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How do I repair stone chips on car paint?

How do I repair scratches from stone chips on my car paint? I was visiting some family friends and shot down a gravel pathway to get there. I didn't even think about what those little stones might do to my paint job until I got home and saw all the scratches.

avatar
Lauren Smith · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Please don’t beat yourself up too much about it. It’s easy to repair minor
scratches
from stone chips.
To get started, you’ll need:
  • Auto touch-up
  • Paint denatured alcohol (ethanol)
  • Polishing compound
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Gloves
  • Car soap
  • Water
Once you’ve gathered your materials, follow these steps to repair your paint job:
  • Start by putting on gloves and making sure you’re working in a** well-ventilated area**. Remember, safety first!
  • Next, you should wash your car. This will help you see the damage better and clear away any debris.
  • Once you’ve washed and dried your car, use a bit of the polishing compound around the damaged paint to soften the chipped edges.
  • Next, clean up any additional residue with a small amount of ethanol on the microfiber cloth.
  • Add primer to the scratches and fill in the spots.
  • Let it dry for a half-hour.
  • Finally, use the auto touch-up to paint over the damage. Remember, matching paints can be tricky. Some automotive shops can help you find the right color by giving you small samples to test.
DIY projects can help with superficial damage, but your car maintenance should stay professional. To protect yourself in the case of a mechanical breakdown, get roadside assistance with
Jerry
. The Jerry app’s leading roadside assistance connects you with their network of over 55,000 service providers—and includes jumpstarts, lockout services, key replacements, and towing.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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