Fixing Small Paint Dings

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 28, 2010)

If the chip or scratch is less than a quarter in diameter, or less than two inches in length, then this method should work.

Apply some body filler, like Bondo, to the area of the chip. Make it as even as possible to match the rest of the car and allow it to dry. Gently rub the area with very fine sandpaper. You want to be extremely gentle when doing this. If use too much pressure, you will create more scratches than you had previously. When you run your fingers over the area you shouldn't feel a difference in level between it and the rest of the car. There will be some difference in texture at this point.

Once you have reached the appropriate level, apply a little bit of primer to the afflicted area and allow it to dry. This will help ensure that when you paint the area, the paint actually sticks to the car. Rub the area lightly with very fine sandpaper. Apply another coat of primer and allow it to dry.

Apply a very thin coat of paint to the primed area and allow it to dry. If possible, use a paint sprayer as this allows greater control over the paint you are applying. If the color does not match enough for your liking, apply another coat. Repeat until you have reached your desired shade of color. Congratulations, you have repaired that scratch or chip in your car!

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

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