Stone chips are a frustratingly common issue for car owners, and they often appear on the bonnet. These small, but noticeable, paintwork damages are typically caused by gravel and road debris kicked up by the tires of vehicles in front of you. Motorway driving, with its higher speeds, unfortunately increases the likelihood of these projectiles impacting your car and leaving their mark. Winter conditions also exacerbate the problem, as salt and grit spread on roads become additional sources of damaging debris. Furthermore, the harsh winter weather itself, with rain and ice, can seep into these chips and worsen the damage by affecting the underlying metal.
Close-up of a car bonnet stone chip being repaired.
While stone chips might seem unavoidable, the good news is that they are usually straightforward and cost-effective to repair. Addressing these chips promptly is crucial to prevent them from deteriorating further, especially when exposed to wet or icy conditions. If you’re wondering how to restore your car bonnet’s pristine appearance, this guide will provide you with expert advice on repairing those unsightly stone chips.
Understanding Stone Chips on Your Car Bonnet
Stone chips are more than just cosmetic blemishes; they are localized areas where your car’s paint has been chipped away, often reaching down to the primer or even the bare metal. The bonnet is particularly vulnerable due to its position at the front of the vehicle, directly facing the road debris propelled by other vehicles.
Leaving stone chips unrepaired can lead to more significant problems. Once the protective paint layer is breached, the exposed metal is susceptible to rust and corrosion. This can spread beneath the paint surface, leading to more extensive and costly repairs in the future. Therefore, dealing with stone chips as soon as you notice them is a proactive step in maintaining your car’s condition and value.
DIY Stone Chip Repair vs. Professional Services
For minor stone chips that are small and haven’t penetrated deeply, a DIY repair can be a viable option. Touch-up paint kits are readily available and can effectively conceal these small imperfections. However, there are situations where professional stone chip repair is highly recommended, or even necessary:
- Exposed Base Metal: If the stone chip has gone through the paint layers and exposed the bare metal underneath, professional intervention is advisable to properly treat and seal the area to prevent rust.
- Rust Spots Present: If rust has already begun to form within or around the stone chip, attempting a DIY repair without addressing the rust will only trap the corrosion and allow it to spread.
- Multiple or Large Chips: Dealing with numerous stone chips or larger areas of damage can be time-consuming and challenging to achieve a flawless finish with DIY methods. Professionals have the tools and expertise for efficient and high-quality repairs in these cases.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Stone Chip Repair on Your Car Bonnet
For those smaller, surface-level stone chips, you can achieve good results with a DIY approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you touch up stone chips on your car bonnet:
What You’ll Need:
- Car wash soap and water
- Rubbing alcohol or white spirit
- Fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 2000-grit)
- Cutting compound (like T-Cut)
- Touch-up paint (matched to your car’s color code)
- Primer (optional, but recommended for deeper chips)
- Clear coat lacquer
- Fine-tipped brushes or paint applicators
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels
- Masking tape (optional)
- Polishing compound (for blending)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Clean the Area: Thoroughly wash the area around the stone chip with car wash soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, or wax. Rinse well and dry completely. Then, using a clean cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or white spirit, wipe the area to remove any remaining grease or contaminants. This ensures the paint adheres properly. Allow it to dry fully.
-
Smooth the Edges: Inspect the chip for any raised edges of paint around the perimeter. Gently sand these down using very fine-grit wet and dry sandpaper. You can also use a cutting compound like T-Cut applied with a soft cloth. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or sand too aggressively, as you could damage the surrounding clear coat. The goal is to create a smooth edge for better paint adhesion.
-
Apply Primer (Optional but Recommended): If the stone chip is deep and reaches the primer layer or bare metal, applying a thin layer of primer is beneficial. Primer helps with paint adhesion and corrosion protection. Use a fine brush or applicator to carefully apply a small amount of primer only within the chip. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Apply Thin Layers of Paint: Your car’s original paint is applied in multiple thin layers, and you should mimic this process for a durable and less noticeable repair. Using a fine brush or the applicator provided with your touch-up paint, apply a very thin layer of paint into the stone chip. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to drips and a less even finish. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. You may need several thin layers to gradually build up the paint to the level of the surrounding paintwork. Keep the paint application confined to the chipped area as much as possible.
