How to Patch Small Dents with Body Filler
Does your car have a few bumps and bruises that you'd like to fix? If you don't have the money to take it to an auto body repair shop, you might want to try fixing it yourself. Small paint chips and dents are actually quite easy to patch with auto body filler. This article explains how to properly patch small blemishes on your car.
Use Auto Body Filler
If you have never used auto body filler, you might need to get used to it before you try to apply it to your car. You can find it at most home improvement and auto repair stores. Most filler comes in two separate components. The main component is a large tub of putty, and then there is a small tube of hardener. You need to mix the recommended amount of hardener in with the putty right before you spread it on to your car. It will dry very quickly once the hardener is mixed in, so it is a good idea to practice on a piece of cardboard or something similar before you try to use it on your car.
Prep the Dent
Before you spread the putty, you will need to do a little bit of prep work to your dented area. You need some auto body sandpaper to help make the surface a tiny bit rougher. Auto sandpaper is very smooth, but it will still rough up the protective clear coat that makes your car shine. This is very important because the putty will not stick very well to the shiny surface if it is not sanded. You should only sand the area that you're going to patch. When doing the sanding, you should definitely not be sanding off the paint, exposing the metal color underneath it.
Once the sanding is done, you can quickly apply the filler to the patched area. You don't need to try and make the patch perfect because you will be able to sand it down after it dries. But, you should use a plastic putty knife to try and make it as smooth as possible.
The final step is to sand the patch to make it blend in with the car service and contours. At this point, you will be able to touch up the paint. This is a job in itself and required that you have the right tools and products.
For more assistance or information, contact companies like Lombard Body & Fender Inc.
