How to Deal with Large Areas of Peeling Paint on a Car
3 Answers
Clean the repair area with a towel, then wrap sandpaper around a sanding sponge and use water to smooth out any raised areas. Fill the dented areas with body filler. After the filler dries (approximately two hours), use sandpaper with water to sand the filled area. Use masking tape to cover areas that should not be painted with newspaper or tape. Prepare for painting by attaching the paint pen to the spray can and testing the color. If the paint pen solution is too thick or the color is too dark, use a pipette to add thinner into the touch-up paint pen. Pay attention to the color transition when spraying. Prepare the clear coat, replace the pipette with a new one, and attach the clear coat to the spray can. Spray the clear coat on the painted area, wait for 1 to 2 minutes, and then remove it.
My car also has large areas of paint peeling, mainly due to years of exposure to wind, rain, and stones hitting it on the highway. First, I rinsed the car body to remove dust, then lightly sanded the edges of the peeling paint to smooth the surface. If it's not too severe, I might buy a touch-up pen for a temporary fix. However, for large areas of peeling, DIY repairs tend to have poor results and may leave spots unpainted. Last week, I went to a repair shop for a respray. They said spraying one panel costs a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, depending on the size, and the area must be sanded and cleaned before spraying. I also take preventive measures, like washing the car once a month and adding wax to protect the paint. Avoiding gravel roads on the highway can reduce stone chips. Rust is an even bigger concern—if water seeps in and corrodes the metal, it becomes a serious problem. DIY repairs can save money but shouldn’t be taken lightly. Timely treatment is key.
As a car enthusiast, I always pay attention to the body condition. Large-area paint peeling is mostly caused by long-term exposure or accident damage. It's recommended to first check the cause: whether it's due to aging from wind and rain or being hit by stones. Small areas can be covered up with DIY touch-up pens or films, but for large areas, professional shops should be sought to avoid uneven coloring. I usually use a car cover to reduce sun exposure and regularly apply glaze and hard coatings to extend the paint's lifespan. When painting, pay attention to the cleanliness of the body as residues can affect adhesion. Ignoring paint peeling can lead to rust spreading and faster depreciation of the car. The repair process is time-consuming, and after spraying, let it dry for a few days without touching water. Prevention is cost-effective and efficient, and regular maintenance is key to keeping your beloved car looking fresh.
