How To Stop Paint From Chipping on Car
If you have noticed that your car’s once pristine paint job now displays signs of nicks and chips, it’s important to take action to repair these paint blemishes. Paint scratches and chips left unattended can spread, in addition to becoming rusted and corroded, making your vehicle look old and uncared for.
With the right kind of car touch up paint, you can restore your car paint job to almost like new condition. Knowing how to properly apply car touch up paint is an important skill for any car owner who wants to keep their vehicle well maintained.
The code for your car’s specific paint color can usually be found on the inside of the driver’s door or check your vehicle manufacturer’s guidebook. Once you know the correct color code of touch up paint to purchase, get it at an auto parts store or the parts department at your car dealership. The staff at either place can usually make sound recommendations if you’re uncertain about the right matching color. Many dealerships sell “touch up paint for car scratches” that provide an exact match for your particular vehicle make and model.
Wash and thoroughly dry the area of the car affected by the paint chip or scratch, to remove any dirt or dust particles. If the scratch has extended deeper than the surface clear coat of paint, use a piece of fine sandpaper (2000 grit) to give the affected area a light layer of abrasion that new paint can adhere to.
If the paint scratch is deep, apply a primer coat and let dry overnight. For easier application of the new paint, many touch up paints come in a pen applicator or a small vial that includes a brush for easier repair. Shake the paint thoroughly before applying it to the damaged area to ensure an even coat of color.
Work in an open area in clear, dry weather with temperatures above 50F. If you must work in a garage, be certain you have good ventilation. Working slowly and carefully, apply thin layers of paint. It’s better to apply thin rather than thick layers and build up the damaged area slowly, check to make sure that the paint you are applying matching the coat of paint on the car.
Allow the car touch up paint to dry for at least 48 hours prior to applying a clear coat or waxing your vehicle for best results.
