What to Do When a Stone Chips the Car Paint?
3 Answers
You can use a touch-up pen to repair it, thereby covering the mark and making it less noticeable. If the stone has chipped through to the primer, then bodywork and repainting will be required. Other repair methods for small car dents or scratches include toothpaste, touch-up pens, polishing, and waxing.
Last time my car's paint also got a small chip from a stone, so I quickly bought a touch-up pen online. From personal experience, the effect was decent. First, clean the damaged area with alcohol or a dedicated cleaner to prevent dust from getting in. Then lightly sand the edges with sandpaper to smooth them out. Next, apply the touch-up pen in dots, avoiding thick layers—do it in several passes, waiting 10 minutes for each layer to dry. Finally, apply clear nail polish as a protective layer to prevent moisture penetration and rust. Maintaining a safe distance from trucks and large vehicles while driving can help reduce such issues. Remember to address it promptly—small chips can worsen, increasing repair difficulty and costs.
As someone with years of experience in car repair, I recommend that for stone chips, if the chip is small, you can DIY with a touch-up pen; if the dent is deep or the area is large, it's best to go to a professional auto detailing shop or 4S dealership. They will use professional painting equipment to match the original car color, ensuring seamless repair, and can also apply an anti-rust coating to prevent the spread of body rust. For daily prevention, regular waxing or applying a paint protection film can reduce damage from stone impacts. The key is to take action early and not ignore these small issues, otherwise the repair costs could double.
