If you’ve noticed a deep scratch on your car’s paint, you may be wondering if it’s worth taking it to an auto body shop for repair. While it’s possible to fix some minor scratches at home, deep scratches that penetrate the clear coat or reach the primer often require professional attention. Auto body shops have the expertise, tools, and materials to restore your car’s finish and protect it from further damage.
How Auto Body Shops Fix Deep Scratches
When you bring your car to an auto body shop for a deep scratch repair, they will typically follow these steps:
The area around the scratch is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or grime that could interfere with the repair process.
Technicians will sand down the scratch, prime the area, and fill in any gaps or dents as needed.
An undercoat is applied and allowed to dry completely.
New paint is carefully applied in thin layers, with drying time in between each coat.
The repaired area is buffed to blend the new paint seamlessly with the existing paint on your car.
A clear top coat is sprayed on for added protection and shine.
Cost of Professional Scratch Repair
The cost of having a deep scratch repaired by an auto body shop can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the amount of time required to complete the repair. On average, you can expect to pay:
$150 to $300 for a clear coat scratch
$500 to $2,000 for a primer scratch
Up to $3,500 for a deep paint scratch
While these prices may seem high, it’s important to remember that professional repair shops use high-quality materials and have the expertise to restore your car’s finish to its original condition. Attempting a DIY repair with cheap touch-up paint may save you money in the short term, but it’s unlikely to produce the same long-lasting, professional-looking results.
If you have a deep scratch on your car, don’t hesitate to take it to a reputable auto body shop for a free estimate. Many shops offer lifetime guarantees on their work, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands.