If you have had the misfortune of an accident which has left you with some unsightly damage like a bumper scuff, bumper scratch key scratch or dent then you might wish to have this
repaired. Having car body repairs carried out can be quite expensive whether it's by a mobile car body repair service or a static accident repair centre the price can be a major factor when considering having the car body damage repaired. Out of the two types of repair services stated above the mobile car body repair service or smart repair service as its also known is the cheaper options out of the two by sometimes 70% on certain types of car body repairs. So if you have the money and wish to have the work carried out by a professional, then that would be the choice for you. If the damage is more complex or requires large area resprays then it's the accident repair centre for you, which unfortunately will be considerable more expensive (best to bring your car insurance in to play for that one). Other options for the repair would be to carry out some of the work yourself. It's not as hard as you may think and can reduce the cost of having the repair carried out by the professionals by only leaving them with the painting and lacquering stages to complete the repair. Below is detailed information on how to prime and prep your car body damage so it's ready for the painting and lacquering stages.

First you will need some basic items

1)Bucket of water

2) 400 and 1500 Wet and dry paper

3) Paper Towels

4) Alcohol Cleaner (thinners will do)

5) Razor Blades

6) Masking Tape

7) Hot Air Gun

8) Flat rubbing block

9) Filler (if the damage is deep or requires filling)

10) Primer filler in aerosol can

11) Goggles and carbon filter mask

First use the razor blade to scrape off any loose debris or rough edges from the scratched area then clean with some alcohol based cleaner. If the scratch or scratches are quite deep then they will need filling. To fill the scratch place some filler on a razor blade and push into the scratches making sure the filler sits a little proud of the surface, then gentle heat with the hot air gun until the filler has fully set. Once set, rub back with some 400 wet and dry paper on a rubbing block making sure that the paper is always lubricated with water from the bucket, and rub until flush with the panel's surface.

Once the filler is flush with the car panels surface clean again and dry with the paper towel. Mask up an area on average 3 inches away from the scratches which are to be primed so that over spray can be contained. Shake the primer filler can vigorously for about 3 minutes, once shaken put on your mask and goggles and any protective clothing you might wish to use, with a sweeping motion apply a thin layer of the primer filler and gently heat with the air gun (don't get too close with the air gun, keep it moving as if drying your hair).

Once the primer filler has set, rub back with some 400 wet and dry paper till smooth and flush with the car panel. Dry with the paper towel and See if there are any scratches remaining. If there are continue with the application of the primer filler as stated above until all scratches have been filled.

This technique is a basic method for priming a car body repair, and is used throughout the car body repair industry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/applying-primer-to-a-car-body-repair-5180606.html

This article contains information on how to carry out your own priming on your car body repair, with basic techniques that are in current use within the mobile car body repair and static car body repair industry.