How to Fill Body Molding Holes on a Car

Body molding on cars is the black plastic or chrome-colored trim pieces along the lower sections of the doors and body of the car. To get a cleaner, more clutter-free look, you can take the body molding pieces off. The body molding is attached with clips that stick into holes in the sheet metal on the car's body. Once the molding is removed, there are several small holes. If water gets into these holes, it can cause rust from the inside out. Fill the body molding holes on your car and get a clean, smooth body without the fear of rust.

Instructions

1

Sand over and around the holes with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand the paint and primer away until you reach the bare metal. Leave nothing but bare metal at least 3 inches around the hole.

2

Mix the body filler and hardener together on a palette according to the directions. Use the squeegee to mix the filler thoroughly.

3

Apply a small amount of filler over each hole so the hole is filled and the filler surrounds the hole. Let the filler dry for one hour.

4

Sand the dried filler with 220-grit sandpaper until it is smooth and as flat as the surrounding surface. Sand over it again with the 400-grit sandpaper to smooth the scratches left by the 220-grit sandpaper.

5

Place paper above and below the holes to protect the surrounding car body from paint overspray. Put masking tape around the outer edges of the filler and areas that were sanded to protect the remaining painted surface of the car body. Wipe the area down with wax-and-grease remover and a microfiber towel.

6

Spray primer over the areas that were sanded, including the body filler. Let the first coat of primer dry for 10 minutes. Spray a second coat of primer and let it dry for 30 minutes.

7

Spray a total of four or five thin coats of paint over the dried primer. Wait 10 minutes between each coat before spraying the next one. Let the final coat of paint dry for a full day before handling the surface.