What Can Be Used to Wipe Off Automotive Putty?
3 Answers
Small putty on the car paint surface can be wiped off with a cloth, while larger putty requires sanding with sandpaper. Function of Automotive Putty: In automotive painting, it is 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. Precautions After Applying Putty: Generally, one layer of putty takes about 1 hour to dry, but thicker applications may require up to 1 day. After applying putty, do not sand it immediately. Wait until the putty is completely dry, then check again for any remaining holes or shrinkage.
The other day, while working on bumper scratches in the workshop, I got body filler all over my gloves and wiped it off directly with thinner. This type of uncured body filler is particularly sensitive to ketone and ester solvents, so commonly available body filler thinners or nitrocellulose paint thinners from auto repair shops will work. The key is to act while it's still wet: use a non-woven cloth dipped in thinner to gently wipe the filler surface in circular motions. Once it dissolves and turns white, immediately wipe it clean with a fresh cloth. Repeat this process a few times until the surface is smooth. If the filler has already cured, it becomes more troublesome—first use a scraper to remove the hardened chunks, then sand away any remaining marks with 600-grit sandpaper and water. However, be cautious as some strong solvents may damage the original paint, so it's best to test in an inconspicuous area before wiping.
Last year when I DIY-repaired door dents, I learned the timing for removing excess body filler: use industrial alcohol to wipe clean when it's still wet, switch to acetone during semi-cured state. For fully hardened filler, physical scraping is recommended first, then remove residual marks with metal polishing compound using soft cloth in circular motions. Actually, the most practical emergency solution is spraying carburetor cleaner on a cloth for wiping - but this method irritates skin and has strong fumes, remember to wear nitrile gloves and ensure ventilation. Professional detailing shops use solvent-based cleaning paste with clay bars, which protects clear coat while thoroughly removing contaminants.
