Car Painting: DIY or Workshop Repair? Your Guide to Deciding and Saving
Every driver in Mallorca has experienced it: that frustrating moment when spotting a new scratch or a small dent on their car. And the big question immediately pops up:
Should I try to fix it myself to save money, or take it straight to the workshop?
The answer depends on a key factor: the depth of the damage.
At Zamule Cars, a workshop specializing in car repair and painting in Mallorca, we explain how to distinguish between a DIY touch-up and a necessary professional repair to avoid future problems and keep your car looking like new.
What can you fix yourself? (DIY Level)
You could consider a DIY repair only if the damage is superficial and hasn't reached the bare metal. If the metal isn't visible, you could try a touch-up with kits or polish.
Here's a quick guide:
| Type of damage | Description | Recommended DIY solution |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial scratches | Pequeñas marcas tipo “telarañas” causadas por lavados automáticos o cepillos. Solo afectan la capa de laca o barniz. | Manual or machine polishing. Use a fine-cut polish and finish with a finishing polish. |
| Paint transfer | When another car or a post has scraped your car, leaving a paint transfer mark. | Clay Bar or mild solvent. Finish with polishing if necessary. |
| Small stone chips | Pinhead-sized paint chips, usually on the bonnet. | Factory touch-up brush. Apply the colour, then the clear coat in thin layers. |
Zamule Tip: if your fingernail catches when you run it over the scratch, the damage it's already too deep to fix it with polish.
When do you just need a professional?
(Risk and precision guaranteed)
There are damages that shouldn't be repaired at home. A specialized workshop, such as Zamule Cars in Son Castell (Mallorca), boasts the necessary technology and expertise to ensure a perfect finish.
A. Damage reaching the metal
If you see the metal panel (grey or silver colour), you need to act fast:
Risk of corrosion: once the metal is exposed, rust appears quickly, especially in coastal areas like Mallorca.
Professional treatment: At Zamule Cars, we apply anti-rust primer, paint with the exact color, and seal with varnish to prevent future damage.
B. Color matching (invisible finish)
The colors metallic, pearlescent or tri-coat require professional measuring tools.
At Zamule Cars, we use a spectrophotometer, un dispositivo que “lee” el color de tu coche para replicar el tono exacto, incluso con el desgaste del tiempo.
We apply the technique of difuminado (“blending”), achieving a perfect transition without any visible patches or differences.
The bodywork decision: PDR or traditional repair
When it comes to a dent, there are two main options:
PDR (Paintless Dent Repair)
Ideal when the paint is not damaged.
Our technicians massage the metal from the inside with precise tools, restoring the panel's original shape.
Faster
More economical
Keeps the original factory paint
Traditional repair
If the impact has damaged the paint or affected the structure, you should:
Sanding
Level with filler
Paint and clear coat the entire area
This process is longer and more expensive, but ensures a flawless and durable finish.
Conclusion: The value of a good investment
Before you dive in with a paint kit, be honest about the damage.
A superficial scratch can be a weekend task.
But if you see exposed metal, chipped paint, or a deep dent, trust the professionals.
At Zamule Cars, paint and body shop in Mallorca, we guarantee:
Total protection against corrosion.
Perfect match of the original color.
Resale value maintained.
A factory finish that's imperceptible, even to the touch.
We are in Son Castell, Palma de Mallorca, with a comprehensive professional painting, bodywork, and polishing service.
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Hello, good morning, my car is a Nissan Juke and today I hit it with some bars and it got a scratch. How much would that cost, please? Thank you very much.
Hello, good morning Sonia,
Please feel free to WhatsApp us at 682931164, and we'll gladly provide you with a quote if you send us photos and videos of the damage.