How to Use Body Putty on Car
Body putty, also known as body filler, is a type of automotive repair material used to fill in dents, scratches, and other imperfections in a car’s body. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use material that can be sanded and painted to match the rest of the car’s finish.
Body putty is available in a variety of colors and textures, so it can be matched to the specific needs of your car. It is also available in different grades, so you can choose the right product for the severity of the damage you are repairing.
Materials You Will Need
- Body putty
- Hardener
- Sandpaper
- Mixing cup
- Mixing stick
- Spreaders
- Clean rags
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the work area. Clean the area around the damage with a clean rag and degreaser. Sand the surface of the damage with sandpaper to remove any rust or paint. Feather the edges of the damage so that the body putty will blend in smoothly.
- Mix the body putty. In a mixing cup, combine the body putty and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps.
- Apply the body putty. Use a spreader to apply the body putty to the damaged area. Fill the dent or scratch completely, and smooth the surface of the body putty with the spreader.
- Sand the body putty. Once the body putty has dried, sand it with sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove any imperfections. Start with a coarse sandpaper and gradually work your way to a finer sandpaper.
- Prime and paint the body putty. Apply a primer to the body putty to protect it from rust and moisture. Once the primer has dried, paint the body putty to match the rest of the car’s finish.
Tips
- Wear gloves and a mask when working with body putty.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not apply body putty to a hot surface.
- Allow the body putty to dry completely before sanding or painting.
- If you are repairing a large area, apply the body putty in several thin layers.
Conclusion
Body putty is a versatile and easy-to-use material that can be used to repair a variety of damage to a car’s body. By following the steps in this guide, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will restore your car to its former glory.
