Cost-effective ways to repair car dents and paint scratches

Driving in heavy traffic and chaotic roads can lead to unwanted dents and scratches. The cost of repairing these dents and paint scratches can be frustrating. However, with the right approach, you can handle most of these issues with simple techniques using everyday household items. Our guide explains cost-effective car denting and painting methods for you.

Assess dent or scratch damage

It is imperative to identify the nature of the damage, the kind of scratch or dent, before addressing the issue.

Identify the severity

Check how severe the dents or scratches are because some could be minor, while others may need serious attention.

• Minor Dents and Scratches: These are surface-level scratches that have not penetrated the paint.
• Major Dents and Deep Scratches: These are deep deformations that chip the painted layer, exposing the metal body underneath.

Tools and materials needed for denting and painting at home

Before performing any car denting repairs, gather the right tools and materials. This will ensure a more efficient and safe repair process. A basic dent repair kit must include the following:

• Plunger
• Boiling water
• Glue gun
• Empty plastic bottle
• Toothpaste
• Scratch removal kit
• Microfiber cloths
• Sandpaper
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses

You must follow these safety precautions while repairing dents on your car:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area
• Wear gloves and safety glasses
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the hand brake is engaged.

Cost-effective dent repair methods

There are many cost-effective car dent repair methods, and here are some that you can even do at your home:

Dent repair by using a plunger

A plunger is mostly used to remove minor dents from your car. Follow these steps to repair the dent using a plunger:

• First, you need to clean any dirt or debris from the dented area
• Now put some water on the dent and the plunger cup
• Place the plunger over the dent and push it into place
• Now pull the plunger and see the dent popping back to normal
• It may require repeated multiple attempts to pull out the dent; however, it must be performed with care as over stretching the metal can damage the paint.

Boiling water technique to repair dent

Another method to repair dents is the boiling water technique. Here’s how it can be performed.

• Boil water in a saucepan
• Pour the boiling water over the dent to make the plastic more flexible
• Reach behind the dent and push it out from the inside
• In the case of a metal surface, pouring boiling water will expand the metal, and it will rebound to retain its shape.

Glue and bottle method to repair dent

This is also a simple method for removing dents on your car. Here is how it is performed.

• Put some glue from a glue gun on the bottle cap and stick it on the dented surface.
• Now screw the plastic bottle on the glued cap and pull it back firmly 
• Repeat it multiple times until the dent is repaired completely
• Remove the glue from the car surface with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.

Cost-effective car scratch removal methods

There are some cost-effective scratch removal techniques that you can use to remove scratches on your car.

Remove scratch by toothpaste

You can use toothpaste to remove minor scratches which did not penetrate the clear coat. Here is how it is done,

• Clean the scratched area
• Apply toothpaste on the scratch
• Rub the toothpaste with your finger or microfibre cloth in circular motion for about 3 to 5 minutes
• Wipe the surface with a damp microfibre cloth
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Scratch removal kit

You can purchase scratch removal kits from local shops or online retailers. These are designed to remove minor scratches at home. All you have to do is follow the instructions provided in the kit and remove scratches from your car.

Touch-Up paint

You will need touch-up paints for deeper scratches that penetrate the clear coat. This also comes as a complete kit with instructions to add a professional touch. However, you have to be careful in selecting the colour that matches exactly your car’s paint.

Denting and painting by professional car car workshop

Most cost-effective methods are only good for minor dents and scratches, while the major ones would require professional assistance. Expert car denting and painting service providers like FourDoor can offer specialised repairs at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion

It is difficult to find time to repair minor dents and scratches. Therefore, you can utilise these cost-effective techniques for the job. You have to be careful when performing these methods at home. For major dents and deep scratches, we recommend taking your vehicle to a professional body shop for car denting and painting services.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to fix a scratch and dent?
The cost to fix a scratch or dent on a car completely depends on the severity of the scratches and dents and the quality of work of the professional body shop.

Q. How do you fix a dent and paint scratch on a car?
To repair minor dents, you can use a plunger or boiling water method. Use the toothpaste method or scratch removal kits for minor scratches. Major dents and scratches may require a professional repair.

Q. Is it worth fixing dents in a car?
Yes, fixing dents can prevent further damage, maintain the car's appearance, and preserve its resale value. Additionally, cars with major dents and damage can affect the vehicle’s safety and crashworthiness.

Q. How much does it cost to fix a dented and scratched bumper?
The cost to fix completely depends on the severity of the scratches and dents on the bumpers and the quality of work of the professional body shop.