If you have recently been involved in a minor road traffic accident, you may be considering carrying out DIY smash repairs. A DIY repair job could potentially save you both time and money. Below is a guide which will help you to repair your car after it has been involved in a collision which has resulted in a dent in the bodywork and scratched paint.

Sand down the paint

Before you can repair your car, you will need to sand down the paint around the damaged area. The easiest way to do this is using an orbital sander fitted with medium-grit sandpaper. If you do not have access to a sanding machine, you can carry out the work by hand, but it will take longer and require greater effort. When sanding the paint, use circular motions to achieve the best results.

Mix the bodywork filler

You can purchase bodywork filler from your local auto repair store. This filler consists of two separate powders which are mixed with water. Once mixed, you will be left with a malleable paste which can be easily applied to the damaged area of your car. For exact instructions on how to prepare the filler, you should consult the product packaging.

Apply the filler to the damaged bodywork

Once you have mixed the filler, you will have to work quickly, as you only have a few minutes to apply it before it hardens and sets. You should use a small trowel to apply the filler to the damaged area of your car, smoothing and spreading it out to create an even surface. Try to apply just enough filler, as you will have to spend time sanding off any excess material.

Sand the filler and paint

Check the instructions to see how long you have to wait for the filler to completely set. Once the filler has set, you should use high-grit sandpaper to remove any excess filler. Once the area where the filler has been applied is completely smooth, you should add primer and wait for this to dry. Once the primer is dry, you can apply a final coat of paint. 

If you do not have the confidence to carry out a DIY repair or if you are unhappy with the results of your DIY repair attempt, you should contact a smash repair shop. The staff will be happy to assess the damage to your car before carrying out any necessary accident repair work.