Repair-and-Repaint

Repair-and-repaint is a term which is borrowed from the insurance industry to classify a repair as needing to go to a bodyshop when the panel will usually be repaired (rather than replaced) and the area resprayed to match the original paintwork. This will mean the damaged area is pushed back into shape with panel beating, filled, primed and repainted.

When we assess scuffs and scratches to a car, we have to decided if it can be repaired by polishing (paintwork correction), flat and polish, cosmetic repair or repair-and-repaint. If it is a case that the damage needs a repair-and-repaint, depending on the location, it might be possible to use smart repair rather than sending it to a bodyshop.

What it means

Repair and repaint is the option used when damage is too deep or extensive to be solved by polishing. Instead of trying to save the original finish, the technician repairs the panel with processes such as straightening, filling and sanding, applies fresh primer, then resprays new colour and clearcoat. The goal is to restore shape, colour and gloss so the repaired area blends in with the rest of the car.

Why it matters

• Tackles damage polishing cannot fix: Deep scratches through the colour, dents, gouges, rust and heavy peeling clearcoat are all beyond machine polishing and need proper repair and repaint.
• Restores structure as well as appearance: Where panels are dented or corroded, repair and repaint can put strength and protection back, not just shine.
• Defines cost and expectations: There is a big difference in price and time between light paint correction and full repair and repaint, so knowing which is needed avoids false expectations.
• Important for leases and resale: On lease returns or high value cars, visible damage that really needs repair and repaint can affect charges and resale value if it is left or only polished over.

Where you’ll see it

You will see repair and repaint listed on bodyshop estimates, smart repair assessments and inspection reports. Typical phrases include repair and repaint offside rear door, repair and respray bumper corner, or repair and repaint bonnet due to stone chip damage. It is often contrasted with machine polish only or touch-in and polish on less serious defects.

Context

Repair and repaint sits at the heavier end of the scale, beyond detailing and paint correction. Detailers can improve swirl marks, light scratches and staining by polishing the existing clearcoat. Once damage reaches through the clearcoat into colour, primer or metal, there is only so much clearcoat you can safely remove, and at some point repainting becomes the sensible option. In between, smart repair techniques may allow smaller localised repair and repaint rather than full-panel resprays, depending on colour, location and quality requirements.

Common mistakes

• Expecting deep scratches, dents or peeling clearcoat to be fixed by polishing alone when they really need repair and repaint.
• Choosing the cheapest repair and repaint option without considering colour match, blend areas and long term durability.
• Only repairing and repainting one isolated panel in a heavily damaged area when adjacent panels are also marked and will let the overall finish down.
• Delaying necessary repair and repaint on exposed metal, allowing corrosion to spread under the surrounding paintwork.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 21/11/2025 15:02