There are many types of primer, but generally speaking, kits that include a container of primer paste and a tube of hardener are best suited. To obtain a flat and smooth surface, a wide, flexible plastic or nylon shaving brush is simply needed.
1. Mix a small amount of primer onto a clean piece of cardboard - add exactly the amount of hardener needed (follow the primer manufacturer's instructions), otherwise the primer will harden too quickly or vice versa, very slowly.
2. Using a brush, apply a primer to the prepared surface; sweep the brush over the primer to level the surface and distribute the primer over the required area.
3. Once all the required area has been primed, stop applying the primer.
4. If you apply the primer too long, it will thicken and stick to the shaving brush.
5. Continue applying coats of primer at 20 minute intervals until the surface of the primer is just above the level of the surrounding surface.
6. After the primer has hardened, the excess primer can be removed with a file.
7. Then you need to use increasingly fine sandpaper to finish the surface. Always wrap sandpaper around a flat rubber or wood block - otherwise the surface will not be completely flat.
8. In the last stages of surface treatment of the primer, the paper must be washed periodically in water. This will ensure a very even finish.
9. At this stage, the primed surface should be surrounded by a bare metal ring, which in turn should be surrounded by a good paint bead. Rinse the area to be repaired with clean water to remove any dust generated by polishing.
10. Cover the entire area with a thin layer of control paint - this will show all the errors and uneven surfaces of the putty.
11. Remove these irregularities by applying a new coat of primer. And again treat the surface of the putty with sandpaper. Repeat this procedure for applying a control coat of paint and primer until you are satisfied with the surface of the primer and it is flush with the surrounding painted surface.
12. Clean the repair area with clean water and let the surface dry.
13. When using a primer, it is recommended to mix it with a cellulose thinner to form a very thin paste which is ideal for filling small holes.
14. The repair area is now ready for the last stage - painting. Paint application should be carried out in a dry, warm atmosphere without drafts and dust. These conditions are easy to meet if you work in a workshop, but if you have to work outdoors, you will have to be very careful in choosing the day for painting.
15. If you work indoors, covering the floor of the room with water will help you get rid of dust that would otherwise remain in the air.
16. If the repair area is limited to one of the elements of the car body, protect the surrounding elements from getting paint on them; this will help minimize the effect of slight differences in paint colors. Finishing elements and other details (such as chrome strips, door handles and so on) also needs to be closed. Use duct tape and several layers of newspaper to cover adjacent surfaces.
17. Shake the can of paint thoroughly before painting, then apply a layer of paint to the test surface (old bank, for example) until you master the technique of applying paint.
18. Cover the repair area with a thick initial coat of paint; the required thickness should be achieved by applying successive thin layers of paint, and not one thick layer.
19. Using very fine sandpaper, work the surface of the original paint until it is very even and smooth. At the same time, the work area should be thoroughly washed with water, just like the skin. Allow the previous coat of paint to dry before applying a new coat of paint.
20. Apply the last coat of paint, again reaching the required thickness, applying successive thin layers of paint. Start applying paint on one edge of the surface to be treated and then, moving your hand from side to side, treat the entire surface to be painted, as well as the painted surface of the body, within a radius of approximately 4-6 cm from the surface to be treated.
21. Remove all protective coatings approximately 10-15 minutes after applying the last coat of paint.
22. Wait about two weeks for the new paint to harden, then using a buffing machine or a very fine abrasive paste, blend the edges of the new paint into the old paint. After that, apply a layer of polish.