the touch-up.
Soft Microfiber Cloths: For cleaning, applying products, and buffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Clean the Area Thoroughly: Begin by washing the area around the stone chip with car soap and water. Rinse well and dry completely. Then, use isopropyl alcohol or wax and grease remover on a microfiber cloth to wipe the chip and the immediate surrounding area. This step is crucial for removing any wax, grease, or contaminants that could prevent the touch-up paint from adhering properly. Allow the area to air dry completely.
Prepare the Chip (Optional but Recommended): If there are any loose flakes of paint around the chip, carefully remove them with a very fine point tool or by gently using the edge of a credit card. Be extremely gentle to avoid enlarging the chip. For raised edges around the chip, you can use a very small amount of rubbing compound applied with a detailing swab or very fine-grit wet sandpaper (used damp) to carefully level them. Work gently and cautiously to avoid scratching the surrounding clear coat.
Apply Touch-Up Paint in Thin Layers: Shake the touch-up paint bottle thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using your fine-tip applicator, carefully apply a very small amount of paint into the stone chip. The goal is to fill the chip, not to paint over the surrounding good paint. Apply the paint in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry for the time recommended by the paint manufacturer before applying the next. Multiple thin layers are better than one thick layer, which can sag or take longer to dry and cure properly.
Allow Paint to Dry and Cure: Let the touch-up paint dry completely and cure fully. Drying times can vary depending on the paint type, ambient temperature, and humidity. Refer to the touch-up paint instructions for recommended drying times. It’s generally best to allow at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, for the paint to harden.
Level the Paint (If Necessary): Once the paint is completely dry, check if the touch-up paint is level with the surrounding paint. If the touch-up paint is raised above the surface, you can carefully level it using fine-grit wet sandpaper (2000-3000 grit). Wet the sandpaper and the area with water and lightly sand the touched-up spot using very light pressure and circular motions. Check your progress frequently to avoid sanding too much. You can also use rubbing compound instead of sandpaper for minor leveling.
Apply Clear Coat (If Applicable): If your car has a clear coat finish and you have clear coat touch-up, apply it in thin layers over the color coat, following the same application and drying process as the color paint.
Polish and Wax: After the clear coat (if used) is fully cured, use a polishing compound to gently buff the repaired area. This will help to blend the edges of the touch-up paint and restore shine. Finish by applying a coat of car wax to protect the repaired area and enhance the shine.

When to Consider Professional Stone Chip Repair

While DIY repair is suitable for many minor stone chips, there are situations where professional repair is highly recommended or necessary:

Deep Chips Exposing Bare Metal: If the stone chip has penetrated through all paint layers and exposed the bare metal underneath, especially if rust has started to form, professional repair is advisable. Professionals can properly treat any rust and ensure proper adhesion of new paint to prevent future corrosion.
Large or Numerous Chips: For extensive stone chip damage, covering a large area or involving multiple chips, professional SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repair or respraying may be the most efficient and effective solution. Professionals have the tools and expertise to handle larger repairs seamlessly.
Chips in Prominent Areas: If the stone chips are located in highly visible areas and you desire a flawless, undetectable repair, professional services are better equipped to achieve this level of finish.
Lack of DIY Confidence or Experience: If you’re uncomfortable with the DIY process or concerned about achieving a good result, entrusting the repair to professionals is a wise choice.
Color Matching Challenges: While touch-up paint is color-matched, achieving a perfect blend, especially with metallic or complex paint finishes, can be challenging for DIYers. Professionals have color-matching technology and expertise to ensure a seamless blend.

Professional stone chip repair services, like SMART repair, focus on repairing only the damaged area, which is more cost-effective and quicker than a full panel respray. They use specialized techniques and color-matching technology to achieve a high-quality, virtually invisible repair.

Cost of Stone Chip Repair: DIY vs. Professional

The cost of stone chip repair varies depending on whether you choose the DIY route or professional services, and the extent of the damage.

