Paint shows every ripple under it, so bodywork is where a good finish is made.
Dents
Most dents in old panels knock back with a hammer and dolly before any filler goes on. The less filler, the better it lasts.
Filler
Filler only skims the last fraction of a millimetre, never rebuilds a panel. It goes on thin over clean, keyed metal and is blocked flat by hand.
Guide coat
A dusting over the filler and primer stays in the low spots, so blocking it back shows every high and low. We keep going until it comes off evenly.
Panel gaps
Doors, bonnet, boot and wings are lined up before paint, so the gaps are even and the swage lines run through.
After the bodywork
Then it's primer and paint. See resprays and custom paint.
Questions people ask
Is filler bad for bodywork?
Not when it's used properly. Filler only skims the last fraction of a millimetre over clean, keyed metal and is blocked flat by hand. It should never rebuild a panel.
What is a guide coat?
A light dusting over the filler and primer that stays in the low spots. Blocking it back shows every high and low, so the panel is flat before any paint goes on.