How to Fix a Car Dent at Home

Sick of staring at that dent in your car but don’t want to take it into the shop? No worries, you can fix the problem right at home and Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you how! In just a couple of simple steps, you can make what may seem like an impossible DIY auto repair a breeze – check it out!

  

DIY Auto Repairs Made Easy 

Before we explain how to do this auto repair, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Here is what you’ll need:

Tools: 

• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Extension cord
• Dust mask
• Corded drill
• Angle grinder
• Sanding block

Materials: 

• Wax remover
• Tack cloth
• Body filler
• Finishing glaze
• 80-, 180-, and 320- grit sandpaper
• 24- grit sanding wheel

After you have fixed the dent in your car, you'll want to also have your car's paint on hand to cover up the sanded-down area. You can purchase matching paint from our Orlando dealership or at your local auto body shop. Once you have the paint, you can get to work!

Prepare the area: 

• Using 24-grit sanding wheel, remove the paint from inside and around the dented area.
• Switch to 80-grit sandpaper and sand the entire area by hand.
• Scuff up and feather the paint around the dent.
• Clean the sanded area using wax remover and a clean rag.
• Wipe it down with a tack cloth. 

 Prepare the filler:

• Place filler onto a mixing board or cookie sheet.
• Apply the hardener
• Mix the filler and hardener according to the directions. (Make sure to avoid creating any air bubbles.)

Apply the filler: 

• Evenly spread the filler over the dent.
• Ensure all air has been released from the area and that the bare metal is wet
• Apply a second fill coat.

Contour: 

• Using 80- and 180- grit sandpaper, sand down the filled area to match the body contour of your Orlando Toyota.

Glaze: 

• Apply the finishing glaze to the entire area.
• Sand the area with your 180- grit paper.
• Sand the area with your 320- grit paper.

Prime & Paint: 

• Spray primer coat onto the sanded-down patch.
• Paint the area.

And voila! The dent is gone! As you can see with just a little time and effort you can do auto repairs right from the comfort of your own home. Just be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions and follow our instructions closely. 

Toyota of Orlando can get the job done

If you have more questions about this auto repair or rather have our certified Orlando techs do the job for you stop by Toyota of Orlando. We are open seven days a week for your convenience and are always running service specials. You can find us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millennia Mall. Call (407) 298-4001 and schedule your appointment today.