How to Apply Putty on a Car?
3 Answers
Method for applying putty on a car: 1. Take a small amount of putty on a scraper and apply a thin layer forcefully on the sanded part; 2. Use the scraper to take some putty, lower the scraper slightly, apply with moderate pressure, and fill the area to be coated from four different directions; 3. Lower the scraper further to flatten the putty in the filled area or slightly raise the middle part, then finish with the scraper to make the surrounding putty even and clean, but the coated area should be slightly smaller than the outermost edge of the feathered area. Car putty is used in automotive painting, applied over the first or second primer after sanding, to fill small defects, dents, scratches, or other processing marks, creating a smooth surface for the next coat of paint. It is characterized by high pigment and filler content, thick paste consistency, quick drying, hard and fine texture after drying, and easy sanding.
I've done body filler repairs many times, and it's particularly effective for fixing dents and scratches. First, you need to thoroughly sand the dented area, removing all rust and dust. Then, mix the filler with the hardener according to the instructions, stirring until there are no bubbles for the best results. Next, apply it thinly with a small spatula, working steadily from the center outward. Don't be greedy with the first layer—covering about 80% of the dent is enough. Wait for it to dry completely, which takes about half an hour, before applying the second layer to level it out. Remember to spread each layer over a larger area than the previous one to ensure a natural edge transition. Finally, use 240-grit sandpaper with water to smooth it out—it should feel smooth to the touch without any roughness. In summer, work in the shade since high temperatures can cause the filler to dry too quickly, affecting the results.
When applying body filler to your car, special attention must be paid to the preparatory stage. First, thoroughly wash and dry the car body, removing any grease with a degreaser. Choosing automotive-specific filler is crucial, with epoxy resin materials offering superior adhesion. When mixing, err on the side of less hardener rather than more, and ensure each batch is used within 15 minutes. The application technique requires finesse - hold the spreader at a 45-degree angle with even pressure, applying slightly thicker over dents to allow for sanding. Patience is key during drying; wait until the surface is completely tack-free before sanding. Start with coarse sandpaper for initial shaping, then switch to fine-grit for finishing, frequently checking smoothness by hand. Finally, don't forget to use compressed air to remove powder from crevices - this step critically impacts the final paint job's quality.
