DIY Car Paint Damage Repair: Guide & Products

Paint damage on your car is annoying, but luckily in many cases you can fix it yourself. With the right approach, products, and preparation, your car will look like new again. In this blog article, we explain step by step how to repair paint damage yourself, which materials you need, and how to prevent the damage from remaining visible.

How does paint damage on a car occur?

Paint damage can occur in various ways. Think of a collision, hitting a curb with your rim, or small scratches while parking. A common form of minor paint damage on a car is stone chips and light scuffs. These often cause small imperfections in the car paint. By repairing this kind of paint damage in time, you prevent rust formation and keep your car looking good.

Choose between a touch-up pen or spray paint

When repairing paint damage, you first make a choice: do you use a touch-up pen or car spray paint? This choice depends on the size of the damage:

• Touch-up pen: ideal for small damages such as stone chips, scratches, and minor scuffs.
• Spray paint: suitable for larger damages or for repainting parts like bumpers or side panels.

In both cases, you need custom car paint, matched to your car's color code or color name. This prevents color differences and ensures a perfect color match.

What you need for a perfect paint repair

For a neat and durable paint damage repair, you need the following products:

• Custom car paint (spray can or touch-up pen)

• Primer for good adhesion

• Clear coat for protection and shine

• Degreaser to clean the surface

• Sandpaper for a good surface

• Personal protective equipment such as a spray mask, gloves, and coveralls

As car paint specialists, these materials are available at CROP and often reusable.

Repairing paint damage with a touch-up pen

A touch-up pen is convenient for small damages. Follow this step-by-step plan for a neat result:

1. Clean the damaged area with degreaser.
2. Shake the touch-up pen for at least 2 minutes.
3. Apply thin layers of paint with the brush.
4. Let each layer dry for 5 minutes before applying the next.
5. When the paint covers evenly, apply a clear coat for protection.

Repairing car damage with a spray can

For larger surfaces, use a car spray can. Keep the following steps in mind:

1. Work in a dust-free area between 15–25°C.
2. Make sure the surface is clean and sanded.
3. Shake the spray can for 2 minutes before use.
4. Spray a test piece first.
5. Hold a distance of 10 to 15 cm while spraying.
6. Work in thin layers, allowing 5 minutes drying time each.
7. Finish with a clear coat for shine and protection.

Our spray paint offers professional misting, similar to a paint spray gun, ensuring a sleek end result.

Avoid visible color differences

A common mistake when repairing paint damage is not using the correct color. That’s why it’s important to always use the correct color number or name of your car. CROP supplies touch-up pens and spray cans by color code or name, tailored to your specific car color.

What does it cost to repair paint damage yourself?

Paint repair by a car shop can easily cost between €500 and €1000, depending on the damage. By doing it yourself, you save significantly. These are the costs:

• Custom touch-up pen: from €6.95
• Car spray paint can: average €15 - €25
• Accessories such as primer, clear coat, and sandpaper are often reusable

With a relatively small investment, you can restore your car to top condition.

Everything for paint damage repair at CROP

At CROP you’ll find everything you need to professionally repair paint damage yourself. From custom car paint, to sandpaper, primer, clear coat, and personal protective equipment. Our paint repair products are used daily by professionals and are also perfectly suited for DIY enthusiasts.

Do you have questions about which products you need or how to use them? Our product specialists are ready to assist you personally!