How to Fix a Small Dent in a Car

Bringing your car to a collision repair shop can be costly and take several days. But you an learn how to fix a small dent by yourself and make all the repairs you need in your own garage. There are several methods to try when removing a dent.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Dish detergent
• Plunger
• Body hammer
• Grinder
• Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit)
• Body filler
• Plastic squeegee
• Primer
• Paint
• Clearcoat paint

Instructions

1. Wet the dent with water and a small amount of dish detergent. Press a household plunger into the dent to create a suction. Gently pull the dent out with the plunger, sliding the plunger to different areas of the dent. Slide the plunger down and out of the water to break the suction. If this does not repair the dent, move to the next step.

2. Remove all plastic and parts from behind the dented body panel if possible. Use a body hammer to gently tap the dent out and into place. Use the hammer on both sides of the dented panel to even the damage out. If this step does not work, move to the next step.

3. Use a grinder to grind the paint out of the dent. Drill several holes into the dent in various areas. Screw the tip of a dent puller into one hole and gently slide the handle away from the dent. Move the dent puller to different holes, alternating pulling in each hole. Use the body hammer to tap on any high points if you pull too hard with the puller.

4. Wipe body filler on the damaged area with a plastic squeegee. Smooth it out and allow it to dry for an hour. Sand the filler smooth with 80 grit sandpaper and a dual action sander. A dual action sander can be used to reduce sanding time.

5. Spray two coats of primer on the damaged area and allow them to dry for thirty minutes. Spray three coats of paint on the area, waiting thirty minutes between each coat before spraying another. After allowing the paint to dry for an hour, spray three coats of clearcoat paint, waiting thirty minutes of time between coats. Wait at least one month before waxing the repaired area.

Tips & Warnings

• The primer, paint and clearcoat paint can be spray can paint or automotive paint sprayed from a gun and air compressor.

• Never sand a car without wearing a face mask. Never spray paint or primer without wearing a respirator mask.