How to Repair a Dent in Your Car With Filler
- Prepare the Surface. Body filler doesn't stick well to paint, so you'll need to sand the damaged area down to the bare metal in order for the Bondo to work.
- Mix the Body Filler. Body filler is a two-part epoxy that must be mixed before use. ...
- Apply the Filler. ...
- Sand. ...
- Glaze. ...
- Sand Some More. ...
- Prime the Surface. ...
- Sand, One More Time. ...
How to repair a dent in a car with filler?
How to Repair a Dent in Your Car With Filler 1 Sand. Once the filler has completely hardened, you're ready to start sanding. ... 2 Glaze. Spot putty is another version of filler, but much finer and easier to sand. ... 3 Prime the Surface. To prepare and protect your repair, you'll need to spray the surface with a primer/sealer. ...
Can Bondo be used to repair a dent in a car?
A good body shop can repair most dents using bondo. 3M makes a wide range of body repair and abrasives products. They have designed a general 4-step process for repairing car dents and other body damage using bondo.
How do you get a dent out of a metal tube?
You'll sand away most of the filler, leaving the dent filled and a smooth transition between metal and filler. Spot putty is another version of filler, but much finer and easier to sand. It doesn't need to be mixed and can be applied directly from the tube to the repair.
How can I repair a dent or gouge on my car?
Sometimes your car will receive a dent or gouge that's too small to justify the expense of a professional repair but too big to simply ignore. You can cut your repair costs by doing the bodywork yourself. You'll need body filler, sometimes called Bondo (the most popular brand), which is a durable plastic resin that can be shaped and sanded.
Can you use body filler to fix dents?
Body filler is a thick resin that is commonly used to repair dents, and brands such as 3M's Bondo are often utilized for this type of repair. When done properly, body filler can make dents and other types of exterior vehicle damage look revitalized and back to its original form.
Can you use body filler on big dents?
By filling in small dents, creases and holes in the surface of the auto's body, car body fillers can provide a simple, inexpensive fix for minor cosmetic damage on side panels, bumpers, and more. Even some major dents can be treated with car dental fillers.
How do you apply body filler?
0:552:02How to Apply Contour Premium Body Filler - Eastwood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the filler and hardener evenly folded together start applying it to the hood. Remember. YouMoreWith the filler and hardener evenly folded together start applying it to the hood. Remember. You only have about three minutes before the filler set. So work quickly first apply a thin coat.
How do you fill big dents?
How to Fix a Dent in a CarClean the Car and Remove Any Residue. ... Remove Paint from the Dented Area by Sanding. ... Start Working on the Dent with a Hammer, Mallet, or Dent Puller. ... Mix Bondo and Put Down the First Layer of Body Filler. ... Shape the Filler with a Sanding Block. ... Smooth Out the Filler with a 180 Grit Abrasive Sheet.More items...
How do you fix a dent without Bondo?
0:2812:38Metal finish dents without using bondo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut it on the back. Side. Or come from the back side and tap this way on on dollar off dolly whichMorePut it on the back. Side. Or come from the back side and tap this way on on dollar off dolly which is if you're on dolly you're pushing right here and the dollars over here if it's on dolly.
How thick can you put Bondo on a car?
There is no minimum thickness for Bondo, but there is absolutely a maximum. You do not want to apply body filler to anything that is thicker than about a 1/4”. That does not mean it can't be done, but the repair will not last as long. Eventually the filler will shrink and possibly crack, or even pop off!
Can you put body filler over paint?
Can they be applied over paint? A. Evercoat fillers are designed to work over bare, properly prepared substrates such as: steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, fiberglass, and SMC. Fillers and putties will normally work OK over properly sanded (80-180 grit) cured OEM paint.
Should you primer before body filler?
For small repairs, you can bog directly over the bare metal. If the repair is larger, or you're looking for a longer-lasting job, apply a base coat of epoxy primer before laying on the filler.
How do I get a smooth finish on body filler?
8:0420:29Beginner's Guide to Sanding Body Filler - Basics of Body WorkYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike this but you really can't feel a lot with just your fingertips you want to keep your hand allMoreLike this but you really can't feel a lot with just your fingertips you want to keep your hand all the way down flat on the surface. And by doing this running across the surface.
How can I fix a deep dent in my car?
7:5841:03How to Fix Dents & Deep Scratches On Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo now when I tape up the line. I'm gonna up this line where I don't want paint to go now I am gonnaMoreSo now when I tape up the line. I'm gonna up this line where I don't want paint to go now I am gonna retake it before I actually paint it but this is just by the grinding spot.
What is the best body filler for cars?
We have listed the top three rated car body fillers below;3M Bondo 261 Lightweight Car Body Filler. This lightweight product is a two-part body filler. ... Permatex 25909 Liquid Metal Filler. Unlike the Bondo filler, the Permatex product is ready to use, it does not need any mixing. ... Evercoat 156 Lightweight Car Body Filler.
