How to repair car bodywork
Instapatch can cover holes, cracks and rust holes in non-structural body panels and bumpers. Once it has cured, you can sand it and paint it to match.
- Only on non-structural panels. Don't use it on load-bearing parts such as sills, chassis members, or floor areas near suspension, steering, brake or seat belt mounts. The MOT inspection manual treats inadequate repairs in these areas as a failure, and patch repairs there need to be welded.
- Not on exhausts or other parts that get hot. Ask us about those.
What you'll need
- Instapatch Standard patches big enough to cover the damage with room to spare. The order wizard will suggest a size.
- UV Curing Primer and a brush where there's rust
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Gloves and protective clothing
- Surface cleaner or degreaser, and clean cloths
- A wire brush or abrasive paper for loose rust and flaking paint
Before you start
- Check the area isn't structural. If you're not sure, ask a garage.
- Remove all car wax and polish. The surface must be dry and free from dust, grease, waxes and loose material.
- Only open the patch when you're ready to use it. It can start to cure within minutes in daylight.
Steps
Clean and degrease the area to remove wax, polish and road grime, then let it dry.
Remove any loose rust and flaking paint.
If there's rust, brush on UV Curing Primer and let it dry fully.
Shape the patch with scissors while it's still in its packet.
Peel the release film from one side, press the patch on straight away, and mould it to the panel. Apply firm pressure all over.
Peel off the top film straight away. That leaves a matt finish you can paint.
Leave the patch to cure in daylight. Keep pressing the edges down until it hardens, so the corners don't lift.
Once it has hardened, sand it smooth and paint it to match.
Cure timing for this surface
Outdoors, daylight cures the patch in 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how bright it is. In a garage, use a UV lamp or torch.
After the repair
Once it has hardened, you can sand it, fill it and paint it like the rest of the panel.
Common questions
On a non-structural panel, the patch doesn't affect the car's structure. Repairs in load-bearing areas have to be welded to pass. If you're not sure whether an area is structural, ask a garage.
Yes. Instapatch Standard works on plastic.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using it on structural or load-bearing areas
- Leaving wax or loose rust under the patch
- Forgetting to peel off the top film when you plan to paint
Safety
Wear gloves and protective clothing, and only use Instapatch in a well-ventilated area. It contains polyester compound and styrene, which can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them straight away with plenty of water and get medical advice. If it gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water.
Storing spare patches
Keep unused patches on end in their original wrapping, somewhere cool, dry, dark and frost free. If a patch is very cold, warm it before use.