Filling

Filling a car step by step.

Even the most careful drivers may notice scratches and damage to the paintwork on their vehicle over time, which spoil the appearance of the entire car. Chipped paint, corrosion spots or minor or major scratches can not only affect the visual appeal of the car, but also lead to more serious damage that cannot be repaired without the help of a bodywork specialist. An effective way to mask defects and imperfections is to fill the paintwork of the car. Filling is performed to level out surface irregularities, such as dents and depressions caused by bodywork or damage. Thanks to this, the bodywork will regain its former shape and shine, but you need to know how to fill a car to achieve a durable and satisfactory result that will last for a long time.

Step 1 - Clean the area to be filled thoroughly.

If you do not remove old paint, rust blisters and other contaminants before applying the resin, you increase the likelihood that the filler will not bond well with the substrate, and after some time, it will chip off and the whole process will have to be repeated. You can use sandpaper or special preparations that dissolve rust deposits for cleaning. Before moving on to the next step, it is a good idea to protect the area adjacent to the repair site with adhesive tape and foil - thanks to this protective layer, you will not damage areas that do not require repair during sanding.

Step 2 - Sanding before applying the filler.

The surface of the car body must be properly prepared for the application of the resin. For this purpose, it is best to use sandpaper with the grit specified by the manufacturer. If you decide to do this manually, sandpaper with a grit of P100-P1500 is best. If you use an orbital sander for this purpose, the recommended range is P300-P1000. If the preparation of your sheet metal also requires the removal of old paint coatings or anti-corrosion primers, it is a good idea to use sandpaper with a slightly coarser grain.

After completing this stage, it is worth cleaning the repaired area once again to remove any sanding residue. This time, it is worth using a silicone remover for this purpose, as it works quickly and effectively prevents the formation of unsightly craters.

Step 3 - Applying the filler.

Before proceeding with the filling, it is advisable to cover the repaired area with a layer of anti-corrosion primer. This will ensure that no further rust spots form under the resin layer, which could cause the filler to flake off. How to protect car paint.

The filler itself is made from two components - the filler and the hardener. To obtain a ready-to-use preparation, mix both components in the correct proportions. For convenience, they are different colours, and when the mixture is uniform in colour, it is ready for use. You have a few minutes to apply it – the mixed filler hardens quickly and then becomes more difficult to shape. When applying it, it is important not to apply too thick a layer, otherwise cracks will form on the surface during drying.

Caution: the hardener for polyester fillers contains organic peroxide, a substance that is hazardous to health, so protective gloves should be worn.

Before proceeding, the filler must be allowed to dry. This can be done at room temperature or with a heat lamp, which should significantly speed up the process. The freshly applied mixture should also be protected from moisture.

There are various types of fillers available on the market. Some are universal, while others are designed for specific materials, such as plastics or metals. Individual products also differ in their composition. You can find fillers with glass fibre, aluminium and spray fillers, among others. It is important to carefully match the type of product used to the individual needs of each repair. It is also worth getting a set of appropriate tools, including spatulas and trays on which you can conveniently mix the components of the preparation.