Fixing dents in your car is actually not all that difficult. Do not be intimidated by fixing small dents and scratches on your car surface. With a few simple tools you can repair dents in your car and then repaint it to blend in. This article will explain the simple steps of auto body repair.
Patching the Dent
Patching a dent on a car will require auto body filler. Before you apply the filler will you will want to prep the area. With a high grit auto sandpaper (at least 1000) you can lightly buff the area you are going to patch. Apply the body filler with a plastic putty knife. Scrape away the excess carefully. You do not need to scrape all of the excess away. When the filler dries you can sand it down. When sanding down the patch you want to try to match it with the natural contour of the door.
When you feel that the patch is smooth and matches the car surface, you will still need to buff it out. The surface needs to be smoother in order to be painted. If you have an electric buffer, you can use that. Alternatively, you can use higher grit wet sandpaper (at least 2000) to prepare the patch. When using this sandpaper you want to push down lightly so as to not scratch the surface.
Painting the Patched Area
The next step is getting the actual paint. This can be hard if your car is old, or has a unique color. To get the best match, you should use the manufacturer's touch-up paint. Touch-up paint and primer is sold in small bottles or spray cans. You will also need to apply primer before you paint the patch. The most important part is masking off the rest of the car so over spray does not get all over. Tape off a few inches around the patched area so the new paint can blend in with the existing paint. You have to paint sparingly to prevent it from dripping. Painting on such a high gloss surface can be tricky so it is best to practice to prevent dripping. For instance, try painting on a shiny piece of plastic or metal before you start spraying your car. When you feel comfortable, then you can go ahead and paint your car.
As you can see, making small touch ups on your car surface is not all that difficult. However, if you need help fixing your car, contact auto professionals such as Wilson & Bell Transmission.
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