Scratches, Scuffs, and Dings—Handled with Care
Not every dent qualifies for paintless repair. Some are just a little too deep, have chipped the paint, or show signs of stretching. That’s where small dent repair comes in.
At Collision Specialists in Tacoma, we handle minor body damage that still needs a paint touch-up or a little filler to make it right. Whether it’s a door ding with scratched paint or a scuff on the rear quarter panel, we’ll take care of it without making it a big production.
What Counts as a “Small Dent?”
A small dent doesn’t mean a small problem—especially when it’s in a spot you see every time you get in the car.
We classify small dents as:
- Dents smaller than a basketball
- Minor creases that disrupt panel lines
- Dings with light to moderate paint damage
- Scuffs or gouges that don’t go through the metal
In many cases, these are the kinds of repairs where Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) just won’t cut it—but a full collision repair job would be overkill.
Our Small Dent Repair Process
Every job starts with a close inspection. If we can go paintless, we will. But when the paint is chipped, we’ll prep the area, fill if needed, and repaint with a blend that matches your original finish down to the flake.
Our techs have years of experience in:
- Precise sanding and filler work
- Panel line correction
- Spot and panel blending
- Color match and finishing
We don’t just slap paint on and call it done—we restore the contour and flow so it looks right from every angle.
DIY Fix or Professional Repair?
You’ve probably seen suction cup tools, boiling water tricks, or off-the-shelf repair kits online. They might work in some cases, but when paint is involved—or when the panel has even a slight crease—those methods usually make it worse.
If the finish matters, or you’re hoping to keep your vehicle in great condition, let us take a look first. We can usually tell you what it’ll take with a quick in-person check or a few photos.
Dent Prevention Tips
You can’t avoid every stray cart or door ding, but here are a few ways to lower your chances:
- Park at the edge of lots or near curbs to limit exposure
- Skip tight spots in crowded garages or holiday mall traffic
- Avoid parking near older vehicles with visible body damage
- Be cautious of tree sap and low-hanging branches
And if you’ve got kids, maybe hand them the cart after they’re buckled in.
When to Fix (and When to Wait)
We get it—sometimes you want to wait until you’ve got a few dents before making the trip. But if the damage involves exposed metal or cracked paint, it’s best not to let it sit too long. Rust can creep in fast in the Pacific Northwest.
We’re not here to upsell you on every little scuff. We’ll give you an honest assessment, let you know what’s worth fixing now, and what can wait.
Common Questions About Small Dent Repair
Is small dent repair the same as paintless dent repair?
No. Small dent repair often involves repainting and sometimes filler. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) works only when the paint is intact and the dent can be reshaped from behind the panel. We’ll let you know which option makes more sense for your specific damage.
Can you match my paint color exactly?
Yes. We use professional color-matching tools and blend the paint carefully so the repair disappears into the rest of your vehicle. Matching modern finishes—especially metallics and pearls—takes experience, and our team has it.
How long does a small dent repair take?
It depends on the size and location, but most small dent repairs are done within one or two business days. If we need to order specialty paint or parts, we’ll let you know up front.
Will insurance cover it?
Sometimes. If the dent was caused by an accident or covered event, your policy might pay for part or all of the repair. Click here to learn more about using insurance.
Is it worth fixing small dents?
If you care about the appearance of your vehicle or plan to sell or trade it in down the road, yes. Small dents can hurt resale value and lead to corrosion if left untreated.
Ready to Get Those Dents Taken Care Of?
Give us a call or fill out the form in the sidebar. You can even text or email a photo if you’re not sure what kind of repair you need. We’ll let you know if it’s something quick and easy—or if paintless dent repair is a better fit.
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