Small dents on your car are often hardly noticeable. However, if you look close, you might notice that a corner of paint has chipped or peeled up. If this does happen, there is a good chance that your paint will chip further if left unattended. Basically, paint chips around even the smallest dents can grow larger, leaving your car vulnerable to rusting and decay. You definitely want to fix these small problems as soon as you notice them. If you catch the chip soon enough, you can just use auto touch up paint to cover and seal the finish. This article explains the best supplies and tools for fixing small paint chips and cracks.
Prepping the Damaged Area
You usually need to look pretty closely around small dents or rock chips to see if any paint is starting to crack or peel. Often, it will just look like a hair on your paint. When the crack is this small, you can just paint directly over it. However, if the crack is large enough that you can see the actual surface, you need to do a little prep work. First of all, use a little auto body sandpaper to lightly scuff up the area that you are going to fix. This makes it so the surface will absorb the touch-up paint better.
Using Touch-up Paint
If possible, get touch-up paint directly from the dealership. You are more likely to find a perfect match for the make and model of your car. If you buy from an auto body store, they might only have third party products. Even if the clerk tells you it is the closest match, it might not look perfect once the paint is fully dry. Most touch-up paint comes in small cans with a small brush attached to the lid or cap, so they are very easy to use. Also, they have sealant mixed into the paint, so you don't need to apply a clear coat afterward.
To apply the paint, you want to use a very sparing amount. If you apply it too thick, you could leave behind brushstrokes. It is better to apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. If you are repairing a paint chip on an old car that does not have a high sheen, you can use the sandpaper to buff out the paint once it dries. Some light sanding will take the sheen off of the new paint.