How do you use 3M body filler?
0:221:173M Auto Tech Tip - Mixing Body Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd scrape the filler to mix it don't stir it in a small circular motion that adds air which showsMoreAnd scrape the filler to mix it don't stir it in a small circular motion that adds air which shows up as pinholes in your repair. Mix. Until the filler is all the same color with no streaks.
How do you fill deep holes in Bondo?
4:235:57Can Bondo Fill Holes? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe second one would be fiberglass to seal it off and then apply some body fillers to help smooth itMoreThe second one would be fiberglass to seal it off and then apply some body fillers to help smooth it out on top of that and the third you know just do the entire.
How do you Bondo a fender dent?
2:085:33How to Bondo A Car Dent - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe thing that makes it hard is actually this stuff is called a cream hardener. And this is red. AndMoreThe thing that makes it hard is actually this stuff is called a cream hardener. And this is red. And you squeeze out just a little bit of it like. That.
What is the best body filler for cars?
We have listed the top three rated car body fillers below;3M Bondo 261 Lightweight Car Body Filler. This lightweight product is a two-part body filler. ... Permatex 25909 Liquid Metal Filler. Unlike the Bondo filler, the Permatex product is ready to use, it does not need any mixing. ... Evercoat 156 Lightweight Car Body Filler.
How do you Bondo a car fender?
0:222:31How to Bondo Video - Car Dent Repair Using a Body Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then sanding that filler down using anywhere from 180 to 400 grit sandpaper. And then step fourMoreAnd then sanding that filler down using anywhere from 180 to 400 grit sandpaper. And then step four is all about the painting process so you've got priming sanding primer applying base coat apply.
What is Body Filler?
In general, body fillers consist of a polyester resin with a cream hardener that forms a putty-like substance that is used to return a vehicle's body to its smooth surface after minor damage.
How long does it take for putty to cure?
Standard - lightweight putty that cures in approximately 20- 25 minutes. Standard grade fillers are typically only used on small scratches and minor dents such as hair damage.
How to remove scratches from putty?
Make sure that you featheredge around the rim of the damage so that it blends into the surrounding area seamlessly. This may require a finer grit (180 grit), as you featheredge, which will help to remove any scratch lines.
What is bondo used for?
How To Use Body Filler. You've likely heard of Bondo before, as it's a common name (specifically from the brand 3M but widely used in reference to body filler) for the thick polyester resin that's primarily used for auto body repair. When used properly, bondo- or body filler- is a perfect material for repairing dents, scratches, ...
What to clean a car with to keep putty from sticking?
This means the vehicle needs to be completely clean - free of bugs, grime, dirt, wax, or any other substance that might keep the putty from sticking. This might mean a simple clean with soap and water, or a wipe down with residue or adhesive remover.
Why use premium aluminum filler?
Premium- or aluminum filler, is called such due to microscopic aluminum particles in the consistency of the mix. The benefit of using this expensive filler for larger repairs and dents is that it doesn't shrink, is easier to sand, and is stronger than other fillers.
What is spackle used for?
Think of it like the spackle used in home repair to cover nails and even out walls. Their consistency and usage are similar, as well as the process that the surface it's applied to undergoes.
How to sand a filler?
Once the filler has completely hardened, you're ready to start sanding. With your sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block (rubber sanding blocks are best and can be purchased in automotive or home repair stores), start sanding the filler using 150-grit sandpaper. Sand lightly and evenly over the entire surface of the repair with broad circular strokes. Sand past the edge of the filler to create a smooth transition.
How to smooth out a repair area?
To smooth the repaired area for painting, you'll use your 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Fill a spray bottle with clean water and spray the repair area and the sandpaper. Sand the primer using a straight back-and-forth motion. When you begin to see the old paint show through the primer, you've gone far enough.
How to get rid of spot putty on paint?
Using 400-grit sandpaper, lightly and evenly sand the spot putty away. Sand it all away flat, and you'll be left with only tiny amounts of putty remaining in small scratches and gaps. These may seem minute, but even the smallest flaw will show up in the paint.
How long does it take for body filler to harden?
It consists of a creme hardener and a base filler. Once you mix the two, the filler will harden in less than 5 minutes, so you'll need to work quickly and carefully. You can mix the hardener on any clean, smooth surface that is disposable.
How to protect tires from paint?
To prepare and protect your repair, you'll need to spray the surface with a primer/sealer. Mask off an area around the repair to avoid getting paint on any trim or other nonpainted areas (don't forget, you don't want paint on your tires, either). Apply the spray primer in light , even coats.
What is spot putty?
Matt Wright. Spot putty is another version of filler, but much finer and easier to sand. It doesn't need to be mixed and can be applied directly from the tube to the repair. The spot putty fills in any tiny impressions in the filler.
What is body filler?
You'll need body filler, sometimes called Bondo (the most popular brand), which is a durable plastic resin that can be shaped and sanded. You'll also need the following supplies:
