This car had a small dent on the side. To repair something like this, will cost you hundreds of dollars at the body shop. Who has extra money in this economy? In this post, I will tell you how to do the same repair for a fraction of the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of my car paint repair tutorials are designed for beginners with no prior experience.  I try to provide as much information as possible including step-by-step pictures and videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To repair this dent, you will need to use body filler, spot putty, primer, touch-up paint, and clear coat. This fun do-it-yourself project can be easily done over the weekend. No experience is needed.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t recommend using cheap products, since they can compromise the result.  My goal is to save you money, but still give you good-quality products. Below are the products I personally use and recommend to all of my friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Items You\u2019ll Need:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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• Primer<\/a> (aerosol spray) \u2013 For this repair, they used a gray primer. You should pick a primer that works best for your color. The closer it is to the color of your car, the fewer paint coats you will need to cover it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Touch-Up Paint<\/a> (aerosol spray) \u2013 Custom paint matching your car. Click on the link and select your color.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Clear Coat<\/a> (aerosol spray) – Clear coat is used for paint protection and shine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Body Filler<\/a> – Body filler is used to repair dents, dings, holes, and scratches. I like Ultimate Premium Body Filler<\/em> by Bondo. This is their latest product that has superior adhesion to all metals including Galvanized and Aluminum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Spot Putty<\/a> – Spot putty is used for filling chips, small dings, scratches, and pinholes in body filler. It is much easier to sand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Plastic Spreader<\/a> – Gives a smoother application of body fillers and spot putty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Assorted Wet\/Dry Sandpaper<\/a> \u2013 This pack includes 5 sheets of assorted sandpaper (1 sheet each of 180, 320, 600, 1000, and 1,500) and can be used for sanding primer, clear coats,\u00a0 and automotive paints.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Sandpaper: 40 grit and 80 grit<\/a> \u2013 This is rough sandpaper that is used for sanding body filler.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Auto masking tape<\/a> and Old Newspapers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Prep solvent<\/a> \u2013 It is great for removing oils, road grease, dirt, car wax, and other surface contaminants. It also improves adhesion to the surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
• Meguiar\u2019s Ultimate Compound<\/a> \u2013 A rubbing compound used to remove light-to-deep clear coat scratches, swirl marks, stains, and heavy oxidation. Use it at the very end of the repair process. Meguiar\u2019s Ultimate Compound<\/em> is the best car scratch remover<\/a> on today\u2019s market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Optional Items:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  I want to save you as much money as possible, that is why I put all of these items under optional. I know that some people have money only to buy the minimum and don’t care if their car has a showroom shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Microfiber Towel<\/a> \u2013 Avoid using other materials such as bath towels, paper towels, or washcloths, as they might leave scratches on the clear coat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Applicator Pads<\/a> \u2013 These pads are used to apply rubbing compound, polish, and wax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Meguiar\u2019s Ultimate Polish <\/a>\u2013 Use your favorite polishing compound. I like Meguiar\u2019s Ultimate Polish because it uses diminishing abrasive technology, meaning the tiny abrasives break down gradually as you rub. The paint color will look bolder and brighter with a smooth, sleek shine. It is high quality, inexpensive, long-lasting, and clear coat-safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Meguiar\u2019s Tech Wax<\/a> \u2013 Use your favorite wax. I like Meguiar\u2019s NXT Generation Tech Wax. This product is amazing because not only does it give the deepest and clearest shine you\u2019ve ever seen, but it also acts as a paint sealer giving your car long-lasting protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dual Action Sander\/Polisher<\/a> \u2013 I found a nice beginner polisher on Amazon for a reasonable price that will give you amazing results. There are a lot of professional polishers, but they cost over $200. This Black & Decker polisher got great customer reviews.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Aerosol Spray Trigger<\/a> \u2013 I put this item under optional items, however, I think it is a must-have when it comes to spray paint. It turns a spray aerosol can into a spray gun making it easier to apply the paint and clear coat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Plastic Mixing Board<\/a> – You will need it to mix body filler and a cream hardener.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tack Rag<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Respirator<\/a>, Gloves, Goggles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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