Car Dent Repair: Using Body Filler

Car dent repair can be quite difficult. No matter how carefully you might drive your car, you simply cannot save it from scratches and dents. The most annoying part about most dents is that they are often too small to be taken to a garage but too big to ignore. As a result, the onus to cover up the dent falls on you. With the help of the following steps, you can use body filler to repair car dents. Not only is the task cost effective, but also satisfying to carry out.

Step 1: Cleaning the Surface

Clean the surface. Remember that body filler does not stick to dirty surface. Use a rough sandpaper to scrape off all dirt and bits of color remaining on the dent. Use a 150grid sandpaper to scrape off all traces of paint before applying body filler. While scraping ensures that, you remove the paint from not only the dent area but also the surrounding. This will help you to cover up the paint in a better manner. If you are covering a dent for the first time, use a marker to mark out the location and then work on it.

Step 2: Applying Crème Hardener

Pour the crème hardener on a plastic lid or cardboard and mix the base filler along with it. Ensure that you take both in required quantities and as instructed. Use a spatula to mix both of them. Ensure that the mixture is not exposed to air for a long time as it gets hardened making it difficult to use.

Step 3: Using the Spatula

Use the spatula to spread the mixture on the dented area. As instructed in step one, ensure that the surrounding area needs to be covered. Remember you have less than 5 minutes to spread out the mixture. Use a spatula to spread out the body filler on the desired area. Ensure that you move your hand swiftly and deftly.

Step 4: Using the Sandpaper

Once the body filler hardens use sandpaper to scrape off the excess and smooth the surface.

Step 5: Checking for Missed Spots

Check if you have missed any spot near the dent. If so, mix the mixture again and repeat steps 2 to 4.

Step 6: Cover the Surrounding Area

Use a plastic sheet to cover the surrounding area before you use a primer. Firmly hold the plastic sheet with adhesive tapes and apply a coat of primer on the body filler applied area.

Step 7: Spray Painting the Surface

Use spray paint to color the dented area. Ensure that the color tinge matches with the rest of the car. Otherwise, your hard work will stand out and look ugly.

Expert Tip

If you are not too confident with application of body filler, you can use spot putty instead. Not only is it user friendly but also color can be added to the same to give it the desired tinge. You can also use spot putty to cover scratches on your mean machine.