Fix Car Dents Yourself

DIY car dent repair

We’ve patched quite a few car dents in our day. We used to do it the same way we tape drywall, by applying 5 lbs. of body filler and then sanding off 4.9 lbs. Then we went to “boot camp” at 3M and learned there’s an easier way (as in, the correct way) to do car dent repair.

We asked 3M expert Jenn Cook to walk you through the same car dent repair process. Once the car dent repair is patched, you just spray on a primer coat and matching paint from the dealer or an auto parts store. The repair won’t look like a professional job, but at least it won’t stand out like a sore thumb. Here’s the process.

Meet the expert

Jenn Cook is a Senior Technical Service Engineer at 3M. She spends her days helping body shops solve problems to get the best results for their customers.

How to Fix a Dent: Pick up supplies

Stop at any auto parts store and buy a 24-grit sanding wheel and sheets of 80-, 180- and 320-grit sandpaper. Also buy a bottle of wax remover, a tack cloth, a mixing board, several plastic spreaders and a tube of finishing glaze.

Finally, you’ll need body filler. Professional-grade filler is creamier and easier to spread and sand than bargain-priced products, so it’s worth the extra cost. One choice is Bondo Professional Gold Filler.

Prep and clean before filling

Remove the paint

Chuck the 24-grit disc into your drill and spin it deep into the dent, getting all the way down to the metal. Then work your way out to the edges.

Start by removing the paint inside and around the dent with 24-grit paper. Switch to 80-grit sandpaper and hand-sand the entire dent. Use the same sandpaper to rough up and feather the paint around the edges of the dent. Clean the entire area with wax remover and a clean rag. Then wipe with a tack cloth.

How to Fix a Dent: Mix the filler

Spread, scoop and fold

Spread the filler down the mixing board in an S-shaped curve. Then scoop it up and fold it over. Repeat until the filler has a consistent color.

Don’t mix body filler on a scrap piece of cardboard. Instead, use a mixing board or an old, clean cookie sheet you’re willing to toss.

Scoop filler onto the mixing board and apply the hardener according to the directions. Then mix it using a spread-and-fold motion. The spreading and folding technique fully mixes the hardener into the filler and prevents air bubbles from forming. Never stir the mixture.

How to Fix a Dent: Apply the filler

Apply a “tight” first coat

Scoop up some filler and press it hard into the rough metal.

Add more filler

Wipe on a thicker layer of filler to completely fill the dent.

Spread the filler to form a “tight” coat. That will burp air out of the scratches and wet the bare metal. Then apply a fill coat.

How to Fix a Dent: Sand to shape and glaze

Sand the glaze

Hand-sand the glaze with 180-grit and then 320-grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish. Then prime and paint.

Sand the filler to match the contours of the car body using 80- and 180-grit sandpaper. Then feather the edges of the filler right up to the painted edge.

Next, apply finishing glaze to the entire patch and then sand with 180- grit and then 320-grit sandpaper. Spray the patch with primer, and then paint it.

Required Tools for this How to Fix a Dent in a Car Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY car dents repair project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

• Angle grinder
• Corded drill
• Dust mask
• Extension cord
• Hearing protection
• Safety glasses
• Sanding block

You’ll also need a mixing board and plastic spreader.

Required Materials for this How to Fix a Dent in a Car Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

• Body filler
• Finishing glaze
• Latex gloves
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Wax remover

Article source here: Fix Car Dents Yourself