Repair Spots That Contain Minor Dents And Chipped Paint On Your Truck's Aluminum Bed
If your pickup truck's aluminum bed contains minor dents and a few chipped spots of paint, freshen up its exterior by removing imperfections and applying primer and paint with the steps below. Once you have completed the project, your truck's exterior will maintain its appearance as long you care for it properly.
Materials Needed
- handheld plunger
- spray bottle
- water
- hand or electric sander
- sandpaper (low and high grit)
- primer marker
- automotive paint marker
- rubbing compound (designed for use on aluminum)
- buffing cloth
Remove Dents, Sand Chipped Areas, And Clean The Bed
Use a spray bottle to apply a few drops of water to the bottom of a hand sander's rubber suction cup. Press the suction cup firmly against each dent in the truck's bed. Pull the handle away from the truck's bed to release the suction cup. Reapply the suction cup to the truck's bed as many times as necessary until there are no longer any signs of damage.
Move a hand or electric sander back and forth over each area that contains chipped paint until the truck's bed has a smooth surface. Use low or high grit paper, depending upon how severe each chipped area is. Use a long-handled scrub brush to apply automotive detergent that has been mixed with a bucket of water to the surface of the truck's bed and rinse the aluminum surface when finished.
Touch Up Primer And Paint And Buff The Treated Areas
Use a primer marker to apply an even coat of primer to each spot that has been sanded on the bed's exterior. Once the primer dries, use a touch up paint pen to apply a coat or two of paint to each primed area. Wait for each coat to dry completely before adding another one. Pour a few drops of rubbing compound onto a buffing cloth. Move the cloth around in swirls over each area that has been primed and painted.
Once the compound has a hazy appearance, remove it from the truck's bed with a clean, dry cloth. The compound will blend the new paint with the rest of the paint on the truck's bed. Maintain the appearance of the aluminum bed by cleaning it often with soapy water and a soft-bristled scrub brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or a cleaning tool that has a sharp surface in order to prevent cosmetic damage to the truck's bed. With consistent care, the bed will remain damage-free for as long as you own the truck.
For more information, contact companies like Martin Truck Bodies.
