Lee Robins, a Jim’s Scratch & Dent technician from Jim’s Group, repaired a small scratch and dent on the back of a BYD Ute tray by refinishing the full quarter panel. The scratch was repaired, the panel was repainted with a pearl finish, then polished to a like-new result in one appointment. Here’s the step-by-step process, what makes a pro finish different, and what mobile scratch and dent repair typically costs in Australia.
Watch the video above, or keep reading to see how this job was completed.
Why Small Scratches And Dents Can Still Need A Full Panel Paint
The BYD Ute had “a small scratch and dent on the back of the tray”. The damage looked minor, but Lee still chose to “paint the whole quarter panel”.
That choice comes down to finish quality.
On a large, flat panel, a small touch-up can leave a visible blend line. Pearl finishes make that risk higher because the pearl layer changes how the colour reads, so you struggle with two common issues:
- The low spot stays slightly visible once the light hits it.
- Wax, grease, or polish residue sits on the paint and causes adhesion problems.
If the damage sits in a highly visible area, a professional repair often saves you from chasing a patchy result.
How Professional Scratch And Dent Repair Is Done
Lee’s process was straightforward: find the low spot, prep the panel, colour match, paint, then polish.
Sand Back To Find The Low Spot
Lee began sanding so he could “see where the low spot is”. Once the surface was knocked back, the edge showed up more clearly, which helps you correct the shape before painting.
Prep The Quarter Panel With 1000 Grit
Next, Lee sanded the whole panel with “a 1000 grit” to prep for paint. Even prep across the panel supports a consistent final finish when you repaint the full quarter panel.
Clean With Prep Sol So Paint Bonds Properly
Lee also used “a Prep Sol to just clean the surface at the same time,” so he wasn’t “painting over any wax or grease or anything else”. This step reduces common paint issues like fish-eyes and poor adhesion.
Mix Paint Using The Cyrox Paint System
Lee explained that “the software for the Cyrox paint system tells you exactly which colours to add and how much of it”. That system-based mixing helps colour match, especially on newer vehicles where factory colours can be complex.
Apply The Down Coat, Then The Pearl
Lee described the paint layers simply: “That’s the down coat, and then you put the pearl on top.” Pearl coats need even application, or the repaired area can look different at certain angles.
Polish To Finish
To close out the job, Lee confirmed: “The scratch has been repaired, the quarter panel’s been painted, and we’ve polished it off to finish”.
For a similar job, check what’s included in Jim’s Scratch & Dent panel scratch and scuff repair service.
What Changed After The Repair
The aim of scratch and dent repair is simple: make the damage disappear without leaving a “repair spot”.
This job finished with a full quarter panel refinish, then a final polish. Lee’s verdict was clear: “It’s looking like new”.
How Much Does Mobile Scratch And Dent Repair Cost In Australia?
Costs vary based on damage depth, paint type, and whether a small area or a full panel refinish is required.
A realistic guide for Australia:
- Minor scratch repair: around $150 to $350
- Panel blend and respray: around $400 to $800
- Repairs that need repainting after dent work: from around $885+
- Average scratch repair spend: roughly $416 to $773
For a small scratch and dent where the technician repaints an entire quarter panel and applies a pearl finish, a realistic range often sits around $500 to $1,200.
Price drivers include:
- Pearl or metallic paint (harder to match)
- How deep the scratch runs (clear coat vs base coat)
- Panel size and how much sanding and prep the area needs
FAQ: Mobile Scratch And Dent Repair
Sometimes. Small, localised damage can suit a smaller repair. On big flat panels, or when the finish includes pearl, repainting the full panel can look cleaner.
Many mobile repairs are quoted in a 1 to 4 hour range, and most vehicles can be driven within 1 to 2 hours after the repair is finished.
Yes, if you have a private driveway or a car park with power access and a clear area of about 2 metres for the repair work.
Mobile repairs generally cannot be done in underground car parks or on public roads.
Yes. Repairs come with an automatic five-year guarantee, and Jim’s Group backs franchisee work through the Jim’s Group Work Guarantee.
Book A Jim’s Scratch & Dent Repair
To book:
- Get started with a Jim’s Scratch & Dent free estimate.
- Call 131 546 and ask for Scratch & Dent.
Jim’s Scratch & Dent service areas keep expanding across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, and more. Call 131 546 or use the estimate form to confirm current coverage.
If the damage sits on plastic rather than metal, start with Jim’s Scratch & Dent bumper bar repairs.
You’re also covered by the Jim’s Group Work Guarantee.
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