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. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Bathroom Cleaners

Is there really anything more disgusting than a dirty bathroom? Help keep your bathroom sparkling clean by choosing the ...

Discover More

Cleaning Portable CD Players

CD players are great things, and portable CD players are even better. After all, isn't it great to be able to listen to ...

Discover More

Maintaining an Oil Furnace

Many people forget about maintaining their furnaces until it is too late. The best time to get your maintenance done is ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Painting Your Car

If you have checked into the prices of having your car repainted, you know how expensive it can be. Instead of paying ...

Discover More

Fixing Rust Spots

Fixing rust spots is more than just a simple cosmetic repair. When you properly fix rust spots on any older vehicle, you ...

Discover More

Flying Car Hoods

Quick! You are driving down the road when the hood of your car just flew open and smacked your windshield. What do you do?

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)