How to repair a light scratch to a deep dent

The Sun is shining, you’ve just cleaned your car, what’s this?! You’ve spotted a scratch or a dent! Most likely happened at the supermarket where mummy’s little angel threw herself out of the car (which was parked too close to yours!)

Tackling scuffs and paint chips could be a daunting job for many. Some choose to leave it to the pros or just not bother at all!

Before you get started you will need some things

• Blue Nitrile gloves
• A Dust Mask
• 1 Inch or 2 Inch Masking Tape
• Paint Absorbent Masking Film
• Random Orbital Sander with 75mm Discs
• Sandpaper
• Sanding Block
• The Right products for the Right type of damage (See below)

Light Scuffs

DON’T WORRY Light scuffs on the surface can normally be sorted by polishing. If you can run a finger over it and can’t feel it, then it can be polished. HURRAY! Grab a fine cloth and some polish. We recommend Farecla G3 Premium Abrasive Compound or G360 Fast Finish and start buffing the scratch. If you feel confident, or already have a polisher, then you can use these Polishing Compounds with a Farecla G Mop GMC624. Wipe clear, take a step back to see if you are happy with it. Go ahead and grab some Farecla G3 Glaze Gloss Enhancer to give your car the ultimate finish.

Deeper Damaged

If the damage to your car goes beyond paint damage and goes down to the metal, then the job becomes a little trickier. You may need to sand the area down and apply a body filler if your car bodywork has been damaged. This will be applied in two parts a filler and a stopper, we recommend to use Proworx Swift Bulk Filler for the filling and Proworx Ace Superlight Filler for the stopper.

The sanding discs we recommend are the Indasa HT Line Ultravent 75mm discs. these provide more bang for your buck as they change colour to let you know when its time to change the disc (White to Red)

Step 1

We need to make sure the work area is nice, clean and free of wax, so wash and dry the affected area.

Step 2

Mask off the area using masking film and secure with masking tape

Step 3

As Body Fillers don’t stick to paint work you will need to sand the working area. When sanding, starting off light with a P80 grit and go heavier. be sure to blend the edge of the old paint to stop chipping occurring through the new paint and to make sure there is a good bond on the material. Gently work inward from the edges of the dent to avoid enlarging the damaged area.

Step 4

Mix your filler and hardener But only as much as you need

Step 5

Apply your filler of choice, work slowly and carefully to avoid spreading the filler outside you intended work area. After you have finished the area should be slightly higher than your cars surface, as its starts to harden it should be the consistency of a nice hard cheese. Wait till it is completely dry around 20 to 30 mins then sand the desired area with a medium grit sandpaper until level. Repeat this process with the stopper just to top up the same level of the paint

Step 6

When everything is smooth and even, prime the area and touch up the paint. You can find primers and top up tinters or ready mixed colour on our site

Use several layers of primer, sanding each layer with a sanding block, until the area appears perfectly smooth. (To check that it’s smooth, wet the primer and look at the way light reflects off the surface.)

Step 7

Clean the area and finish off your hard work with a layer of polish and sit back and give your self a pat on the back!