Bumper scratches and scuffs are the most common type of cosmetic damage on vehicles. A momentary brush against a parking barrier, a shopping cart nudge, or contact with another car's bumper can leave unsightly marks that make your car look neglected. The good news is that most bumper scratches and scuffs can be repaired quickly and affordably — without replacing the bumper or visiting a body shop.
Types of Bumper Scratches We Repair
Not all scratches are the same. The repair method depends on how deep the damage goes.
Clear Coat Scratches
Surface-level scratches that only affect the clear coat. Often caused by light contact or brushes. These can usually be buffed or polished out without repainting.
Paint Transfer
When another car's paint rubs onto your bumper, it looks bad but is often superficial. We remove the transferred paint and restore your bumper's original finish.
Deep Scratches
Scratches that go through the clear coat and into the color or primer layers. These require sanding, filling, and spot painting for a proper repair.
Curb Rash & Road Rash
Scraping against curbs, speed bumps, or road debris often damages the bottom edge of bumpers. We repair and repaint the affected area.
Scuffs & Abrasions
General surface scuffs from parking lot incidents, shopping carts, or minor contact. Often repairable with polishing or a light spot repair.
Keyed or Vandalism Scratches
Intentional scratches are typically deep and long. We sand, fill, and repaint the affected area to make the damage disappear.
Repair vs. Replace: When Is Scratch Repair Enough?
In the vast majority of cases, bumper scratches can be repaired without replacing the bumper. Repair is the right choice when the underlying plastic is intact and the damage is cosmetic. We'll always recommend the most cost-effective option and let you know upfront if a repair will produce a great result or if more extensive work is needed.
How We Repair Bumper Scratches
- Assess the depth and extent of the damage
- Clean the area thoroughly to remove contaminants
- For surface scratches: compound, polish, and buff to restore the finish
- For deeper scratches: sand, prime, color-match, and repaint the affected area
- Apply clear coat for protection and blend into the surrounding paint
- Final inspection and polish for a seamless result
Why Choose Mobile Scratch Repair?
Body shops often charge a premium for minor scratch repairs because they have overhead to cover. Our mobile service keeps costs low, and we specialize in exactly this type of work. Most bumper scratch repairs take 1–3 hours and cost a fraction of what a body shop would charge for the same result.
📸 Snap a Photo, Get an Estimate
Not sure if your scratch can be buffed out or needs repainting? Text us a photo and we'll tell you — plus give you a free estimate.
📸 Text Us Photos 📞 Call (704) 400-7650