How to Repair Body Blisters on a Car

Body blisters are a common problem on cars, especially those that are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Blisters can be caused by a variety of factors, including rust, corrosion, and impact damage. If left untreated, blisters can spread and cause further damage to the car’s body.

Fortunately, repairing body blisters is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. With a few tools and materials, you can easily fix blisters yourself in a matter of hours.

What You’ll Need

* Bondo body filler
* Sandpaper
* Primer
* Paint
* Clear coat
* Sanding block
* Paintbrush
* Mixing sticks
* Rubbing compound
* Polishing compound

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Surface

* Start by cleaning the area around the blister with a damp cloth.
* Sand the blister with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any loose paint or rust.
* Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth.

2. Apply Bondo

* Mix a small amount of Bondo body filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Apply the Bondo to the blister, using a putty knife or mixing stick.
* Smooth out the Bondo with a putty knife or sanding block.
* Allow the Bondo to dry completely.

3. Sand the Bondo

* Once the Bondo is dry, sand it smooth with a medium-grit sandpaper.
* Start with a coarse grit and gradually work your way to a finer grit.
* Sand until the Bondo is flush with the surrounding surface.

4. Prime the Surface

* Apply a coat of primer to the repaired area.
* Allow the primer to dry completely.

5. Paint the Surface

* Apply a coat of paint to the repaired area.
* Allow the paint to dry completely.

6. Clear Coat the Surface

* Apply a coat of clear coat to the repaired area.
* Allow the clear coat to dry completely.

7. Finish the Surface

* Wet-sand the clear coat with a fine-grit sandpaper.
* Start with a coarse grit and gradually work your way to a finer grit.
* Sand until the clear coat is smooth and glossy.
* Apply a coat of rubbing compound to the repaired area.
* Polish the area with a polishing compound.

Tips

* If the blister is large, you may need to apply multiple layers of Bondo.
* Allow each layer of Bondo to dry completely before sanding.
* When sanding, be sure to use a light touch to avoid damaging the surrounding paint.
* If you are not comfortable repairing blisters yourself, you can take your car to a body shop for professional repairs.

Conclusion

Repairing body blisters is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that can be completed in a matter of hours. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily fix blisters yourself and restore your car’s appearance.