Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Treatment of Metal Surface

Treatment of Metal Surface

1. Filling / drying
Small cracks or pinholes in the sheet metal should be repaired with a body filler and sanded flat and smooth.

- Use the 2-part polyester resin putty.
- Mix the putty with the hardener in the correct ratio.
- Follow the body filler manufacturer's instructions.




- Mix the body filler and hardener quickly.
- Apply the body filler in several thin coats, without air bubbles.
- Do not try to cover the surface with one heavy coat.




- Apply the body filler over the damaged area with a putty knife using light pressure.
- After applying the body filler, allow 5-6 minutes of normal drying time, then force dry it with infrared lamps or other industrial dryer at 122 degree F (50 degree C)-140 degree F (60 degree C).

NOTE: Follow the body filler manufacturer's instructions for drying time.

2. Polishing
The body filler is dry when a white mark appears when the surface is scratched with your finger nail.




1. Thoroughly sand the body filler surface.

Use the double action sander and #80-#120 disc paper.




2. Sand the surface evenly, particularly the area that was filled.

Use the flexible block and #120-#180 sandpaper.




3. Featheredge the paint coat.
Sand the body filler surface until the proper dimension are met.

Use the double action sander and #240-#320-#400 disc papers.

3. Air blowing / degreasing

Use the alcohol, wax and grease remover.

Also clean and degrease the surfaces where masking tape will be attached.