Has anyone used a mobile bumper repair service to spot paint and repair a scratched bumper? Wondering if they really work or can you tell the paint is spotty?

 

I got tapped from behind in traffic a year ago, I took it to the local dealer bodyshop (Dimmitt in Tampa, FL) and it was outrageously expensive but you can't see that anything ever happened. At least the other driver was insured, I lucked out. I also had Orlando touch up some door dings. The guy they used is incredibly talented and may be considered a miracle worker or some sort of mythical touch up artist. You can't see them at all, and one of the three dings was allegedly very challenging. I would ask to see pictures of their work, and the worst case scenario is it looks bad, get the whole bumper redone later.

 

That's more than a touch-up with the additional panel damage below. It could probably be cleaned up a bit bit looks like you tapped a stucco wall. I would get a few estimates on complete repair and use insurance.

 

Can’t tell if the additional grey part is just a lighter paint color or if it is different material altogether. Anyone know beemers?

 

Definitely do not use insurance. That'll go on your CarFax report, and the last thing anyone wants to buy is an Aston Martin with an "accident" on the CarFax. I've had these mobile repairs done, but in your case, I think you're best suited going to an actual body shop for this. They'll either blend the clearcoat or spray the full bumper.

 

It's not an Aston if you look at the picture. Carfax is not accurate and most times doesn't get reported. I had a leased Jaguar that was 1 year old $26k hit. Repair never made it in the report.

 

I didn't use a service but I've heard of other people hiring randos off craigslist to blend single panels on a touchup job, and I have done a bit of touchup on the Vantage myself as I bought it used. With proper spray equipment and solvents/paint you can easily make it look fine to anyone not scrutinizing it, but in the right angle under the light when the car is perfectly clean you will be able to see the transition. With a small airbrush kit it's harder to do an invisible blend but you can still do well enough where it's not very noticeable. I don't really see the point of repainting panels short of major damage, as you're destined to accumulate deep rock chips and dings over time. I'm learning to get over my OCD and live with the imperfections :P

 

I saw a van at Morries Cadillac in Minneapolis with a complete airbrush setup in the parking lot 'fixing' blemishes. Curious, I asked for his contact information, and he was extremely unfriendly and asked me to leave. For little spots it would have been handy to have a contact that is good enough for a higher end dealership to use.