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How to Repair Stone Chips with Car Touch Up Paint

Quick answer: clean the chip, remove loose contamination, use primer if the substrate is exposed and requires it, apply colour in thin controlled layers, then apply lacquer where the paint system requires a clear coat.

What is the best product for stone chips?

For individual bonnet, wing or door-edge chips, a colour-matched touch-up pen is usually the easiest option. A 30ml bottle is useful when the chips are deeper, more numerous or need a little more paint.

How to repair a stone chip

  1. Clean the area. Remove wax, road film, dirt and grease. Let the surface dry fully.
  2. Inspect the chip. Remove only loose or flaking paint. Do not enlarge a sound chip unnecessarily.
  3. Prime if required. If bare metal, filler or another exposed substrate is visible, use a suitable primer for that surface and paint system.
  4. Apply colour sparingly. Build the repair with thin layers rather than one thick blob.
  5. Allow each layer to flash/dry. Follow the instructions supplied with the product.
  6. Add clear lacquer if required. Many metallic, pearl and basecoat systems need a clear coat for final gloss and protection.
  7. Allow the repair to cure. Avoid polishing or aggressive washing until the coating has cured sufficiently.

Should the paint sit above the chip?

The aim is a controlled repair that builds the damaged area without flooding the surrounding original paint. Deep chips may need several applications. Thin layers give better control over the final level.

Will a stone-chip repair be invisible?

A touch-up repair is designed to protect the damaged area and make it much less noticeable. Exact invisibility cannot be guaranteed because existing paint can age or fade, metallic flakes can sit differently, and previous body repairs can change the shade on the vehicle.

For small chips, see our 20ml colour-matched touch-up pen.

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