Can Auto Body Shops Fix Scratches?
Everything You Need to Know About Professional Scratch Repair
It feels great driving in a spotless vehicle. However, discovering some uneven marks or scratches is a frustrating sight. Many drivers wonder if an auto body shop can fix scratches or if they should try DIY.
No worries; it's a simple procedure. As you continue reading this guide, you will have all the answers to get your car looking sparkling again.
Yes, Auto Body Shops Fix Scratches
Reputable auto body shops are specialists in handling all kinds of scratches—from surface marks to deep paint damage that exposes metal.
Whether it's a big mark, a brush against a wall, or a driver brushing against your car in the parking lot, a specialized auto body shop will restore everything, leaving no traces.
Types of Car Scratches
Not all car scratches are the same. Sometimes, what you see as a big scratch may just be a minor one. Let's break it down.
Clear Coat Scratches
A vehicle's paint has at least three layers. The clear coat is the last layer on the surface. Clear coat scratches are concerned with shallow marks that are easier to fix with polishing.
Paint Scratches
Paint Scratches are about the second layer. So, when your car gets a paint scratch, it has gone a little deeper into the second color layer. Repainting is the ideal way to fix such.
Primer or Metal-Deep Scratches
This is the bottom layer of paint, the foundation just before a vehicle's metal. Primer scratches are extreme paint damage. They require sanding, priming, and repainting to protect the car from more typical damage (corrosion).
So, knowing what type of paint damage you're dealing with helps you apply the best repair procedures and cost.
How Reputable Auto Body Shops Fix Scratches
Fixing scratches on a vehicle follows a systematic pattern that simplifies the whole job. Here's the step-by-step process:
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Inspection
A careful and detailed examination of the scratches and type.
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Sanding
Sanding is a proven process used by experts to clear (buff out) the vehicle's rough surface and make it smooth and ready for the next stage of repair.
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Filling & Priming
For deep scratches that expose the metal, auto body experts use auto body fillers to fill the gaps or holes for a smooth foundation.
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Painting
Reputable auto body shops don't just apply paint randomly. Because most paint jobs are an imperfect blend of colors. It is why reputable auto body shops use computerized color-matching machines to achieve a precise paint blend.
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Clear Coating & Polishing
This is the final process. It helps restore the sparkle and blend the finish perfectly.
When to Visit a Body Shop Instead of DIY
When you've gotten shallow scratches, you can buy a DIY scratch repair kit and fix them.
Visit a body shop when the scratch goes beyond the clear coat, and the bare metal or base coat (primer) is visible. It maintains resale value and improves long-term safety.
DIY fixes may hold for a little while, but professional repair plays the long-term game.
How Much Does Scratch Repair Cost?
Minor Surface Scratches
$50 - $100+
Depending on location and scratch severity
Deep Paint or Panel Repair
$300 - $1,000
Depending on severity and paint quality
Note: It's much cheaper and safer to fix scratches early when discovered.
Partner with Regal Repair for Scratch Repair
- At Regal Repair, our technicians are OEM-trained and highly experienced in quality scratch repair.
- Our facility is equipped with advanced paint-matching and refinishing equipment.
- Lastly, but not least, we offer affordable rates for scratch repairs.
Let's help you make the scratches vanish as if they never happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can auto body shops fix all types of car scratches?
Absolutely, good auto body shops are aimed at fixing all kinds of scratches. Whether it is clear coat scratches on the surface or deep paint and primer damage that shows the metal, auto body shops handle them professionally and give your car back in a factory-like shape and look.
2. How much does it cost to repair scratches?
Small scratches on the surface usually cost between $50 and $100 to fix, while more serious repairs, including paint or panel damage, can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $1,000.
3. When should I visit an auto body shop instead of trying to fix scratches myself?
If scratches go through the clear coat and show the metal or primer, or if the damage is too deep, it's better to take your car to a specialist to make sure it gets fixed right and keeps its resale value and safety.
Get Professional Scratch Repair Today
Yes, reputable auto body shops are equipped with the right resources, skills, and facilities to repair any scratch. The sooner you get to them, the better your car will look.
Schedule Your Scratch Repair Today
