How to Fix Stone Chips on Car Paint
Stone chips are a frustrating but very common issue for vehicle owners. Whether you’re dealing with a single small chip or several scattered across your bonnet or bumper, knowing how to fix chipped paint on a car, and when to seek professional help, can prevent bigger, more costly problems later.
What Causes Stone Chips on Car Paintwork?
Stone chips occur when small pieces of gravel, grit, or debris hit your car’s paintwork at speed, creating tiny but deep indentations. The most common causes include:
- Motorway driving: Vehicles travelling at high speed fling road debris backwards, often striking the bonnet or bumper of the car behind.
- Winter road conditions: Grit and salt from salt-spreaders increases the amount of loose debris on the road, making stone chips more common during colder months.
- Adverse weather: Rain, ice and lower temperatures allow water to sit in the damaged area, potentially worsening the chip or affecting the metal underneath.
Because stone chips are difficult to avoid entirely, understanding how to repair chipped paint on a car can help maintain your vehicle’s appearance and value.
Why It’s Important to Repair Stone Chips Quickly
Stone chips may seem minor, but delaying a repair can lead to more serious issues:
- Preventing Rust and Corrosion
When a chip exposes the base metal beneath the paint, moisture and salt can quickly cause rust. Rust spreads if untreated, turning a small repair into a much larger and more expensive job.
- Avoiding Paint Peeling and Larger Damage
A small chip can crack, widen, or begin to peel at the edges. Acting quickly stops this spread.
- Maintaining Aesthetic Appeal & Resale Value
Cars with neat paintwork retain a higher resale value and generally appear better maintained.
- Cost-Effective Repairs
Fixing paint chips early is far cheaper than repairing large patches of damage or respraying a full panel.
Want it fixed professionally? Get a FREE repair estimate from your local ChipsAway specialist today.
DIY Stone Chip Repair: Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re wondering how to fix paint chips on a car yourself, small chips can often be repaired at home with patience and the right materials.
What you’ll need:
- Soap and water
- Alcohol or white spirit
- Fine sandpaper or cutting compound
- Touch-up kit with primer, paint, and lacquer
- Fine brush or paint pen
How to Fix Stone Chips (DIY Method):
- Clean the area thoroughly
Wash with soap and water, then wipe with alcohol or white spirit to remove grease and dirt. Allow to dry. - Smooth the edges of the chip
Use a cutting compound or very fine wet-and-dry sandpaper to remove rough edges. Be careful not to damage surrounding paint. - Apply primer or base coat
Using a fine-tipped brush or paint pen, apply a thin layer of primer to the chip. Let it dry fully. - Apply the colour coat in thin layers
Build the colour up gradually. Your car paint is originally applied in multiple layers. Keep the paint within the damaged area. - Level the surface
Once dry, gently wet-sand the area so the repair sits flush with the surrounding paintwork. - Seal with lacquer (clear coat)
Apply a thin coat of lacquer to protect the paint and give a smooth, glossy finish. - Polish if necessary
After the lacquer cures, a polishing compound can help blend the repair into the surrounding paintwork.
This process works best on small areas. For larger or multiple chips, it may be quicker and give a better finish to book a professional SMART repair.
When to Get Professional Stone Chip Repair
DIY kits can be effective, but some damage requires expert attention. Choose a professional repair if:
- The chip has exposed bare metal
- There are multiple chips or large chips
- Rust is already present
- You want a flawless, colour-matched finish
- Your car is a high-value vehicle where precision is important
Professionals use SMART repair technology, which restores only the affected area rather than respraying the full panel. This keeps costs down while achieving a near-invisible finish.
Preventing Future Stone Chips
While stone chips can’t be avoided entirely, you can reduce the risk:
- Paint Protection Film (PPF)
A clear protective film applied to vulnerable areas like the bonnet and bumper.
- Most effective protection
- Long-lasting
- Typically costs from £500+
- Spray-On Paint Sealants
Products like Supagard add a protective coating to your paintwork.
- More affordable than PPF
- Helps reduce impact damage
- Regular Waxing
DIY waxes and sealants (£20–£50) provide a temporary protective layer that reduces paint vulnerability.
- Drive Defensively
Avoid following vehicles too closely, especially on gravel roads or after gritters in winter.
Stone Chip FAQs
How much does it cost to repair stone chips?
- DIY repair kits: usually £10-£50
- Professional SMART repair: varies but generally more affordable than a full respray
- Full panel respray: can cost several hundred pounds
Can WD-40 fix car scratches?
No. WD-40 may make scratches look temporarily less visible, but it does not repair paint damage. Use a dedicated scratch remover or consult a professional.
Are stone chips on cars common?
Yes, +especially on the bonnet, bumper and wheel arches. Motorway driving and winter conditions significantly increase the risk.
Can you just spray over stone chips?
No. Without filling the indentation first, you’ll be left with visible marks. Chips must be repaired or filled before painting.
Why does my car keep getting stone chips?
High-speed travel, loose road debris, gritty winter roads, and following other vehicles too closely all increase your exposure.
What is the best way to fix chipped car paint?
For small chips, a high-quality touch-up kit can work well. For larger or multiple chips, a professional SMART repair ensures the best, most seamless finish.
Should I repair stone chips myself or get a professional?
DIY can be cost-effective for tiny chips, but professionals offer:
- Precise colour matching
- Expertise with rust
- Superior blending
- Long-lasting results
Thinking of getting your stone chip repaired? Our ChipsAway specialists are experts in car scratch removal and chip repair. They offer a mobile car body repair service and can come to you at home or at work to fix stone chips and scratches. Complete our online form, or call us on 0800 145 8118 for your free estimate.
