Putty knives and scrapers are used during automotive repair to eliminate dents and prepare the surface of the car body for painting. The first ones are intended for the application and uniform spread of putty and primer, the second ones are designed for removing glue, old paint and stubborn stains.

What are the types of putty knives and scrapers?

Putty knives fall into:

• Flexible. Made of rubber or silicone. Allow to perform works in recessed areas. Suitable for applying materials on textured surfaces. Help to give a shape to the treated part.
• Non-flexible. Metal or plastic can be used for their production. Convenient to use when applying materials to a flat surface. Suitable for mixing putty or primer with hardener. Might have a hole or a side slot on the blade used to remove excess amount of solution.

There are the following kinds of scrapers:

• Metal. Feature a robust design. They help to remove paint from large areas in a short space of time without much effort.
• Plastic. Have a mild effect on the treated part. Can be used for removing glue from painted surfaces.

Tips on using putty knives and scrapers

Before the work starts, it is recommended to examine the blades of the tools. There must be no burrs, chips and irregularities, otherwise, the material can’t be applied evenly. If there are damaged parts, they should be treated with sandpaper, first with a coarse one and then with fine.

Putty should be applied in a very thin layer, first upwards and then it should be spread to the sides. In order to fill in the dents on the roof, wings and doors, it is better to use tools with wide blades.

If you need a small amount of putty to eliminate damage, you can mix it with hardener right on the blade. This will help you to consume less material.

Old paint should be softened with a special chemical or heated before being removed.

It is necessary to clean material residues from the tool when the work is finished. It is preferable to use special solvents for that.

AUTODOC: convenient online shopping

Would you like to get your car ready for painting as easy and convenient as possible? We recommend you purchasing putty knives and scrapers in our online shop. Here, you’ll find a lot of top-quality products at affordable prices, can place an order very quickly and receive it soon afterwards. Buying a set of tools, you’ll be able to save on delivery costs.