How to tell when cosmetic-looking damage could indicate deeper fiberglass correction needs.
Not all scratches are equal. Some are light finish marks, while others cut deep enough to expose substrate and invite further degradation.
Red Flags That Need Professional Review
- Scratches that catch a fingernail and appear layered.
- Dents near chine lines, corners, or hardware zones.
- Damage with surrounding spider cracks or dull halos.
- Repeated chips in the same impact-prone location.
If a repair area is left untreated too long, minor finish damage can expand under stress, water exposure, and temperature changes.
What Affects Repair Scope
- Depth and spread of the damage.
- Location relative to stress and load points.
- Need for color blending across adjacent panels.
Adley Enterprises can review by phone and photo first, then confirm the final process with in-person inspection as needed.

