Stone chips, generally on the bonnet, are a regular occurrence in automotive paintwork. They harm the paint in small, deep, and very localized areas. Stone chips, generally on the bonnet, are a regular occurrence in automotive paintwork. They harm the paint in small, deep, and very localized areas.
They’re caused by gravel and road debris were thrown up by the tires of vehicles ahead of you. As a result, they are more likely to occur as a result of highway driving. Unfortunately, the little stones can leave a ding in your paintwork when traveling at fast speeds.
In the winter, when salt-spreaders splatter grit on the roads, stone chips become increasingly widespread. Winter conditions can exacerbate the problem by allowing water and ice to penetrate the chip and corrode the metal beneath. It’s tough to avoid stone chips, but they can be repaired. It is critical to restoring the harm as soon as possible.
How to repair stone chips in your car’s paint
It takes patience, a close paint match, and a steady hand to remove stone chips. Our step-by-step instructions are as follows:
- After cleaning the area with soap and water, use alcohol or white spirit to rub it down. This step is critical for removing grease and providing a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Allow for drying time.
- Any raised edges around the chip should be sanded down. For this, you can use a cutting compound like T-Cut or wet and dry sandpaper with very fine granularity. Don’t rub too hard or you’ll ruin the surrounding clear coat.
- Place the primer or base coat on the surface. If your kit includes one, use a very fine brush or paint pen. Allow time for drying.
- Paint in small, thin layers. Because your car’s paint was initially done in layers, you’ll need to do the same. Allow for drying time between layers. Make sure the paint stays in the damaged area and doesn’t get all over the place.
- When the paint is completely dry, sand it down to the same level as the surrounding paint. Wet sandpaper, very fine grain, and a steady touch are required. To avoid scratching the surrounding paint, wrap the sandpaper over the blunt end of a pencil for small chip locations.
- Allow drying before applying a topcoat or lacquer to seal the stone chip repair.
When not to attempt a DIY repair
Many people elect to touch up their own paint after discovering a stone chip. This method can work for minor damage, but there are instances when you should take your car to a specialist.
- When the base metal has been exposed by the stone chip
- When there are rust patches on the car
- When you have a huge number of chips or a large number of chips
Rust is a concern when it comes to chip repairs since paint won’t stick to rusted metal. If the rust isn’t removed first, it will continue to spread throughout the metal. In the future, this could mean a pricey repair or panel replacement.
GT Auto Centre is A TRUSTED BRITISH RUN CAR SERVICE CENTRE IN DUBAI. Feel free to visit www.gtautocentre.com for more guidance or dial +971 43237106.
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