What panel beating involves

The steps below are typical for body damage. A small dent may need only a few of them, while a heavy collision can need all of them and more.

Assess and strip back

The damage is inspected and trim, lights or panels are removed where needed. This shows what is hiding underneath, and it is often where the real extent of a repair becomes clear.

Repair or replace

Damaged metal can often be worked back into shape by hand, using hammers and dollies to ease out dents and creases. Where a panel is too badly damaged, or a repair would not hold up, it is replaced instead.

Welding

Replacement panels and structural repairs can need welding, and modern car bodies are particular about how it is done. Our GYS welding machines are certified for use on Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda vehicles.

Prepare the surface

Paint shows everything underneath it, so the repaired area is smoothed, primed and sanded before any colour goes on. This stage is slow, and it is a big part of why a repair looks right afterwards.

Paint

The colour is matched and sprayed, followed by a clear coat. We use Standox water-based paint for refinishing, which uses water rather than solvent as the main carrier for the colour coat.

Put it back together

Everything removed goes back on, the panel gaps and finish are checked, and the car is cleaned ready for collection.

How long does it take?

It depends on the damage and on parts availability, so we would rather give you a realistic timeframe with your quote than a promise we cannot keep. For a claim, see how an insurance repair works.