DIY Stone Chip Repair Kits: DIY kits and touch-up paint are relatively inexpensive, typically ranging from $20 to $50. The cost mainly depends on the quality of the kit and whether you need to purchase additional supplies like rubbing compound or sandpaper. DIY is the most budget-friendly option for minor chips.
Professional SMART Repair: Professional SMART repair for stone chips generally costs between $80 to $200 per panel, depending on the number and severity of chips and the complexity of the paint finish. While more expensive than DIY, it offers a higher quality and more durable repair, especially for more significant damage or when a flawless finish is desired.
Full Panel Respray: A full panel respray, which is usually not necessary for typical stone chips but might be considered for extensively damaged panels, can cost several hundred dollars per panel.

Considering the potential for rust and further paint damage if stone chips are left unrepaired, both DIY and professional repair options are cost-effective investments in maintaining your car’s condition and value. Choosing between DIY and professional repair depends on your budget, the severity of the damage, your DIY skills, and your desired level of finish.

Stone Chip Prevention: Protecting Your Car’s Paint

While stone chips are often unavoidable, you can take steps to minimize their occurrence and protect your car’s paint:

Paint Protection Film (PPF): PPF is a transparent, self-adhesive film professionally applied to vulnerable areas of your car, such as the bonnet, bumper, and wings. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts from stone chips and preventing damage to the underlying paint. PPF offers the best protection but is also the most expensive option, typically costing from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the coverage area.
Spray-on Paint Sealants: Spray-on paint sealants, like ceramic coatings, provide a durable, protective layer over your car’s paint. They are less expensive than PPF and offer good protection against minor stone chips, scratches, and environmental contaminants.
Car Wax and Sealants: Regular application of car wax or paint sealant creates a protective barrier on your car’s paint, making it more resistant to minor chips and scratches. This is the most affordable DIY protection method.
Mud Flaps: Installing mud flaps behind your car’s wheels can help to deflect road debris and reduce the amount of gravel and stones kicked up towards your car’s paintwork, particularly the lower areas and rear panels.
Careful Driving Habits: Avoid driving on gravel roads or roads with loose chippings whenever possible. Maintain a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you, especially trucks and vehicles that may be carrying or kicking up debris.

Stone Chip Repair FAQs

Can stone chips on cars be repaired?

Yes, stone chips on car paint are definitely repairable. Both DIY methods and professional services are available to effectively address stone chips, restoring your car’s appearance and preventing further damage.

What are the steps in DIY touch-up for stone chips?

The main steps for DIY touch-up include cleaning the area, applying touch-up paint in thin layers, allowing it to dry, leveling the paint if needed, and applying clear coat and polish for protection and shine.

Is it worth getting stone chips repaired?

Yes, repairing stone chips is worthwhile for several reasons. It prevents rust and corrosion, maintains your car’s appearance, preserves its resale value, and avoids more costly repairs down the line.

Are stone chips on cars common?

Unfortunately, yes, stone chips are a very common occurrence, especially on areas of the car that face forward and are exposed to road debris.

Will WD-40 remove car scratches or stone chips?

No, WD-40 is not designed to remove car scratches or repair stone chips. It may temporarily mask minor scratches by filling them with oil, but it does not provide a lasting repair and won’t fix stone chips. Use dedicated car scratch removers or touch-up paint for proper repairs.

Can you simply spray paint over stone chips?

No, you cannot just spray paint directly over stone chips and expect a good result. The chips are indentations in the paint, and simply spraying over them will leave the surface uneven and the chips still visible. Stone chips need to be filled in with touch-up paint or body filler before any topcoat paint is applied for a proper repair.

Why does my car keep getting stone chips?

Cars are continuously exposed to road debris, especially when driving at higher speeds or on roads with gravel or loose surfaces. The front and lower parts of your car are particularly vulnerable. While you can’t completely prevent stone chips, protective measures and careful driving habits can minimize their occurrence.

Conclusion

Stone chips, while small, are a common automotive woe that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you choose the DIY approach or opt for professional stone chip repair, addressing these blemishes promptly is key to maintaining your car’s pristine condition and protecting it from rust and further paint damage. By understanding how to repair stone chips on your car and taking preventative measures, you can keep your vehicle looking its best for years to come.

For professional stone chip repair and to get your car looking its best, get a free estimate from Car Repair Online today!