Whether it’s a scratch, dent, or full collision repair, professional car bodywork repairs ensure your vehicle is returned to you as good as new. At The Car Refurb Centre in Worcester, we deliver premium car bodywork repairs and vehicle respraying services using advanced tools, trained technicians, and quality-approved methods.
In this blog, we walk through each stage of the repair journey — from the moment your car arrives at our body shop to the final polish — so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Damage Report
Every great repair job starts with a thorough inspection.
If the vehicle is insured and drivable, the initial assessment is carried out using images sent to us by the customer, showing any damaged areas related to the claim.
If the vehicle is undriveable, it is brought on-site straight away. We then inspect it in person, take our own images, and compile the initial estimate.
Private customers usually bring their vehicle in for a quote. We carry out an assessment, provide a price or written estimate, and if they accept, we book the vehicle in for the next available date.
Key steps during the initial assessment:
• Assess visible damage
• Identify whether repair or replacement is most cost-effective
• Document all issues for insurance or personal records
For larger accident repairs, once the vehicle is on-site—or if already on-site—we reassess the damage after the vehicle has been stripped down. This allows us to identify any hidden damage that was not visible during the initial inspection.
Once a full repair plan has been created, we provide a detailed quote and an estimated timeframe for completion.
Step 2: Strip and Dismantling
Once the vehicle arrives on-site—or if it is already on-site—the first stage of the repair process is to strip it down.
If the repair requires replacement parts, we begin by removing any outer body panels to check for additional damage that may not have been visible during the initial inspection. If further damage is found, we will order any extra parts needed before continuing with the repair.
We also dismantle smaller components from panels that need to be repaired or painted. This can include trims, handles, mirrors, lights, parking sensors, and other fittings.
If damage to a wheel area has already been identified—or if there’s potential for suspension issues—the vehicle will first go for a wheel alignment check and adjustment. If any suspension components are found to be damaged, we’ll order replacements straight away so they can be fitted before any body repairs begin.
If the repair involves new body panels, these are trial-fitted to ensure proper alignment. Any adjacent panels that need repair will be left on the vehicle during this stage to make sure the fit and finish align correctly with the new parts.
If no panel work is required, the necessary parts are removed, and the vehicle moves straight to the paint preparation stage.
Step 3: Panel Beating and Dent Repair
Once the necessary parts have been removed, the vehicle moves into the panel repair stage.
For any dents that need pulling, the affected area is stripped of paint and any previous filler materials, taken back to bare metal. Using precision tools, we carefully pull and reshape the damaged metalwork to restore it to its original contours.
The methods we use vary depending on the severity and location of the damage:
• Pulling and Panel Beating – Used to reshape heavily dented areas.
• Surface Preparation – For less severe damage that doesn’t require pulling, the area is sanded using P80 or P180 grit abrasives to prepare it for filler application.
• Filler Application – Applied to smooth out imperfections following straightening. Different grades of body filler are used depending on the size and severity of the damage.
• Shaping and Sanding – Once applied, the filler is carefully sanded and shaped to match the original contours and body lines of the panel.
When the shape and lines are perfected, we prepare the surrounding area and mask off the vehicle to protect unaffected panels. The repaired sections are then primed and cured using our portable infrared heat lamps.
Step 4: Paint Preparation and Colour Matching
Next, any primed areas are carefully sanded to ensure a flawless finish. This stage is crucial, as it removes all sanding and preparation marks before the paint is applied.
We follow a precise multi-step process:
• First, we sand the primed area with P320 on a flat block
• Then, we refine the surface with P500 using an orbital sander
• Finally, we use a soft P800 pad to ensure the surface is perfectly smooth with no visible prep marks
Any surrounding or blend panels are also fully prepared to ensure a seamless finish once painted. New panels are prepped at this stage as well, placed on panel stands, and readied for the spray booth. Multiple sanding grades are used to eliminate any signs of prior work and ensure a smooth, even surface.
The entire vehicle and any separate parts are then fully masked and sheeted to protect them from overspray during the painting process.
One of the most important aspects of any respray is colour accuracy. At The Car Refurb Centre, we use the latest colour-matching technology to guarantee a factory-quality finish that matches your vehicle exactly—just like it did when it left the showroom.
Our colour-matching process includes:
• Identifying your vehicle’s original manufacturer colour code
• Using a digital spectrometer to scan and read the precise colour and shade from the adjacent panels
• Mixing premium-quality paint on-site for an exact match
• Using spray-out cards and colour chips to confirm the shade and coarseness are spot-on
Whether your vehicle is finished in metallic, pearlescent, or solid colours, we match the paint and finish perfectly, ensuring a seamless and professional result.
