Body Repair
Dent, scratch, and collision repair done right. At our shop in Washington, NJ.
Body Repair in Washington, NJ
A door ding, a scraped bumper or a rust bubble on a rocker panel might look small, but they are the kind of flaws you notice every time you walk up to your car. At Appearance Plus in Washington, NJ, we repair dents, scratches, rust and collision damage by hand in our indoor shop, then refinish the panel so it blends back into the rest of the vehicle.
Our body work covers everything from a single scuffed corner to larger jobs like the Camaro collision repair, Mercedes CLK bodywork and full hard top repaint you can see in our gallery. Every repair follows the same basic path: find the full extent of the damage, fix the metal or plastic underneath, build the surface back up properly, and finish it with primer, base color and clear that match what is already on the car.
Because detailing, body repair and powder coating all happen under one roof, a repaired car does not have to leave for the final touches. We can correct and polish the surrounding paint so the new panel and the old ones look like they belong together, and we can refinish wheels or trim while the car is here.
- Dent & scratch repair
- Rust treatment & prevention
- Full repaints & color matching
- Factory-perfect refinishing
What's Included
Dent repair
Door dings, hail marks, creases and pushed-in panels are worked back into shape. Depending on the damage and the paint, that can mean pulling and shaping the metal, then a thin skim of body filler to get the surface perfectly level before refinishing.
Scratch and scuff repair
Light scratches that only sit in the clear coat can often be sanded and polished out. Deeper scratches that reach primer or bare metal are filled, primed and refinished so the damage does not come back or start to rust.
Bumper repair
Plastic bumper covers crack, tear and scuff easily. Many can be repaired and refinished instead of replaced. We clean and prep the plastic, repair the damage, use a primer suited to plastic and then match the color to the rest of the car.
Rust repair
Surface rust and bubbling paint are ground back to clean metal so we can see how far the corrosion goes. The area is treated, repaired, primed and sealed before color goes on. Stopping rust early keeps a small repair from turning into a panel replacement.
Panel repaints and color matching
When a panel needs fresh paint, we match the color to your car, spray base and clear, and blend into the neighboring panels where needed so the transition is not visible in different light.
Hard tops and removable panels
Faded or scratched Jeep hard tops, fender flares and similar removable pieces can be repaired and repainted.
Collision damage
From a crunched quarter panel to a damaged front end, we assess the damage, repair what can be repaired, and refinish it. Ask us about working with your insurance claim when you call.
Our Process
- 1
Inspection and quote
Bring the car to the shop or send photos through the contact form. We look at the damage, talk through repair options, and give you a quote. Cost and timing depend on the job, and we confirm both before any work starts.
- 2
Teardown and damage repair
Trim, lights or other parts are removed where needed so we can reach the damage and avoid tape lines. Dents are straightened, rust is cut back to clean metal, and cracked plastic is repaired.
- 3
Filler, sanding and primer
Body filler is applied only where it is needed and sanded in stages until the panel is straight. Primer goes on next to seal the repair and give the color a uniform base, then it is block sanded smooth.
- 4
Color, blending and clear
We match the color, spray the base coat and blend it into adjacent panels when that gives the most invisible result. Clear coat goes on last for gloss and protection.
- 5
Finishing and detail
Once the paint has cured, it is wet sanded and polished as needed to match the texture and shine of the original finish. Parts are reinstalled and the car is cleaned up before you pick it up.
Options & Related Services
Paint correction
After a repair, the rest of the car can look dull next to the new panel. Machine polishing removes swirls and light scratches from the surrounding paint so the whole car looks even.
Ceramic coating
Protect the fresh paint and the rest of the finish with a ceramic coating applied at the same shop. We will let you know how long new paint should cure before coating.
Paint protection film
If a bumper or hood keeps getting chipped, clear film on the high-impact areas helps keep the repair looking new.
Wheel and caliper powder coating
Curb-rashed wheels or faded calipers can be stripped and powder coated while the car is in for body work, so everything comes back finished at once.
Full detail
Finish the job with an interior and exterior detail so the car comes home looking and feeling complete, not just repaired.
Why Appearance Plus
Most body shops send a car out when it needs detailing, and most detailers send customers elsewhere for dents. We do both, plus powder coating, in one indoor shop in Washington, NJ. That means the person who repaired your panel is also looking at how it sits next to the rest of the paint, and the finish work is part of the job instead of an afterthought.
We work with drivers in Washington and nearby towns across Warren, Hunterdon and Morris County, on everything from daily drivers to classic and performance cars. Call the shop or use the contact form, tell us what happened, and we will give you a straight answer about what it will take.
Recent Body Repair Work
What Customers Say
“Excellent job repainting and color matching my hard top to white. The top was orange, chipping, and needed body work. Rob re-did it the right way! Quick, professional, great attention to detail. He explained the process and provided progress updates and images along the way. Fair prices and top-notch quality. I cannot recommend him enough.”
Body Repair FAQ
Can you match my car's paint color?
Yes. We match the color to your vehicle and blend into neighboring panels when needed, so the repaired area does not stand out in sunlight or shade.
Do you work with insurance?
Ask us about working with your insurance claim when you call. We can look at the damage, explain what the repair involves, and talk through how to move forward.
Is it better to repair or replace a bumper?
It depends on the damage. Scuffs, scratches and many cracks can be repaired and refinished. Bumpers with broken mounting tabs or severe tears may need replacing. We will tell you which makes more sense for your car.
Can you fix rust, or will it come back?
We cut rust back to clean metal, treat and repair the area, and seal it under primer and paint. How far the rust has spread determines whether a panel can be repaired or needs more extensive work.
How long will my car be at the shop?
That depends on the size of the repair and the paint work involved. We confirm the timeline with your quote so you can plan around it.
Can I get a quote without bringing the car in?
Send clear photos of the damage through the contact form or call (908) 894-8147 for a starting point. For an accurate quote, we usually need to see the car in person at the Washington, NJ shop.