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How to economically fix a dent on your car.

By , About.com Guide

Spraying the paint.
How to economically fix a dent on your car.

Spraying the paint.

Photo by Adam Wright 2010.
You will want to check on your tape and maybe add more to make sure you don't get over spray on the body of the car. Only paint after you have sanded the body work to a smooth surface using progressively finer grades. Remember whatever you see in terms of flaws will not be covered up by the paint, flaws still show, so make sure your work looks nice before you paint.

Start with a high quality sandable primer/filler. The primer acts as a middle ground between the Bondo and the paint, increasing adhesion of the paint. The filler part of primer/filler will actually fill in tiny pinholes that would otherwise affect the quality of your finish. Apply a coat or two of primer/filler, then resand the area. When you're satisfied with the finish, you're ready for real paint.

Apply several thin coats of paint rather than one or two thick layers. Always moving the can in one direction (left to right, or up and down), this will minimize runs and sags in the paint. Less paint and thinner coats is much better than thick coats. Also be sure you let your paint dry between coats or you may get runs or sags. Once the paint is thoroughly dry you will want to remove the tape and do a very fine wet sand (600 grit paper) on the whole area. This will blend the new paint with the old and remove any lines left by the tape.

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