How to Use Body Filler the Right Way in Cars

You need to follow certain steps when using body filler to repair dents or other damage on a car body. If you don't use the filler the right way, the vehicle may end up looking worse than when you started. Luckily, it just takes a little effort and a few basic materials to get a car back to looking like its original condition.

Instructions

1

Apply the primer paint. This will protect the damaged area on the car body from rust. Once you have painted it, lightly sand the area using the 220-grit sand paper. Blow off the dust.

2

Determine how much body filler you need to fill the dent or other gap. You'll need enough to make the gap flush with the surface of the car body. Place the spring steel strip, or a similar flat, metal object, on top of the gap so that it is even with the level of the car body's undamaged surface. The space is the amount of filler you will need.

3

Mix a small amount of hardener with the body filler. Stir it with the wooden stick until the color is even throughout. Apply it quickly, before it begins to harden.

4

Use the plastic squeegee to apply the body filler. Cover the area of the car body evenly, but don't apply too much. Slide the spring steel back and forth across the surface to even it out.

5

Let the body filler dry in a warm area. Run your hand over the surface of the car body until it doesn't feel sticky. If the body filler does not stick, it is dry.

6

Sand the area until it is even. For this, you can clamp or stick the sand paper on the sanding board, depending on the type you are using. If you see dark spots after sanding, these are low spots; you may need to apply more filler to eliminate them. Repeat the steps above and sand again until the surface of the car body is even. Then you can paint the car body the desired color.