Paint Scratch Repair
Paint scratch repair is a form of SMART repair used to restore a car's paintwork following surface scratches, key marks, stone chips, or other localised paint damage. The repair process involves cleaning the affected area, priming, applying colour-matched paint, and lacquering to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface. It costs £80-£200 in the UK depending on the length and depth of the scratch, and takes 1 to 3 hours. With Dentscout, send a photo on WhatsApp and get up to three quotes from verified mobile technicians who come to you, no garage visit required.
Surface scratches, key marks and paint chips repaired on-site. Send a photo on WhatsApp and get up to three quotes from verified mobile technicians who come to you.
What is Paint Scratch Repair?
Paint scratch repair is a form of SMART repair (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) used to restore a vehicle's paintwork following surface scratches, key marks, stone chips, or other paint damage. The repair process depends on the depth of the scratch. Surface scratches affecting only the clear coat layer can sometimes be polished out. Scratches that penetrate the colour coat or primer require more involved repair, typically involving cleaning, priming, colour-matched repainting, and lacquering of the affected area. A mobile SMART technician carries out paint scratch repairs on-site at the customer's location. Paint scratch repair is distinct from paintless dent repair (PDR), which addresses panel dents without paint damage.
Is Paint Scratch Repair Right for Your Car?
Suitable for
- Surface scratches in the clear coat layer
- Key marks and deliberate scratches
- Stone chips exposing primer or bare metal
- Scratches on doors, bonnets, boot lids, and wings
- Small areas of paint damage up to approximately 300mm in length
Not suitable for
- Rust that has developed beneath the paint surface
- Large-scale paint damage requiring full panel respray
- Scratches combined with significant panel deformation
- Damage on areas with complex curves difficult to blend
Not sure if your damage qualifies? Message Dentscout on WhatsApp with a photo, we'll give you an honest answer.
How Dentscout Works for Paint Scratch Repair
Message us on WhatsApp
Send us a photo of the damage and your location. It takes about 60 seconds.
Get up to three quotes
Verified technicians who cover your area send their quotes, usually within the hour. Compare them and choose one.
Repaired at your door
Pay a deposit to book, and your technician carries out the repair at your home or workplace. You pay the balance directly to them. No garage visit needed.
How Much Does Paint Scratch Repair Cost?
The cost of paint scratch repair in the UK typically ranges from £80 to £200 depending on the length and depth of the scratch, the number of scratches being repaired, the location on the vehicle, and the paint type and colour. A single surface scratch up to approximately 100mm in length typically costs between £80 and £120 to repair. Deeper scratches, key marks, or multiple scratches in the same area may cost between £120 and £200. Metallic and pearl paint colours require more precise colour matching and blending, which can affect the price. Message Dentscout on WhatsApp with a photo of the damage for a free, no-obligation quote.
Looking for pricing in a specific city? See our local guides:
How Paint Scratch Repair Providers Compare
Here is how the main mobile paint scratch repair providers in the UK compare on the factors that matter most.
| Dentscout | Axioma | The SMART Repair People | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint scratch repair offered | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key mark repair offered | Yes, covered within SMART repair | Yes, listed as a named service | Yes, listed as a named service |
| How to get a quote | WhatsApp, up to 3 quotes within the hour | Online form | Online form, email quote usually within an hour |
| Typical cost | £80-£200 | £160-£230 for panel damage per FAQ | Not published, price confirmed in quote |
| Colour matching | Yes | Yes, spectrophotometer used | Yes |
| Repair location | Home, workplace, or anywhere convenient | Home or workplace | Home or workplace |
| Technician verification | ID, trade qualification, insurance & past-work check | Hand-picked by community managers | Not specified publicly |
| Free to enquire | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Axioma's FAQ states panel damage costs of £160-£230. Dentscout's published range starts at £80 for shorter surface scratches. Both Axioma and The SMART Repair People list keyed car repair as a separate named service; Dentscout covers this within its SMART repair offering. Information checked 30 August 2026.
Primary sources: Axioma service and pricing page, The SMART Repair People service page. Competitor information is a dated snapshot and should be checked on the linked provider page before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Scratch Repair
Ready to Book Your
Paint Scratch Repair?
Message Dentscout on WhatsApp and get up to three quotes within the hour. No obligation. No garage visit. Just a fast, fair repair.
No obligation. No garage visit.
Up to three quotes, usually within the hour.
Serving the whole of the UK.