Stone Chip Repair: Guide & Touch-Up Products

Stone Chip Repair: Guide & Touch-Up Products

Subjects: How to Create, Car paint 16 April 2025
Michael Product specialist

Stone chips are a common form of paint damage that can quickly lead to bigger problems if not addressed in time. Fortunately, you can repair stone chips yourself—provided you have the right products and a clear step-by-step plan. In this blog article, we explain step by step how to repair paint damage caused by stone chips, which products you need, and how to prevent this kind of damage in the future.

What are stone chips and how do they occur?

Stone chips occur when small stones hit the car’s paint while driving. These damages are often small, but can lead to rust if not repaired in time. The risk of stone chips is higher in winter or on roads with loose gravel, such as construction sites or country roads.

Why it’s important to repair stone chips quickly

Damage in the paint layer no longer provides protection against moisture and dirt. As a result, the bodywork can begin to oxidize at that spot, eventually leading to rust. By acting quickly, you maintain the value and appearance of your car and prevent higher repair costs.

What do you need to repair paint damage caused by stone chips?

To professionally repair paint damage from stone chips, you’ll need the following products:

  • Degreaser to clean the surface
  • Sanding pen to lightly sand the damaged area
  • Primer touch-up pen to prepare the surface
  • Color-matched touch-up pen based on your car’s paint code
  • Clear coat touch-up pen for protection and gloss

With these products, you’ll be able to easily and precisely repair all kinds of minor paint damage yourself.

Step 1: Thoroughly clean the damaged area

Before you start the repair, it’s important to thoroughly clean the damaged area. Use a degreaser to remove dirt, grease, and old wax. A clean surface ensures optimal adhesion of the primer and paint that you will apply afterward. Ideally, work in a dry, dust-free environment.

Step 2: Carefully sand the chip

After cleaning, it’s time to lightly sand the damaged spot. Use a sanding pen, a handy tool that looks like a fine pen with an abrasive tip. It allows you to precisely dull the damaged area without affecting the surrounding paint. After sanding, clean the area again with degreaser.

Step 3: Apply primer using a touch-up pen

Now that the surface is clean and roughened, apply primer using a touch-up pen. The primer provides a solid base for the color coat and prevents paint from soaking into the bare metal. Thanks to the brush in the primer touch-up pen, you can apply it precisely. One to two thin coats are usually enough. Let the primer dry completely according to the instructions on the packaging.

Step 4: Apply color-matched paint with touch-up pen

Once the primer is dry, start applying the paint. Use a color-matched touch-up pen that corresponds to your car’s original paint code. Shake the pen well before use and apply multiple thin coats using the brush. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Typically, two to three coats are enough for good coverage.

Step 5: Finish with a clear coat for protection

The final step is applying a clear coat layer. This transparent topcoat protects the color layer against weather, dirt, UV radiation, and future stone chips. Use a clear coat touch-up pen and apply two to three thin coats. Wait about five minutes between each layer. After the last layer, allow the paint to cure for at least two hours before using the car.

How to prevent stone chip damage?

Although you can never fully prevent stone chips, there is one effective method to protect your paint: apply a paint protection film. This transparent film shields vulnerable parts of your car—like the hood and bumper—from stones and road debris. When applied correctly, it’s nearly invisible and offers long-lasting protection for your original paint.

CROP is your specialist in stone chip repair

At CROP, you’ll find everything you need for professional stone chip repair. Whether you’re looking for a color-matched touch-up pen, primer, sanding pen or clear coat—we offer a wide range of high-quality products specially developed for paint repair.

With years of experience and technical know-how, we’re always ready to provide you with personal advice. That way, you’ll be sure to choose the right products for a long-lasting and invisible result. Discover the full range at NonPaints.com and start repairing your stone chip damage right away.