DIY Auto Body Repair & Paint: Fixing Dents, Scratches & Scuffs

Get your car looking showroom-fresh with this step-by-step bodywork guide. From pulling out small dents to matching factory-style paint, you’ll learn the essential techniques and tools to tackle cosmetic damage yourself.

Target Audience:
Car owners who want to restore curb appeal, protect their paint from rust, and avoid costly bodyshop bills for minor damage.

Chapters:

1. Introduction to DIY Bodywork

   • Understanding your car’s panels and paint layers

   • Safety gear and workspace setup

2. Tools of the Trade

   • Dent pullers, body hammers, sanders, and more

   • Selecting the right paint (OEM vs. touch-up)

3. Assessing Damage

   • When a dent is fixable vs. requiring pro help

   • Identifying paint cracks vs. surface scuffs

4. Dent Removal Techniques

   • Suction cup pullers for shallow dents

   • Slide hammers and glue pull tabs for medium dents

   • Hammer and dolly work for tight spots

5. Filling & Sanding

   • Choosing and applying body filler

   • Sanding grits: from 80 to 2000—when and why

6. Prepping for Paint

   • Masking and priming panels

   • Tack cloths and dust control

7. Painting & Clearcoat

   • Mixing and spraying basecoat to match your car’s code

   • Applying clearcoat for UV protection and gloss

   • Wet-sanding and buffing for a perfect finish

8. Finishing Touches

   • Polishing compounds, scratch removers, and sealants

   • Protecting your work with wax or ceramic coating

9. Maintenance & Touch-Up

   • Quick-fix strategies for new chips and scratches

   • Seasonal care to keep paint looking new

Bonus Materials:

• Paint code lookup worksheet

• Printable panel-preparation and paint-match checklist