Dent & Scratch Repair


It’s happened to all of us. Maybe a rock flew up and hit your door, or you clipped the mailbox coming down the driveway. Whatever happened, now there’s a dent or scratch. Fortunately, vehicle dent and scratch repair can erase the damage like it was never there.


What Is Vehicle Dent and Scratch Repair?


Dents and scratches affect vehicles all the time. They may come from minor collisions, door dings, or everyday wear and tear. While they may seem minor, over time, damage collects moisture and debris, leading to rust or further damage.


Dent and scratch repair involves smoothing, reshaping, and repairing minor damage like scrapes and dings. A qualified auto body repair technician from Wayne Val Autobody corrects the damage and refinishes the surface, leaving your vehicle good as new.

Blue car fender with several dents, reflecting sky and trees.

How Dent and Scratch Repair Works


Whether you need a full collision repair or a small paint chip repair, scratch and dent removal from an auto body shop like Wayne Val Autobody can make your auto body look good as new.


1. Assessment of Damage


First, your Wayne Val Autobody repair expert will assess the damage. They’ll determine how severe the damage is, what kind of repair is needed, and what techniques will be most effective based on the depth and location.


2. Cleaning the Area


Before the damage can be fixed, the area must be thoroughly cleaned. This removes any dirt, debris, wax, or other substances that may interfere with the repair and prevent tools or sealants from adhering properly.


3. Vehicle Dent Removal


Once the area is clean, your Wayne Val Autobody expert will perform one of two types of dent removal services.


Paintless Dent Repair


For a minor dent repair with no damage to the existing paint, the technician will do a paintless dent repair. This involves massaging the dent to restore the original shape without damaging the paint.


Traditional Dent Repair


For a larger or more severe dent, an automotive dent repair is a little more intensive. Wayne Val Autobody’s repair expert reshapes the dent, then fills in the damage with body filler, sands the surface smooth, and repaints the area to match the rest of the body.


4. Vehicle Scratch Repair


For a proper vehicle paint scratch fix, scratches must first be sanded down to smooth out the surrounding paint and metal. This helps ensure a smooth finish when repainted. If the scratch is particularly deep, your Wayne Val Autobody technician may also apply fillers to level out the scratch and restore the original shape of the panel.


5. Priming and Painting


Once all dents and scratches have been smoothed out, it’s time for a vehicle paint restoration. First, a primer is applied to ensure the color will adhere correctly and be as smooth and vibrant as possible. Next, a Wayne Val Autobody expert will match the exact color of your vehicle’s existing paint for a seamless blend with the rest of the paint job. Finally, the color-matched paint is applied to the repair and left to dry.


6. Clear Coat and Finishing


Once the fresh paint is dry, a fresh, clear coat is applied to protect the repair and give your vehicle a glossy, factory-fresh finish. Once the clear coat is dry, the Wayne Val Autobody technician will give the area a quick inspection and polish to ensure the repair is flawless.


7. Final Inspection


The last step in the repair process is a final inspection. The damaged area is thoroughly checked to confirm that the dent or scratch is completely gone and the new coating blends seamlessly. Once the vehicle damage repair is complete, you shouldn’t be able to tell there was damage at all.


When Should You Invest in Dent and Scratch Repair?


Vehicles get little dings, scratches, and dents all the time. If it is barely noticeable, you may wonder if it’s worth repairing. But even the smallest damage can cause problems later.


Vehicle paint protects the body from rust or damage. With dents or scratches, moisture and debris can get in and damage the body. As more damage occurs, more water can get in under the paint, and before you know it, that tiny scratch can become a huge hole.


As soon as you notice a dent or scratch, take it to Wayne Val Autobody for inspection and repair. This prevents further damage and protects the vehicle's lifespan and overall value.


Make Your Vehicle Look Like New at Wayne Val Autobody


If you’re looking for a vehicle body shop to fix your dents and scratches, look no further than Wayne Val Autobody. We’ve been smoothing out damage for our Little Canada, MN drivers since 1969. Bring it to our shop at 97 S Owasso Blvd W, Little Canada, MN 55117 for your next bodywork repair, or call (651) 483-4493 to schedule an appointment.