How to Fix Your Car's Dings and Dents

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: Nobody wants to use body filler?it's not a flawless fix. But often, perfect is the enemy of the good. Dinged sheet metal can be repaired with specialized welded-on studs and a slide hammer, but that's beyond the skill and tool budget of most folks. Body filler is the next best thing and has been used by shops for decades. It's an effective way for home mechanics to address dings and minor, incidental damage. More serious damage should be addressed by replacing the panel, but cleaning up dents is a fun skill to develop and can save a load of money.

Use this short shopping list to get everything you'll need in one visit to the parts store.

Body Filler Available in big tubs or tiny tins. Almost always comes with a tube of hardener; if not, see below. ($10 to $30)

Hardener Does what it says?mixes with body filler one part to 50. ($5)

Primer The first coat in a paint job. It seals the metal and provides a foundation for paint. Layer for a smooth finish. ($5)

Auto Paint Get this professionally color-matched. A shade off and it will look terrible. ($15 to $50)

Clear Coat Seals and protects the paint beneath it. Required for metallic finishes. ($5)

Polishing Cream Liquid sandpaper. Use with polishing pads and elbow grease. ($7)

Basic Supplies You've probably got: safety glasses, a respirator of your choice (paper filter or better), nitrile gloves, sandpaper, an orbital sander, clean rags, buffing pads, masking tape, mixing and spreading paddles.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/how-to-fix-your-cars-dings-and-dents?src=rss

pau gasol marlins park marbury v. madison 2013 lincoln mkz burger king mary j blige google project glass google goggles