Common panel beating techniques explained

Stretching and shrinking

When a panel on a car’s body is dented, the metal is stretched out of shape. The process of shrinking and stretching the metal back to its original dimensions requires heat to be applied to the surface and then hammered with a special shaping hammer to re-shape the metal. This technique is used in conjunction with planishing to restore the original dimensions and contours of the panel.

Planishing

Planishing is a metalworking technique that involves finishing the panel surface by finely shaping and smoothing it. A special hammer is used to press out the damaged metal, restoring the original shape. The metal is pushed against a shaping tool, known as a dolly or stake. The shape of the stake or dolly has to match the original contour of the panels, and hence they are available in a complex variety of shapes.

Welding

Welding is used in panel beating to join pieces of metal together, reinforcing the vehicle structure and ensuring its strength. Heat is applied to the pieces to be joined using various methods, such as by a flame generated by gas.The type of join used will be determined by the shape and type of materials to be joined.

Filling

Sometimes it is necessary to use a putty filler to restore a panel’s original contours. Filling involves mixing a paste and applying it to the vehicle surface. It is important that the panel beater work quickly as, once mixed, the filler can harden, making it unable to be used. Once it has set, the filler provides a hard surface that can then be smoothed and shaped.

Sanding

Depending on the stage of the panel repair there are a number of different sanding techniques. The texture of the sanding pad will be determined by the result required. Sanding can either be a wet or dry procedure and will be used to re-shape a contour and prepare the surface for painting.

Spray painting

Finally, the repaired panel will be spray-painted with a strong paint, designed to resist chipping. The panel to be painted is primed and the surface prepared to ensure the paint adheres well and a smooth finish is achieved. It is important to get an identical match to the original paintcolour of the car so body repairs go undetected. Spray painting is carried out in a dust-free environment, with even strokes of the nozzle on the spray gun to ensure no drips or lines. Once the paint is applied it is baked on in a special oven to ensure a factory finish.

Re-alignment

A hydraulic lift is used in a smash repair workshop to make sure the chassis and other mechanical parts are properly aligned. It is important to check this as the under-carriage of the vehicle may have also sustained damage from the impact of a collision.

Often, it is more economical to simply replace damaged panels, rather than repair a badly damaged panel. If your car is in need of some body repairs, find a qualified and experienced panel beater in your area for a superior finished product.