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How to Mix Body Filler to Repair Car Paint Chips

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

If small stones and weather have knocked chips out of the finish of your car, you may not need to take it to an expensive body shop. Small chips in the paint can be repaired by you. One way to repair the car paint is with body filler. Read on to learn how to mix body filler to repair car paint chips.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Sandpaper
  • Pencil with unused eraser
  • Mixing palette
  • Mixing tool
  • Body filler
  • Alcohol
  • Rag
  1. Step 1

    Use a filler for areas that you can catch your fingernail on. You may use it for larger chips and deep scratches when touch up paint isn't enough to create a flush surface.

  2. Step 2

    Inspect the area to make certain that there's no rust and probe it to find if areas around the chip are loose and need to be removed.

  3. Step 3

    Attach a small piece of sandpaper to an unused pencil eraser to rough up the area. Clean the area off with alcohol to remove residue.

  4. Step 4

    Select a fine body filler. There are many types. Try one that is made of talc and polyester.

  5. Step 5

    Put a small amount onto a mixing palate. It won't take much to fill a small chip.

  6. Step 6

    Add the catalyst to the filler. Less is more in the case of the catalyst. You don't need to add much to get the job done. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the filler for the best results.

  7. Step 7

    Mix the filler and catalyst thoroughly with a knife, a one sided razor blade or the paddle that may be in the kit. Scrape the edge of the blade across the palette and pull the two together. Continue this until the small amount of catalyst is completely mixed. Leave no streaks. If you repair the car paint with filler, a thorough mix is important for a strong repair.

Tips & Warnings
  • Pretest an area that is not visible with the cleaner to make sure it is compatible with the paint. If paint comes off on the rag, use a different cleaner.
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