Auto Body Technician how-to
How to Repair a Small Dent and Prep for Paint
Most collision work includes minor panel repair that must be invisible after paint.
Quick answer
Most collision work includes minor panel repair that must be invisible after paint. In short: clean; pull; grind, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Clean the panel and mark the damaged area.
Pull or tap the dent out as close to the original shape as possible.
Grind the paint off the repair area and feather the edges.
Apply a thin layer of body filler and let it cure.
Block-sand the filler smooth with progressively finer grits.
Apply primer-surfacer, sand again and check for flaws under good light.
Safety reminders for auto body technicians
- Wear a supplied-air or approved respirator when spraying paints with isocyanates
- Use eye, ear and hand protection when grinding and welding
- Support vehicles properly on lifts and stands
- Disable airbags and disconnect batteries before working nearby
Key terms
Unibody · Frame machine · Datum · High-strength steel · Sectioning · Spot weld: see the full auto body technician glossary.