Spreading body filler in curves and other similar odd shapes doesn't have to be such a challenge. Here is a great tip to make it much easier, and give you a really good jump start on making the right shape.
- With the example in this video, there are two flat surfaces that come together in a curve. It is important to first get those two surfaces body worked straight.
- The two surfaces will establish the shape of the curve. If they are both straight, the curve will be straight. If the two surfaces are wavy, the curve will not be straight.
- Thin spring steel will be used as the spreader. Usually, somewhere around .010" thick works great, and usually around 1-2" wide, and 6-10" long. This can be purchased from McMaster-Carr, and is very useful for a lot of other things.
- First use a normal spreader to spread the filler in the curve. Pay close attention to be sure there's as few of air pockets as possible. Also, use extra filler so there is enough there to spread.
- Next, the piece of spring steel is used to spread the filler again, using the two surfaces as a guide. The spring steel makes a very nice natural curve.
- Usually, a couple passes can, and should be made.