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Your approach towards repairing an auto dent will depend on the size of the dent and its location. For example, if the dent caused your door not to close properly, you mig
ht have to replace the door or have the body specialists fix the problem. Also, it’s more difficult to fix dark colors, especially on horizontal surfaces. Light reflection will expose all imperfections. Get the right color match for your car. The color code is usually located on a sticker on the side of one of the car doors.
- Prepare the surface by using 80-100 grit sand paper to remove old paint and rust from the dent. Wash the area with household cleaners to get rid of dirt and any oil that accumulated on the surface. Sand the area with 200 grit sand paper.
- Apply body filler. It will take several coats. Don’t mix big batches as the filler tends to dry fast. Sand the area by hand or with an automatic sander using 100 grit sandpaper. Examine the fix and reapply the body filler to the areas that you missed.
- After you are satisfied, apply primer. Sand the patch with 300 grit sandpaper. Use wet sand paper for better quality. Several coats may be necessary. After the last coat, sand the area with 400 grit.
- Paint the area. The patch will also need several coats of paint. 15-20 minutes between the coats are usually sufficient. Allow the paint to dry. Wet sand with 1500 grit sand paper to get rid of minor imperfections and “orange peel.” Allow to dry.
- Apply clear coat. Some paints don’t require this step, but the majority of body shops choose the paints without clear coat in them. Apply several coats, letting dry for 15-20 minutes between applications.
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