Car Dent Repair: How To Fix A Dent In Your Car

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Car Dent Repair: How to Fix a Dent In Your Car

By Family Handyman

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Sep. 26, 2024

DIY dent repair saves hundreds of dollars

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Introduction

If you follow these steps, you can patch a car dent yourself in just an afternoon and save a few hundred bucks over body shop prices.

We’ve patched quite a few car scratches and dents in our day. We used to do it the same way we tape drywall, by applying five pounds of body filler and then sanding off 4-9/10 lbs. Then we went to “boot camp” at 3M and learned there’s an easier way (as in, the correct way) to do car body repair.

We asked expert Jenn Cook, a senior technical service engineer at 3M, to walk you through the same car dent repair process. Once the car dent repair is done, you just spray on a primer coat and matching paint from the dealer or an auto parts store. The repair won’t look like a professional job, but at least it won’t stand out like a sore thumb. Here’s the process.

Tools Required

• Angle grinder
• Corded drill
• Dust mask
• Extension cord
• Hearing protection
• Safety glasses
• Sanding block

Materials Required

• Body filler
• Finishing glaze
• Latex gloves
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Wax remover

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Prep and Clean Before Filling

• Wash and dry your car.

Step 2

Remove the Paint

• Start by removing the paint inside and around the dent with 24-grit paper.
• Switch to 80-grit sandpaper and hand-sand the entire dent.
• Use the same sandpaper to rough up and feather the paint around the edges of the dent.
• Clean the entire area with wax remover and a clean rag.
• Then wipe with a tack cloth.

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Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3

Mix the Filler

• Spread the filler down the mixing board in an S-shaped curve.
• Then scoop it up and fold it over.
• Repeat until the filler has a consistent color.
  • Don’t mix body filler on a scrap piece of cardboard. Instead, use a mixing board or an old, clean cookie sheet you’re willing to toss.

Step 4

Apply a “Tight” First Coat

• Scoop up some filler and press it hard into the rough metal.
• Spread the filler to form a “tight” coat. That will burp air out of the scratches and wet the bare metal.

Step 5

Add More Filler

• Wipe on a thicker “fill coat” layer of filler to completely fill the dent.

Step 6

Sand to Shape and Glaze

• Sand the filler to match the contours of the car body using 80- and 180-grit sandpaper.
• Then feather the edges of the filler right up to the painted edge.
• Next, apply finishing glaze to the entire patch and then sand with 180-grit and then 320-grit sandpaper.
• Spray the patch with primer, then paint it.
  • Use DIY car paint sealant to keep the patch looking fresh.

Next, check out how to get dent out of car with plunger.