There are many types of primer, but generally the best kits are those that contain a container of primer paste and a tube of hardener. A wide, flexible plastic or nylon brush is essential for a smooth, even finish.
1. Mix a small amount of primer on 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, on the contrary, very slowly.
2. Using a brush, apply the primer to the prepared surface; run a brush over the primer to level the surface and distribute the primer over the required area.
3. Once the entire required area has been covered with primer, stop applying primer.
4. If you apply the primer for too long, it will thicken and stick to the brush.
5. Continue applying coats of primer at 20 minute intervals until the primer surface is just above the level of the surrounding surface.
6. Once the primer has hardened, excess primer can be removed with a file.
7. Then you need to use progressively finer sandpaper to finish the surface. Always wrap the sandpaper around a flat rubber or wooden block – otherwise the surface will not be completely flat.
8. In the final stages of surface treatment with primer, the paper should be periodically rinsed in water. This will ensure a very smooth polish.
9. At this point, the primed surface should be surrounded by a ring of clean metal, which in turn should be surrounded by a rim of good paint. Rinse the repair area with clean water to remove any dust that may have formed as a result of polishing.
10. Cover the entire area with a thin layer of control paint - this will show all the errors and unevenness of the putty surface.
11. Remove these irregularities by applying a new coat of primer. And sand the filler surface again. Repeat this procedure of 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 allow the surface to dry.
13. When using primer, it is recommended to mix it with cellulose solvent to form a very thin paste, which is ideal for filling small holes.
14. The repair area is now ready for the final stage – painting. The application of paint should be done in a dry, warm atmosphere without drafts and dust. These conditions are easy to meet if you are working 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 are working indoors, covering the floor of the room with water will help remove 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 paint getting on them; this will help to minimize the effect of slight differences in paint colors. Trim elements and other details (such as chrome strips, door handles and so on) also need to be covered. Use masking tape and several layers of newspaper to cover the adjacent surfaces.
17. Before you start painting, shake the paint can thoroughly, then apply a coat of paint to the test surface (an old can, for example) until you have mastered 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 successively thin layers of paint, rather than one thick layer.
19. Using very fine sandpaper, sand 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, as well as the sandpaper. Allow the previous coat of paint to dry before applying a new coat of paint.
20. Apply the final coat of paint, again achieving the required thickness by applying successively thin coats of paint. Start applying paint at 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 use a polishing machine or very fine abrasive paste to blend the edges of the new paint with the old paint. Then apply a coat of polish.