-
Level Sand (If Necessary): Once the paint is completely dry, check if the touch-up paint is slightly raised above the surrounding paint. If so, you can gently level it using very fine-grit wet sandpaper. Wrap the sandpaper around a small, flat object like the end of a pencil to focus the sanding on the raised area and prevent scratching the surrounding paint. Use light pressure and keep the sandpaper wet.
-
Apply Clear Coat Lacquer: After the paint is level and dry, apply a thin layer of clear coat lacquer over the repaired area. This seals the paint, adds gloss, and provides further protection. Apply it in thin layers, just like the color paint, allowing each layer to dry.
-
Blend and Polish: Once the clear coat is fully dry, you can use a polishing compound to gently blend the edges of the repaired area with the surrounding paintwork. This helps to minimize the visibility of the repair. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a soft cloth and gently rub in circular motions around the repaired area.
Cost of Stone Chip Repair
The cost to repair stone chips varies depending on whether you choose the DIY route or opt for professional services.
-
DIY Repair Kits: DIY stone chip repair kits can range in price from approximately £10 to £50. While cheaper kits might be tempting, they often come with a limited selection of generic colors, which may not perfectly match your car’s specific paint. Investing in a kit that offers paint matched to your car’s color code will generally yield a less noticeable repair.
-
Professional SMART Repair: Professional services, particularly SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repair, offer a more advanced and often more seamless solution. SMART repair focuses on repairing only the damaged area, saving time and money compared to a full panel respray. The cost of professional stone chip repair can vary depending on the number and severity of the chips, but it is generally more expensive than DIY kits, potentially ranging from £50 to several hundred pounds. However, professionals utilize color-matching technology for a highly accurate paint blend, ensuring a less visible repair.
Preventing Stone Chips on Your Car Bonnet
While completely preventing stone chips is challenging, you can take steps to minimize their occurrence and severity:
-
Maintain Distance: Keeping a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, especially on motorways and gravel roads, reduces the likelihood of road debris being kicked up and hitting your car.
-
Avoid Gravel Roads: Whenever possible, avoid driving on unpaved or gravel roads, as these surfaces are primary sources of stone chips.
-
Paint Protection Film (PPF): Applying a paint protection film to vulnerable areas like the bonnet, bumper, and wings is the most effective way to shield your car’s paint from stone chips. PPF is a transparent film that acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts and preventing damage to the underlying paint. While it is the most expensive option, it provides superior protection.
-
Spray-on Paint Sealants: Spray-on car paint sealants, like Supagard, offer a less expensive protective layer compared to PPF. These sealants create a barrier on the paint surface, making it more resistant to chips and scratches.
-
Regular Waxing and Sealants: Regularly waxing or applying car paint sealants, even DIY options, can provide a basic level of protection. These products create a thin protective coating that helps to deflect minor debris and minimize the impact of stone chips.
FAQs about Stone Chip Repair
Can a stone chip be repaired?
Yes, stone chips can definitely be repaired. For minor chips, DIY touch-up methods are effective. For more extensive damage, professional repair services offer solutions to restore your car’s paintwork.
How do you touch up stone chips on a car?
The step-by-step guide detailed above provides instructions on how to touch up stone chips, involving cleaning, sanding, applying paint in thin layers, and finishing with a clear coat and polish.
Is it worth getting stone chips repaired?
Yes, repairing stone chips is worthwhile. It prevents rust, maintains your car’s appearance, and can help preserve its resale value.
Are stone chips on cars common?
Unfortunately, yes. Stone chips are a common occurrence, especially on areas like the bonnet, due to road debris and gravel.
What is the best protection for stone chips?
Paint protection film (PPF) offers the best protection against stone chips, acting as a physical barrier to absorb impacts. Spray-on sealants and regular waxing also provide some level of protection.
Stone chips on your car bonnet are a common nuisance, but with the right approach, they can be effectively repaired, restoring your vehicle’s appearance and protecting it from further damage. Whether you choose the DIY route for minor chips or seek professional help for more extensive damage, addressing stone chips promptly is a key part of car maintenance.
