How to Fix Car Paint Chipping Yourself?

[DeDiana]

You can purchase a touch-up pen that closely matches your car's color from an auto repair shop or online, and follow the instructions provided to repair the chipped area. If the chipped area is large and you don't have time for professional repair, you can use a spray paint that matches your car's color. Make sure to spray evenly. For minor paint chips or subtle scratches, applying toothpaste can help temporarily prevent rust and isolate the affected area.

[ZacharyFitz]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and car owners often ask about touch-up painting. DIY can save you some money, but it depends on the extent of the paint damage. For chips the size of a small fingernail, just buy a touch-up pen—first lightly sand the edges with fine sandpaper dipped in water, dry it off, then dab with the pen tip. If you can see bare metal, you'll need to apply rust-proof primer first, otherwise it'll corrode faster later. For damage larger than your palm, I'd recommend finding a professional. Spray painting yourself often leaves drip marks. Remember to work in a dust-free environment, and let the paint dry for 48 hours before exposing it to water, or all your effort will be wasted the first time you wash the car.