How are the repairs carried out?

Our van is effectively a mobile panel shop. To a large extent we repair the damage the same way a panel shop will. The damaged area is cleaned and repaired, major dents being reduced as much as possible by panel beating. Minor dents, deep scratches and gouges are repaired with body filler. The damaged area once smoothed and restored to its original contours is then primed and colour-matched, before top-coating with a fast-drying clear coat that is dust dry in two minutes. The finish is identical to the factory finish and may be treated in exactly the same way once fully cured. The major difference between our repairs and those carried out by a panel shop is that we only work on the damaged panel - we do not demand that the surrounding panels be painted to ensure a perfect match.  With clever painting and good colour matching, the need to "blend out onto surrounding panels" is negated.  Due to this, we keep the area being resprayed to a minimum and this, in turn, keeps our charges to a minimum.

How much does it cost?

As each bit of paint or panel damage is unique, the cost to repair it will depend primarily on the time required to affect the repair. An additional cost driver is the type and colour of the paint. Pearl Whites are the most difficult to match.  Silver and gold metallics and pearl (mica) paints are also more difficult to match than solid colours such as white and black. Dark colours are easier to colour match, but more difficult to lose the edge of the blend zone so that the repaired area cannot be detected. Generally we will be able to carry out a repair for significantly less than a crash shop would charge, and additionally you get the significant benefit and convenience of on-site service - no time lost to deliver the car to a workshop and pick it up again after a few days.

How do you match the color?

Almost every car has a paint code applied by the manufacturer somewhere on the vehicle.
This code is entered into a computer database covering virtually every vehicle manufactured in the world over the last 20 years. Using this database we can formulate and produce an exact colour match with the full International tinting system carried in each van. Some eye matching may subsequently be required if the vehicle has been previously repaired.

Will I be able to see the difference?

No! The paint system and processes we use ensure that the appearance of the repaired area will be equal to the original factory finish, and after an appropriate curing time, you can treat the new paint exactly the same as you would the original finish. Because we only paint part panels, by definition our colour matching will be equal to or better than that achieved by most panel shops.

We offer a Lifetime Warranty on the repairs, guaranteeing that the repaired area will not fade, delaminate or lose its original finish. We cannot guarantee rust repairs.

How long does it take to dry?

In most instances the repainted area will be dust dry in 2 minutes after application. Within 20 minutes to an hour after application of the top coat, the finish will be sufficiently hard to allow us to polish and complete the repair process. Depending on weather conditions, the car can generally be driven immediately. If it is raining and cold at least two hours should be allowed before the repaired area is exposed to the elements.
You may wash the car 24 hours after the repair, but it is recommended that no sealing waxes or polishes be used on the new paint for a further one month after that time.

Where do I take the car?

WE COME TO YOU! 

All work can be conveniently performed at your home or office. All we need is a safe working area off the street, and access to a power point (up to 25 metres away) and water. Shelter is obviously required if the weather is inclement, but generally the best results can be achieved in full daylight conditions, out in the open.

Why is Scratch Magic Different to Other Mobile Services?

Most mobile repair services are either franchise based with the owner/ operator having minimal training and only on-the-job experience or spray painters who have escaped from the booth to start their own business. In both cases, they often have very little to no small business experience which is reflected in their poor communication and orgnisational skills.

Scratch Magic has been operating as a mobile repair business for over 13 years. The work is carried out by qualified spray painters and panel beaters who each have over 15 years hands-on experience.

The business is run by Louise who, for the last 25 years, has owned and operated businesses in the service industry.The knowledge she has gained is put to good use ensuring all variables are taken into consideration for every job, making every Scratch Magic experience problem free and enjoyable for both the consumer and Scratch Magic.

Scratch Magic places a priority on providing a service that is:

• punctual
• polite
• communicative
• friendly
• informative
• and able to complete the job to your satisfaction in a quick and  effective manner, leaving a minimal impact on the worksite of each job carried out.

Scratch Magic can't guarantee you the cheapest prices in town, but we can guarantee you the best value for money - the best possible level of repair for a fair price.