If you steel door has a dent, follow these steps to repair it. Materials: Sanding paper
Random-orbit power sander
Tack cloth
Automotive body filler compound
Tube of hardening agent
Putty knife
Spray metal primer
Metal paint (any color you desire) Precautions: - If you're working in a closed area, keep a fan going. It will keep the dust and odor down.
- Be sure to wear eye goggles.
- If you prefer, wear a dust mask.
- Sand the dent area (figure A) well to get down to the bare metal as much as possible. Note: Don't just get inside the dent, be sure to get all around it as well.
- Use a tack cloth (found at any hardware store) to wipe off all the dust. Be sure the surface is dust and particle free.
- The dent needs to be filled to create a flush surface. To do this, use an automotive body filler (found at auto-parts or hardware stores). Use a scrap piece of wood to mix the body filler. Add a hardening agent (figure B) to the filler and mix. Note: If you use a quarter of the can of body filler, use a quarter of the tube of hardening agent.
- Be sure to mix the compounds well (figure C) to get rid of any soft spots. When the mix becomes stiff it's ready to use.
- Fill in the dent with the compound, using a putty knife (figure D). Be sure to fill in any air bubbles. The level of the body filler needs to match the surface of the door. You will have only five to 10 minutes before this mixture will become as hard as a rock.
- Once the mixture is hard, use a power random-orbit sander to create a smooth surface (figure E).
- Cover the surface with a spray metal primer, which will help to prohibit rust.
- Paint the door any color you desire.
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