How to Repair a Small Dent

If you’ve got a small dent in your car, don’t worry – it’s a fixable problem! Follow these steps to repair the dent and restore your car’s smooth surface:

1. Start by preparing the surface. Make sure it’s clean by washing it with soap and water and using wax remover. Then, try to bring the metal back to its original shape as much as possible, using a hammer and dolly or a slide hammer if you have access to the backside of the panel.
2. Next, remove the paint down to the metal. You can do this with a grinder or a sanding machine with coarse sandpaper.
3. Mix your body filler according to the product’s data sheet. Most products require you to add 2-3% creme hardener before it’s ready to be applied. Mix the filler using downward pressure to remove any air pockets that could lead to pinholes.
4. Using a spreader, apply the filler to the exposed metal. Gradually apply the filler rather than blobbing it all on at once.
5. Allow the filler to dry for 7-10 minutes, then shape it using a cheese grater or 40 grit sandpaper on a block. If the filler is not yet straight, reapply and repeat this process.
6. Block sand the filler with 80-120 grit until the edges are level. If the filler is still not straight, reapply and repeat the process.
7. Once the filler is as straight as possible, apply a finishing putty. This is a thinner body filler that is easier to sand. Mix and apply the putty the same way as the body filler, and then sand with 80 grit until smooth.
8. Once the putty is dry, sand it with 120 grit until it is almost perfect, then switch to 180 grit for a final smooth finish.
9. Inspect the filler for any pinholes or other imperfections. If you find any, repeat the process or apply a very tight skim of filler to the affected area.

By following these steps, you can fix a small dent and restore your car’s smooth surface. With a little bit of effort and the right tools, you can make your car look as good as new again!