Car paintwork & spot repair
Car paintwork and spot repair in Biel/
Carrosserie K.I. determines the exact shade from the colour code and a measurement taken on the vehicle and paints only the affected area (spot repair) where this is technically possible. Deep scratches down to the primer are filled, primed and painted.
- All makes
- Direct billing with insurers
- Courtesy car on request
- Repair rather than replace
- Reply usually within 24 h
- German & French
Process
- 1
Photograph the paint damage and report it online
- 2
Colour matching
- 3
Spot repair or partial respray, polishing
How the exact colour is matched
Every vehicle carries a colour code on its VIN plate or in the vehicle documents. It is the starting point, but on its own it is not enough: the same code turns out slightly differently depending on the production plant and batch, and paint changes over the years through sun and weather. We therefore also measure the colour directly on the car with a spectrophotometer. The device suggests the matching colour variant, which our vehicle painter mixes in the mixing system.
Before paint goes onto the vehicle, a sample panel is sprayed and held against the car in daylight. Metallic and pearl-effect paints are particularly demanding: their effect pigments make the colour appear lighter or darker depending on the viewing angle, and spray pressure or distance influence the result. A three-coat paint additionally consists of base colour, effect coat and clear coat, which must be matched to each other exactly. Where necessary we blend the paint into adjacent parts so that the transition remains invisible.
Spot repair, partial respray or full respray: what makes sense when
Spot repair is the least invasive option: only the damaged spot is painted, and the new paint is blended out within the panel. This suits small scratches and chips on bumper corners, sills or the lower areas of doors. In the middle of a large, smooth surface such as the bonnet, on the other hand, an invisible transition is difficult. There a partial respray is the better choice, in which the whole panel is repainted up to the next edge or joint.
A full respray is rarely worthwhile for a single area of damage. It makes sense when the paint is weathered all round, badly scratched or the clear coat is peeling over large areas, after extensive bodywork on several sides or when a change of colour is wanted. It is labour-intensive because add-on parts, trim strips and seals are removed. We always recommend the smallest option that delivers a flawless result and explain in the indicative quote why we advise this solution.
Scratches, rust and plastic: polish or paint?
Car paint consists of primer, colour coat and clear coat. If a scratch is only in the clear coat, it can be removed or greatly reduced by sanding with the finest grit and then polishing. If, on the other hand, another colour shows through, such as light primer or bare metal, the colour coat has been cut through. Polishing no longer helps at that point: the area has to be built up and repainted. For minor damage a spot repair is enough.
With bare metal, time is of the essence: moisture and road salt cause rust, which then spreads beneath the paint. Rust spots are sanded down to sound metal, treated, primed and repainted, and where the metal has rusted through the panel beater fits a repair panel. Plastic parts such as bumpers do not rust, but they need their own paint system, with adhesion promoter and flexible paint, so that the paint does not crack when the part flexes. Unpainted, textured plastics can often be refreshed too.
Vehicle paint shop in Biel: from preparation to polishing
In our vehicle paint shop in Biel, preparation determines the result. The surface is cleaned, degreased, sanded and filled where necessary. Filler primer and fine sanding follow until no unevenness can be felt. Adjacent parts are masked or removed. In the spray booth, in filtered air, the vehicle painter applies base coat and clear coat, and the paint is then dried at an elevated temperature.
After drying, small dust inclusions are removed and the surface is polished to a high gloss, then we refit the add-on parts and check colour and gloss in daylight. Fresh paint continues to harden for some time. In the first few weeks, avoid car washes with brushes, high pressure from a short distance, wax and sealants. Wash by hand with plenty of water and remove bird droppings, insects and tree sap as quickly as possible.
For customers from the region, with our workshop in Biel: Body shop Brügg, Body shop Studen, Body shop Lengnau, Body shop Büren an der Aare, Body shop La Neuveville, Body shop Tavannes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a scratch be polished out?
＋
Superficial scratches in the clear coat can often be polished out. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, a paint repair is usually needed.
How much does car paintwork cost in Biel/Bienne?
＋
The price depends on the area, the colour (solid, metallic or effect paint), preparatory work such as dent removal or filling, and whether parts have to be removed. Upload photos: on working days you receive an indicative quote incl. VAT within 24 hours. If the damage is insured, for example hail, vandalism or an accident, the insurer generally covers the cost minus the excess; your policy is what counts.
Is there a visible colour difference after a spot repair?
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We mix the colour from the colour code and a measurement on the vehicle and blend the new paint into the adjacent area, so the transition is generally not noticeable. With heavily weathered paint or effect colours it may be necessary to paint a whole panel; we tell you beforehand.
Can a plastic bumper be painted?
＋
Yes. Scratches and cracks in plastic bumpers are repaired, prepared with an adhesion promoter and then painted. This is often cheaper than a new bumper.
Where can I find my car’s colour code?
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Usually on a plate or sticker in the driver’s or passenger’s door frame, under the bonnet or in the boot, and depending on the make also in the service booklet. If you cannot find it, we determine the colour on the vehicle.
Related services
Save up to CHF 1'000
The same excess as at your insurer’s partner garage
Many policies charge a higher excess if you do not go to the insurer’s partner garage. With us you still pay only the excess you would have there: we cover the difference. That way you save up to CHF 1'000 and still choose your body shop freely.
CHF 50 less
CHF 50 less than your partner garage’s quote
Bring the written quote of a partner garage or an independent body shop for the same repair: we do it CHF 50 cheaper, for example CHF 450 instead of CHF 500, incl. VAT. The on-site damage assessment is free in Biel/Bienne, Orpund, Nidau, Brügg, Safnern and Port.
No appointment, no waiting.