How to Repair Automobile Scratches & Paint Chips

Introduction

Has your car's paint job been chipped or scratched off? This guide will teach you how to repair these small issues yourself.

Paint chips are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of owning an automobile. Though these do not impede the function of your car, they can be a major eyesore and even depreciate the car’s resale value. Thankfully, there are a number of easy ways to fix these blemishes, such as using a paint pen or spray paint. This guide, however, will focus on using liquid paint and clear coat to repaint the affected area. This method produces better results at a slightly higher cost for materials.

Using liquid paint generally looks better in the long run, but it is more difficult to apply than a paint pen. You may want to try painting a less visible blemish first to get a feel for how much paint to use and how to spread the coat evenly.

What you need

Step 1 How to Repair Automobile Scratches & Paint Chips

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Check the inside of the driver's side door to find the manufacturer's paint code.
This sticker can be found directly next to the VIN number.
Use this paint code to order the exact same color paint online or find it at your local hardware store.

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Step 2

Fill a medium-sized bucket with warm water and a small amount of soap.
A little soap goes a long way.

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Step 3

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Use soapy water and sponge to wash the car.
Rinse off the soap with a water hose.

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Step 4

Use a clean towel to dry the freshly washed car.
Make sure the area is completely dry before continuing.

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Step 5

Use sandpaper to buff out scratches. Start from 150 and continue until 400 grit.
This levels out the area so the paint will be applied evenly.

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Step 6

Use a small amount of grease remover and a cloth to clean any wax from the area.

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Step 7

Starting with a small amount of paint, apply the first coat of paint to the scratched area.
Use as little paint as possible to prevent clumping.
Wait 15-20 minutes for the coat to fully dry before continuing.