What are the techniques for beginners in car paint putty application?
2 Answers
When operating, the action should be quick. It's best to complete the application within 3 minutes after mixing the putty. If it takes too long, the putty may harden before you finish applying it. The putty application techniques are as follows: 1. 45°-70°: The angle between the putty knife and the surface should be 45°-70°. Apply a certain amount of pressure while spreading the putty, trying to make it thin, tight, and solid. This improves the adhesion between the putty and the metal surface, reduces coating pinholes, and lowers water absorption; 2. 35°-45°: The angle between the putty knife and the surface should be 35°-45°. Try to spread the putty thick and flat, thereby reducing the number of applications needed, saving time, and improving efficiency; 3. Around 35°: The angle between the putty knife and the surface should be around 35°. Try to smooth the surface of the putty layer as much as possible to reduce pinholes.
When I first started learning to apply body filler, I found preparation to be the most crucial step. First, clean the car body surface thoroughly to remove rust and grease, otherwise the filler won't adhere properly. For tools, a wide spreader gives better control - avoid using ones that are too small as beginners tend to apply unevenly. When applying, I prefer taking small amounts of filler and spreading it evenly from the center outward, using quick, smooth strokes to avoid air bubbles or pits. Regarding thickness, don't apply too much at once; generally 1-2mm is sufficient, otherwise it may crack when dry. During my first attempt, I applied too thick a layer on a car door, which made subsequent sanding extremely laborious. After drying, start with coarse sandpaper (like 180-grit) to smooth it out, then switch to finer sandpaper (400-grit) for finishing touches. Practice is key - try on old car parts where mistakes can be easily redone. Both patience and attention to detail are essential, and you'll improve significantly after a few attempts.
