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how to fill a dent - part 1
Step 1 Prepare the surface Because body filler doesn’t stick well to paint, you’ll have to sand down to bare metal before you fill your dent. Use a heavy grit sandpaper (150-grit) to remove the paint fast. Don’t be concerned about the rough texture; you’ll be smoothing everything out later. Remove the paint from at least 3” around the dent to do the job right. Step 2 Mix the filler The most common brand of filler is Bondo, but other brands work similarly. You’ll be mixing up a two-part epoxy by adding a cream hardener to a base filler. Follow the package directions to mix the filler using a rigid plastic spreader. Mix it up on a clean surface like cardboard. Since the filler won’t stick to plastic, many people use an old plastic plate or Frisbee as a mixing tray. NOTE: The filler hardens fast once you add the cream, so be ready to move onto the next step of applying the filler once you mix. You’ll have up to about 5 minutes to work once it’s mixed. Step 3 Apply the filler Working quickly but carefully, use the flexible plastic spreader to spread the filler into the damaged area and 3 inches around it. It’s OK to be a bit uneven because you’ll be sanding everything once the filler hardens. Now, let the filler dry. Check the package directions for drying times and signs that you’re ready for the next steps, outlined in Part 2 of this story.
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Cut repair costs by doing body work on small dents and gouges yourself. Be patient, take your time, and you’ll be able to get results that will rival the work of a professional body shop. 
