Car Paint Repair Questions Answered by a Coventry Bodyshop

What kinds of car paint repair are there?

The repair depends on how deep the damage goes. On many modern cars the paint is built in layers: primer on the panel, a colour coat, then clear lacquer on top. A mark that stays in the lacquer can sometimes be taken out without new paint. Damage through to the colour, the primer or bare metal usually needs paint putting back.

The main options are:

• Scratch removal & machine polish for light marks and swirls in the lacquer. Polishing takes off a very thin layer of lacquer to level the surface, so it suits shallow marks.
• A paint touch-up for stone chips and small, deep marks.
• SMART repair for minor scuffs and scratches confined to one small area of a panel.
• Single panel paint where damage spreads across much of one panel, since painting the whole panel may give a more even finish than a small repair.
• A bumper respray for a scuffed or scraped plastic bumper.
• Panel dent repair & respray when the panel itself is dented. If it can be repaired, it is straightened, filled where needed and painted.

A full body respray can be the answer where paint has failed across much of the car, or for a change of colour.

A scratch that catches a fingernail may be too deep to polish out; an inspection gives a clearer view of how deep it goes.

How much does car paint repair cost?

At Coventry Body Shop in Wyken, Coventry, the final price is confirmed after we have inspected the car. As a guide, our starting prices are:

• Paint touch-up from £49 plus VAT (£58.80 including VAT).
• SMART repair from £75 plus VAT (£90 including VAT).
• Scratch removal and machine polish from £120 plus VAT (£144 including VAT) per panel.
• Single panel paint from £150 plus VAT (£180 including VAT).
• Bumper respray from £210 plus VAT (£252 including VAT).
• Full body respray from £1,495 plus VAT (£1,794 including VAT).

The size of the damaged area, how deep it goes, whether it crosses onto a second panel and the type of paint can all change the price, and a change of colour is quoted after inspection. You get a quote before any work starts, and we do not take a deposit.

How is new paint matched to the old paint?

Matching starts with the paint code, which on many cars is on a label in the door shut or under the bonnet. The code identifies the factory colour, but one code can come in slightly different shades, and paint ages, so the colour on the car can drift from that formula.

We match colour with the manufacturer's paint code, specialist colour mixing and a spectrophotometer. On a panel repaint the new colour is blended into the surrounding paint where it needs it, so the join is harder to see. Colour can look different outdoors than under workshop lights, so it helps to look at a repair in daylight as well.

What happens during a paint repair?

On a panel repaint, much of the work comes before the colour goes on. The area is usually cleaned and degreased and loose paint taken off, a dented panel that can be repaired is straightened and filled where needed, and the surface is sanded so the new paint has something to grip. A damaged bolt-on panel may be replaced instead. We do not cut or weld metal, so damage that needs metal cut out or welded in is outside what we do. Polishing and small touch-ups do not need all of these steps.

Primer usually goes over bare metal or filler, and plastic parts such as bumpers often need a primer made for plastic. The colour then goes on in coats, and on a base coat and clear finish, lacquer goes on top for gloss and protection. Paint makers set how long each coat is left before the next and how long the paint takes to harden fully.

All our paintwork is sprayed in our spray booth by the director, a former Aston Martin technician and painter, who is our only painter.

How long does a paint repair take?

Small jobs can sometimes be done the same day, depending on how busy we are, but allow 1 to 2 days. A full respray usually takes 3 to 7 days. The time depends on how much preparation the damage needs, how many panels are painted and the drying time of the products used.

How do I look after new paint?

When fresh paint can be washed, waxed or machine polished depends on the products used, so ask when you collect the car. Once it can be washed, use a pH-neutral shampoo, rinse off bird droppings and tree sap soon after they land, and add wax or a sealant now and then. Our paint protection and detailing service covers machine polishing and paint protection, though not ceramic coating. As with wax, ask us when protection can go on over new paint.

Can you help if I am claiming on my insurance?

We are not on any insurer's approved list, though we have repaired cars for customers claiming on their insurance. If you want us to, we can provide photographs of the damage and a quote for your insurer, and deal with the insurer about the repair. We do not decide fault or act as your insurer, solicitor or claims manager. Our insurance and accident repair support page sets out what we can help with.

Before you book, ask your insurer about the excess and what using a bodyshop you choose means for the cost. How the claim is settled is between you and your insurer, under your policy.

Choosing a bodyshop for your paint repair

When comparing quotes, check that each covers the same panels and says whether blending into the next panel is included. Our workmanship guarantee lasts 6 months from the day you collect the car.

To arrange an inspection or ask about a paint repair, call or WhatsApp +44 7903 105777, send photographs with the Send enquiry button, or use our contact form.