How to Repair Car Clear Coat & Lacquer Damage

Clear coat is your car’s coat of armour. It’s the first line of defence for your paintwork, preventing rust and corrosion. But what if you notice cracks, scratches or peeling that compromise your vehicle’s glossy shine?

Here’s everything you need to know about clear coat damage and how to fix paint peel on your car.

What is clear coat?

Clear coat (also known as lacquer) gives your paintwork that glossy shine. However, clear coat offers more than just an aesthetic finish. Your car’s clear coat is tough enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, plus scrapes, gravel, and even bird droppings.

Older lacquers were often made from nitrocellulose, which isn’t the most durable. Modern car lacquer is now polyurethane-based, forming a clear protective shell. It’s essential for pearlescent and metallic finishes, and contains UV inhibitors to preserve and protect your OEM colour. Better yet, it can even be applied over cellulose finishes for a long-lasting repair.

With all of this in mind, clear coat does have its drawbacks. It can be notoriously tricky to apply, prone to drips, runs, and the dreaded orange peel effect. That’s why our all-in-one car touch up paint contains a patented lacquer, so you can avoid the hassle. It’s ideal for when you find scratches in your clear coat and need a fast repair.

Do I need to fix clear coat scratches?

It’s tempting to overlook minor clear coat damage, but doing so could lead to further damage down the line.

Even the most minor scratch or chip will eventually spread, exposing the base paint to oxidation. Once that happens, rust and corrosion can quickly take hold, and you’ll wish you’d dealt with the issue before it became a major problem.

Why is my clear coat chipping or peeling?

Peeling or cracks in your clear coat need to be dealt with as soon as they are noticed. But what causes clear coat damage, and can it be prevented?

UV radiation: The sun that makes your paintwork gleam is also its biggest enemy. Years of paint layers heating and cooling can weaken the bond between the topcoat and your clear coat, causing telltale crazing (fine, shallow cracks) and peeling.
Physical damage: Unfortunately, road rash is a fact of life. Gravel, loose chippings, and rocks can all cause dings and scratches that chip your clear coat.
Chemical exposure: Tree sap, bug splats, gasoline, and acid rain all contain substances that can break down the clear coat layer.
Poor application: Applying a clear coat can be tough to get right. Improper application often leads to chipping and peeling.

To minimise the risks to your car lacquer, try the following tips:

Apply a high-quality wax or ceramic coating that acts like sunscreen for your paintwork.
Wash your car regularly using the two bucket method.
Park under shelter or use a car cover.
Fix any damage as soon as it occurs.

Following these straightforward steps can help extend the lifespan of your clear coat.

How to fix clear coat damage step-by-step

But what if, despite your best efforts, your clear coat gets chipped or scratched?

Fortunately, whatever the cause of the damage, our auto repair paint can help you make a seamless repair. Our all-in-one formula is meticulously colour matched to your exact vehicle make and model. Just find your colour using our handy colour code finder tool by entering your registration or by selecting your make and model, and you’ll be on the road to a professional-level result.

For the best repairs, preparation is key. Ensure the scratch or chip is thoroughly cleaned, so no debris or wax remains. Always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and use the gloves provided in your kit, as well as eye protection.

Before you start, shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the paint. Then apply it onto a small, discreet area of your vehicle to get familiar with the application process.

Here’s how to apply your Chipex touch up paint for professional-level results:

Apply your paint: Using the applicator brush or a gloved finger, apply the paint across the damaged area, creating a thin, even coat. Let it dry thoroughly for up to 5 minutes.
Blend: Once the paint is touch-dry, apply the blending solution to the paint removal cloth and run it across the surface of the repair. There’s no need to rub or apply pressure; let the blending solution remove any excess paint and leave it to dry for a few minutes.
For more significant repairs, repeat steps 1 and 2 to gradually build up the paint layers.
Polish: When you’re happy with the repair, apply polish to the microfibre cloth and spread it over the treated area. As it dries, the polish will turn hazy and can be removed with the microfibre cloth. For best results, buff the entire panel to blend the edges seamlessly.

How to fix chipping clear coat

The simplest way to repair clear coat scratches is to use car touch up paint. It’s an easy fix and highly effective for minor chips and scrapes, giving virtually invisible results.

Our Chipex™ UK Lite kit is ideal for small areas of damage and includes enough supplies for at least 12 repairs. Otherwise, our Chipex™ UK Plus with paint and accessories for 24 areas of damage deals with more extensive repairs.

How to fix car clear coat peeling

Car paint peel repair is more complex and involves sanding off the peeling and flaking lacquer. You’ll need to meticulously blend the new paint with the old, taking care to build the layers gradually for the best result.

For this type of repair, we recommend using our Chipex™ UK Pro kit, which contains enough paint and accessories for multiple repairs. Chipex™ Pro also has a longer shelf life than Lite or Plus, so you’ll always be prepared when it comes to keeping your paintwork looking immaculate.

Choose Chipex™ UK kits for flawless car paint peel repair

Found some clear coat damage and want to deal with it fast? The Chipex™ UK car paint repair system is specially designed to blend away unsightly scratches and chips, restoring your car’s dazzling shine and clear coat protection.

With three different kits to choose from, our all-in-one formula with its patented lacquer is the ideal solution for fixing clear coat scratches.

Find your colour code by reg or by selecting your make and model with our handy look up tool and order your Chipex™ UK touch up paint kit today.

Car Brands

Motorbike Brands

How to Repair Clear Coat & Lacquer Damage on Your Car