From Minor Scratch to Full Respray: Process Explained

First, how deep is the scratch?

A paint repair usually starts with the depth of the damage. On many modern cars the paint is built in layers: primer on the panel, a colour coat, then clear lacquer on top. A scratch that stays in the lacquer is usually the smallest job. One that reaches the colour, the primer or bare metal usually needs paint putting back, and on steel panels bare metal can start to rust if it is left.

A quick check is to run a fingernail across the mark. A scratch that catches a nail may be too deep to polish out, and if you can see primer or bare metal, it has gone through the colour. An inspection gives a firmer answer on how deep a scratch goes, and a small inspection is free.

Light scratches: polishing them out

Marks in the lacquer can sometimes be taken out with scratch removal and machine polish, from £120 plus VAT (£144 including VAT) per panel. A machine polisher and a cutting compound take off a very thin layer of lacquer to level the surface around the mark, then a finer polish can bring back the gloss. Because each polish removes a little lacquer, it suits shallow scratches.

Chips and small deep marks: touch-up

Stone chips and small marks that go through the colour can be filled with a paint touch-up, from £49 plus VAT (£58.80 including VAT). Touching in a chip helps keep water out from under the paint, though a touched-in chip may still be seen at close range.

Scuffs in one area: SMART repair

For minor scuffs and scratches confined to one small area of a panel, a SMART repair is from £75 plus VAT (£90 including VAT). A scuffed bumper corner is one example. Where damage spreads across much of a panel, painting the whole panel may give a more even finish: our single panel paint is from £150 plus VAT (£180 including VAT).

Panel repaint: preparation

When a panel needs new paint, much of the work happens before any colour goes on. The panel is usually cleaned and degreased, because wax and silicone on the surface can cause paint defects. Damaged paint is usually sanded back, a dent that can be repaired is straightened, and filler is used in low spots where needed. Primer then usually goes over bare metal and filler, to help protect the metal and give the colour an even base.

Parts that should not be painted, such as glass, trim and the rubber seals, are masked off or removed. Masking helps keep overspray off the rest of the car.

A dented panel is handled as a panel dent repair and respray. A bent panel that can be repaired is straightened, and a bolt-on panel can be replaced if it is beyond repair. We do not cut or weld metal panels, so damage that needs metal cut out or welded in is outside what we do.

Colour matching and blending

The colour starts with the vehicle maker's paint code. One code can come in slightly different shades, and paint can fade over the years, so the code alone may not match the car as it is now. 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 between new and old paint is harder to see.

Spraying and lacquer

All our paintwork is sprayed in our spray booth by the director, a former Aston Martin technician and painter, who is our only painter. The colour usually goes on in coats, and paint makers set how long each coat is left before the next. Heavy coats are more likely to run or sag.

On a base coat and clear finish, clear lacquer goes over the colour. It gives the finish its gloss and helps protect the colour from UV and the wear of weather and washing. The paint is then left to harden for the time the paint maker sets.

Full respray

When the paint has failed across the car, or you want a different colour, similar steps are carried out across the car. A full body respray is from £1,495 plus VAT (£1,794 including VAT) and usually takes 3 to 7 days. A colour change can be more work than a same-colour respray, because door shuts and inner edges may need paint too, and it is quoted after inspection. If the colour changes, the DVLA has to be told so the V5C details stay correct, and tell your insurer too.

Checking the finish

When the masking comes off, a repair is normally checked for colour, texture and dust marks against the paint around it. Small dust marks in a gloss finish can often be sanded back and polished out.

At Coventry Body Shop in Wyken, Coventry, our workmanship is guaranteed for 6 months from the day you collect the car. All prices here are from prices. The final price is confirmed after inspection, and you get a quote before any work starts, with no deposit.

Accident damage and insurance claims

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

Looking after the paint afterwards

When new paint can be waxed or machine polished depends on the products used, so ask when you collect the car. After that, wash with a pH-neutral shampoo and rinse off bird droppings and tree sap soon after they land. Our paint protection and detailing service offers machine polishing and paint protection rather than ceramic coating. As with wax, ask us when paint protection can go on over new paint.

Next steps

A small inspection is free. 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.