What is micro pitting on car paint?

Hundreds of tiny impacts across the front, so many the surface feels like fine sandpaper. Each one is a stone chip, but together they are something else. Years of road grit at speed did this. Touching up chips does not work at this scale. It would leave hundreds of small raised dots.

What kind of repair does it need?

Painting the front panels, with a thick primer that fills the pits before the colour goes on. The bumper, the front of the bonnet and often the mirrors are done together so they match.

Class of work The front panels refinished together.

Bumper, front of the bonnet and mirrors are done together. A thick primer fills the pits first, so the finish matches across all of them.

What to do next

Decide whether you want it fixed or stopped, because the prices differ. If the car lives on the highway, ask about protection film on the front after the respray. The usual answer is to repaint, then add paint protection film on the front. Get both prices before you choose.

Sources

  1. PPG GBpaint makerImpact damage, typically caused by stone thrown up from loose road surfaces…
  2. PPG Industries (US/Canada, 2019)paint makerRepair affected area using flexible additive, focusing on the leading edge of the vehicle
  3. Standoxpaint makerVery small areas can be repaired by careful touching in…
  4. BASFpaint makerBASF recommends blending into an adjacent undamaged panel whenever the panel…

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Related

What are stone chips on car paint? Small craters on the front of a car are gravel damage. Learn about touch-in vs spot repair and what to prioritise. What is heavy stone chipping on a car? Once the leading edge is peppered with chips, the panel needs refinishing rather than per-chip touch-in. Learn the crossover point.
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