Bumper Repair FAQs
Dent Effect wants you to know we are all about giving you the real FAQ's when it comes to any of our services. We believe we provide the most thorough details to help answer your questions or concerns before or during your bumper or panel scratch repair. Please read about our common bumper scratch repair FAQ's below and if you feel you still need to contact us, please don't hesitate to call or email. Thank you.
What is a spot paint repair?
The “spot paint” process is the technique used to repair minor scratches on a bumper or metal panel. For "spot paint" to work those minor scrapes, stone chips, minor dings or plastic bumper scratches must to be in certain areas only. Repainting a bumper with a spot paint repair is not suggested over a complete bumper repaint, but it will save you money. Many of our clients use this bumper repair solution for their lease returns or to save money. This unique paint process allows technicians to spot blend an isolated damaged area rather than painting an entire panel. Spot paint bumper repair is suggested for damages in corners, at a bottom or next to the wheel well. We don't suggest spot paint for damages in middle of a bumper or with pearl 3 stage tri-coat paints.
Will Dent Time match the color?
Yes indeed your plastic bumper repair or panel paint repair will match like new. Every car has a factory color code. This code is used for factory color matching. Basically it works like this: # 1 - Technician takes the paint code from your vehicle and enters it into the computer (We don't ask for your paint code before we arrive - All Performed On Site!). There is special paint software which gives us a factory formula for matching your paint. However, we realize that factory color codes many times provide a color that is anywhere from a couple shades to several shades different from the original color. And the "art of color matching starts here." #2 - Our paint experts then use sample cards to ensure the best color matching possible. These very specific tinting methods are used to match new paint with older paint. We compare those color code cards to your paint. They are compared in the shade, in the sun, from different angels while using the best paint to repaint your vehicle. You can rest assure we always get your bumper back to factory color with a written lifetime warranty.
How much does bumper repair cost?
Prices for bumper, key scratches and paint repairs depend mostly on the type of repair:
A - complete bumper repaint,
B - refinishing bumper and complete bumper (this is for dents in bumpers, plastic cracks or holes)
C - spot paint repair (this is for minor scratches in corner, bottom lip or side of a bumper, near an edge of a panel or below a body line).
Once we know what kind of repair you need, what vehicle and color you have, we can give you a very accurate idea. For an accurate estimate you can also email us your photos to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes we do! We stand behind our work and guarantee your repair. Key scratches, minor fender benders and complete bumper repairs have written lifetime warranties. You are the most important part of our business, and so is your satisfaction. If there is any misunderstanding with your repair, we will correct it and make sure you are happy and a satisfied client. Here at Dent Time you are important to us and we would like to service all of your auto cosmetic needs for years to come.
How long does it take to repair my bumper or scratched panel?
Depending on the damaged bumper or panel; hole, scratch, dent, scuffs or cracks, repair time generally is between 1 1/2 - 4 hours. All performed at your home or office.
Can I wash my car after the repair?
We suggest waiting 2-3 days to wash, do not wax for 2 weeks. This is recommended so that the paint and clear coat fully cures. A friendly reminder note is given after our repair to ensure you follow these simple guidelines.
Do I need to replace my bumper?
Many times we can save you money by fixing your bumper instead of buying a new one. The cost for a new bumper varies typically from $250-$1100. Automakers like Honda, Toyota and Ford are less expensive. BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar, Range Rover are more expensive. Often bumpers have molding, spoilers or other attachments which are purchased separately and increase price significantly.
We always try to fix your bumper so we can save you money. However, if the repair will affect quality we will suggest to replace your bumper. If you need to replace your bumper, it does not come pre-painted. We will guide you to find the best option for your budget.
If we can save you money by fixing your bumper we will. So you pay only for paint and refinishing.
Can it be fixed?
Damaged that can not be repaired: A few examples are - bumper is broken in a place where it is attached to the body and the clips can not hold a bumper, the panel is too stretched or severe, bumper is textured or vehicles with unpainted bumpers. You can see some of those on Jeep Wrangler, Honda Element and then some other SUVs. Those types can be fixed but there is only a limited warranty and we suggest to replace them.
Why Touch Up Looks Bad and Why We Won't Offer it as a Stand Alone Service
Well we don't recommend you really try repairing a scratch on your car without proper training. The truth about Scratch Repair: Fact: If your scratch is past your clear coat, there is no real other way to restore your finish without repainting or performing a "spot repair". Fact: Touch up is considered "touch up." Compare touch up to putting paint on top of your paint. It won't look good and in most cases the paint does not match anyhow. Why? In most cases, in today's paint finish, auto paint is now mixed with metal flakes. These metal flakes are AKA "Metallic."But back to why it does not match. If not applied with a spray gun, the metallic paint clumps together and reflects a much different color, despite it is indeed factory touch up. Solution 1. If the paint is not through the clear coat chances are it can be color sanded (wet sanding) and buffed out. Solution 2. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail then it's past the clear in general. Unfortunately the only way (so far) to completely repair the finish is to repaint. We offer on-site mobile key scratch and bumper paint repair in San Diego. What we do in steps is to perform a SMART repair. "Small Mobile Area Repair Technology". First, we computer color generate a factory match. Second, resurface the area and prep. Next, apply primer, base coat and last, add the clear coat for a back to factory shinny look. Unfortunately there are no real in between solutions when it comes to scratch repair.