Scratch & Chip Repair

When you find a key scratch on your car door or a rock chip on the hood, that damage is more than an eyesore. It exposes the bare metal or plastic beneath the paint. Moisture and road salt can creep in, causing the paint to lift and rust to form. Homeowners call us because they want the damage gone before it spreads.

We start by cleaning the area with a wax and grease remover. Then we sand the damaged paint with fine-grit paper, feathering the edges so the new paint blends smoothly. After that, we apply a thin layer of primer, let it flash, then spray color in light coats, followed by a clear coat. We use a blending solvent on the clear to merge it into the surrounding finish.

The cost depends on how deep the scratch is and how many panels it crosses. A single chip on a flat hood is quick to fill and sand. A scratch that runs across a door edge or a curved fender takes more time because we have to mask and blend carefully. The paint color also matters: metallic or tri-coat finishes require extra layers and drying time between coats.

On the day of the repair, we park your car in our booth or a clean bay. We tape off the area tightly and cover nearby parts with plastic sheeting. After the paint cures, we wet-sand and buff the repair to match the gloss. You don't need to do anything beforehand, just bring the car clean. Afterward, avoid washing the car or parking in direct sun for 24 hours to let the paint fully harden.