How to Fix Car Dents Like a Pro with Bondo: A DIY Guide
Minor car dents can be an eyesore and expensive to fix professionally. But with Bondo® Body Filler, you can easily repair those small dents yourself, saving money and achieving professional-looking results right in your garage. Bondo has been a trusted name in auto body repair for over 60 years, making it a go-to choice for both beginners and experienced DIYers. This step-by-step guide will walk you through How To Fix Car Dents With Bondo, even if you’re new to auto body work. For your first attempt, it’s recommended to start with a smaller, less noticeable dent to get comfortable with the process and materials.
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Start by thoroughly cleaning the area around the dent. Wash it with soap and water, and then use a VOC compliant adhesive remover to eliminate any wax, grease, or other contaminants that could interfere with the repair. To protect the surrounding paint, mask off the area around the dent with automotive tape, giving yourself a controlled sanding zone.
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For Bondo to adhere properly, it needs to be applied to bare metal. Using a drill with a 36-grit grinding disc or 80-grit sandpaper, remove the paint and any rust from the dented area. Make sure to extend the sanding area about two to three inches beyond the dent itself. This provides enough surface area for the Bondo to bond to. Once you’ve sanded down to bare metal, wipe the area clean again with a VOC compliant adhesive remover and a clean cloth to remove any sanding dust and residues.
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Now, prepare the Bondo Body Filler for application. You’ll need a non-absorbent mixing surface. Knead the tube of cream hardener to ensure it’s ready to mix. For a small dent, start with a roughly three-inch circle of Bondo filler, about half an inch thick. Then, add a three-inch strip of the cream hardener across the top of the filler. Remember, you can always mix more if needed. Quickly and thoroughly fold the hardener into the filler until you achieve a uniform color throughout. Avoid stirring in a circular motion, as this can introduce air bubbles, which can lead to pinholes in your repair.
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Begin applying the Bondo in thin layers, starting with a skim coat to ensure good adhesion. Continue applying thin, even layers, building up the filler slightly higher than the surrounding surface. Applying too much filler at once can trap air and cause pinholes. Allow each layer to cure for about 20 minutes before applying the next.
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Once the Bondo is fully cured, it’s time to sand it down to the desired shape. Start with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the bulk of the excess filler and shape the repair. Then, switch to 180-grit sandpaper to refine the surface and begin featheredging. Featheredging is the process of smoothly blending the repaired area into the surrounding original car body, creating a seamless transition. If you notice any pinholes or imperfections after sanding, Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty can be used to fill these in and create a perfectly smooth surface.
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For the final sanding stages, use 180-grit sandpaper followed by 320-grit sandpaper to prepare the area for primer and paint. At this stage, the repaired dent should be smooth, level with the surrounding panel, and ready for the final steps of priming and painting to perfectly match your car’s finish.
“Unsightly dents and dings can really detract from the appearance of your vehicle,” notes Matt Callahan, Global Marketing Manager at 3M Auto. “Bondo products offer a straightforward DIY solution to repair this damage at home, saving car owners significant money. By following these easy steps, anyone can achieve professional-quality dent repairs in their own garage.”
Bondo Brand Products and the complete 3M automotive product line are available wherever auto parts and accessories are sold. For further details and to explore the full range of products, visit www.3MAuto.com or www.bondo.com.