Step 5: Professional Respraying and Drying
Once the paint is perfectly matched and the vehicle is fully masked inside the spray booth, the respraying process begins.
All paintwork is carried out in a state-of-the-art spray booth, where airflow, temperature, and dust control are meticulously managed. This environment is critical to achieving a flawless, showroom-quality finish.
Our team follows a precise multi-layer application process:
• Undercoat or Wet-on-Wet Primer – Applied to new metal panels for adhesion and protection
• Specialist Undercoats or Base Coats – Used for pearlescent or certain metallic colours to enhance depth and colour accuracy
• Base Coat (Colour Layer) – Provides the visible colour finish
• Clear Coat (Gloss Layer) – Seals and protects the paintwork, giving it a high-gloss finish
Base coats are typically air-dried between layers to ensure an even, consistent application. Once the base coat is fully cured, the clear coat is applied. The entire vehicle is then baked in the spray booth oven, which reaches temperatures of up to 60°C. This process fully hardens the clear coat for maximum durability and a premium finish.
After curing, our expert technicians carry out a detailed inspection to ensure the surface meets our standards for colour accuracy, gloss level, and smoothness. Once approved, the vehicle is carefully de-masked and moved on to the final stages of the repair process.
Step 6: Finishing and Quality Control
In this final stage, once all masking has been removed and the vehicle is taken out of the spray booth, we carry out the finishing touches to complete the repair process to the highest standard.
Our final steps include:
• Rebuilding and fitting any new panels or parts, and fully reassembling the vehicle
• Checking that all electrical components are functioning correctly, including a full diagnostic scan
• Inspecting panel gaps and alignment, making any final adjustments to ensure a factory-perfect fit
• Flattening and polishing out any minor imperfections in the clear coat for a flawless finish
• Cleaning the vehicle inside and out, removing all dust and traces of the repair process
• Conducting a detailed inspection using our comprehensive quality control checklist
Only once we are 100% satisfied with the repair and finish do we sign off the job and contact you to arrange collection.
Why Professional Car Bodywork Matters
Whether it’s a minor dent or significant repair, expert bodywork restores more than appearance — it protects your car’s structure, resale value, and safety on the road.
Here’s what makes The Car Refurb Centre in Worcester a trusted name in Worcester vehicle bodywork:
- Experienced team: Decades of hands-on industry expertise
- Advanced tools and technology: Digital diagnostics, spray booths, and alignment rigs
- Insurance-approved: We work with all insurers and help handle your claim
- Flawless paintwork: Seamless colour matching and professional respraying
- Customer-first approach: Honest estimates, fast turnarounds, and full transparency
We’re proud to help local drivers restore their cars to showroom condition.
Additional Considerations: What Affects Car Bodywork Repair?
There are several factors that can influence the cost, time, and approach taken for your car bodywork repair:
- Vehicle make and model: Some brands use specific materials or panel constructions that require tailored repair methods or specialist parts.
- Extent of the damage: A deep dent involving structural elements will require more work than a shallow scratch on a flat panel.
- Paint type and colour: Pearlescent or tri-coat colours are more complex to match and apply than standard colours.
- Availability of parts: For newer vehicles or luxury models, replacement parts may have longer lead times.
- Insurance involvement: Insurance-approved work may follow set procedures and require specific documentation and photo evidence.
Understanding these variables can help set expectations for your repair and ensure you’re well-informed when reviewing your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does car bodywork repair take?
It depends on the damage. Smart repairs may take a day, while full panel replacements or resprays might take 3–7 days.
Can you repair plastic bumpers?
Yes — we can plastic weld or replace bumpers depending on the extent of the damage.
Will the new paint match exactly?
Absolutely. We use advanced colour matching software and spray test panels to ensure consistency.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — we recommend booking early as slots can fill quickly, especially for insurance jobs.
Do repairs come with a warranty?
All of our work is backed by a workmanship guarantee for peace of mind. and comes with a 12 month warranty.
Serving Worcester and Worcestershire
We proudly serve Worcester and the wider Worcestershire area, including Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore, Evesham, and Kidderminster. Whether you’re based in the city or the surrounding towns, The Car Refurb Centre provides trusted, professional car bodywork repair across the region.
Summary: Trust the Local Experts in Vehicle Bodywork
From dent and scratch repairs, right through to full accident damage and repairs, The Car Refurb Centre offers comprehensive car bodywork repair solutions tailored to your vehicle.
We combine technical skill with customer service — so you’re kept informed every step of the way. Whether you’ve had a bump, scrape, or more serious collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its best.
Book your repair today with Worcester’s local experts. Contact The Car Refurb Centre for a free quote.