Why does it cost so much to Fix a scratch?
We are often asked why, what looks like a small scratch, can
lead to bills exceeding triple figures. Some customers jump to the conclusion
that some bodyshops are over charging. This is further mitigated when a Mobile
repairer or a less established repairer wants half.
So, what makes repair process in the preferable high-quality
shop cost more? Let’s have a look.
Removal and Re-fit
Any trims, moulding’s, badges, handles are removed from the vehicle. In most
cases, badges and mouldings that are bonded on are single use only, and
therefore require replacement.
This is to allow for thorough sanding and preparation to the panel, stop any overspray on parts and the possibility of paint peeling away at these contact points.
This is to allow for thorough sanding and preparation to the panel, stop any overspray on parts and the possibility of paint peeling away at these contact points.
Preparation
In most cases, a scratch will need to be sanded approximately 4inches back, primed and block sanded. Often, there is a dent or crease in the panel that the customer may not have noticed but the professional knew was there. This requires additional time to repair and further preparation. Once this has been addressed, the entire panel needs to be sanded.
If you have a metallic, pearl or unusual colour vehicle, there may be a requirement to blend all adjacent panels to the panel that has been scratched. This will lead to further dismantling and preparation of these panels.
In most cases, a scratch will need to be sanded approximately 4inches back, primed and block sanded. Often, there is a dent or crease in the panel that the customer may not have noticed but the professional knew was there. This requires additional time to repair and further preparation. Once this has been addressed, the entire panel needs to be sanded.
If you have a metallic, pearl or unusual colour vehicle, there may be a requirement to blend all adjacent panels to the panel that has been scratched. This will lead to further dismantling and preparation of these panels.
I have written a separate article on ‘Blending’, which will
go into further detail.
All this is required for a completely undetectable repair. I make no qualms that it can be done cheaper, however these jobs are not designed to last. The colour may match at first, but the quick drying can lead to orange peel, paint runs and paint that fades over a period.
All this is required for a completely undetectable repair. I make no qualms that it can be done cheaper, however these jobs are not designed to last. The colour may match at first, but the quick drying can lead to orange peel, paint runs and paint that fades over a period.
Painting
One of the quickest procedures is the painting itself, being completed in an hour or so in most cases.
Metallic cars will generally have two coats, a base coat, that has the colour and metallic flake. Then a clear coat of lacquer seals this in.
Cars with pearlescent finish will often have at least three coats of paint.
Any paint imperfections are removed with a flat sand and polishing process, giving the best possible finish.
One of the quickest procedures is the painting itself, being completed in an hour or so in most cases.
Metallic cars will generally have two coats, a base coat, that has the colour and metallic flake. Then a clear coat of lacquer seals this in.
Cars with pearlescent finish will often have at least three coats of paint.
Any paint imperfections are removed with a flat sand and polishing process, giving the best possible finish.
Re-Assembly
Once the paint is dry, the vehicle can be re-assembled moulding/badges stuck on, cleaned and ready to hand back to the customer.
Once the paint is dry, the vehicle can be re-assembled moulding/badges stuck on, cleaned and ready to hand back to the customer.
Materials and
Rates
Materials are a small portion of the total invoice. Being quite a labour-intensive process. Most good body shops charge just £45.00 per hour for mainstream vehicles, prestige being a little more. Mechanical shops often exceed £100.00 per hour.
Materials are a small portion of the total invoice. Being quite a labour-intensive process. Most good body shops charge just £45.00 per hour for mainstream vehicles, prestige being a little more. Mechanical shops often exceed £100.00 per hour.
To lessen the costs, some repairers will use cheap products,
cut corners, paint cars outside, mask mouldings, bake using lamps rather than
using an expensive oven.
In conclusion then, in most cases, as in life, you pay for
what you get.
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