Scratch and dent repair: a simple guide

Types of scratch

The right repair depends on how deep the scratch goes. Modern paint is built up in layers — clear lacquer on top, colour beneath, then primer and the metal panel.

• Surface or clear-coat scratches — only the lacquer is marked. These can often be machine-polished out without any repainting.
• Scratches through to the colour or primer — these need filling, priming and a repaint of the affected area, then fresh lacquer.
• Scratches down to bare metal — these expose the panel and should be treated promptly to keep moisture out, then primed and refinished.

Types of dent

Dents fall into two broad groups, and the paint condition is what matters most:

• Dents with the paint intact — the metal is pushed in but unbroken. These are the best candidates for a clean repair without repainting.
• Creased or cracked dents — sharp folds or split paint mean the panel needs filling and refinishing, sometimes a section reshaped.

How each one is repaired

Once we know what we are dealing with, the method follows:

• Paintless dent removal where the paint is unbroken — the dent is gently worked out from behind, keeping your original factory finish.
• Fill, prime, repaint and lacquer for deeper dents or scratches that have gone through the paint.
• Smart repair for small, localised marks — a faster, targeted fix for scuffs, chips and minor scratches rather than a whole panel.

You can see the full breakdown on our scratch and dent repair page, alongside our other services.

Colour matching and bumper scuffs

Where repainting is needed, getting the colour right is everything. We match to your car's paint code and tint the mix so the repaired area blends with the surrounding panels — important on metallics and pearls, which shift in different light.

One thing worth flagging: bumpers are usually a separate job. They are plastic rather than metal, flex on impact and are refinished differently, so a kerbed or scuffed bumper is quoted on its own. We cover that under bumper repairs. Drivers across Edmonton and North London bring us everything from a single door scratch to multiple panels.

Getting a quick quote

What is realistically possible — and the price — depends on the damage, the paint, any parts and a proper look at the car. The fastest way to find out is to send photos for a quote, and we will come back with a no-obligation guide estimate.