Fixing cracked car paint depends on the severity. For small, superficial cracks (like those only in the clear coat), you can often fix it yourself with a DIY touch-up kit. For larger cracks that extend to the primer or bare metal, professional repainting is almost always necessary to prevent rust and ensure a lasting repair. The core steps involve cleaning the area, sanding, applying primer and paint, and then a new clear coat.
The main cause of paint cracks, or crazing, is often sun exposure which breaks down the clear coat, or a poor previous repair that didn’t bond correctly. To assess the damage, first clean the area thoroughly and feel the crack with your fingernail. If it catches, the damage is deep.
| Repair Method | Best For Crack Size | Approx. DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Scratch Remover / Polish | Hairline cracks in clear coat only | $15 - $30 | N/A | Temporary fix; won't repair deep damage |
| Touch-Up Paint Pen | Small chips with minor cracking | $20 - $50 | N/A | Color matching can be difficult |
| Professional Spot Repair | Cracks up to the size of a credit card | N/A | $150 - $400 | Best for isolated, moderate damage |
| Full Panel Repaint | Large or multiple cracks on a panel | N/A | $500 - $1,500+ | Necessary when underlying metal is exposed |
For a DIY touch-up, you'll need matching paint, primer, clear coat, fine-grit sandpaper (like 2000-grit), and a polishing compound. The process is meticulous: sand the cracked area gently to smooth the edges, apply thin layers of primer, then paint, allowing each to dry. Finish with clear coat and polish once fully cured. If the crack has exposed bare metal, a professional assessment is critical to avoid costly rust repair later. A reputable auto body shop can blend the new paint seamlessly with the old.
