Quick Guide to Repairing Metal Statues: Dents, Cracks & Chips

Has your metal sculpture suffered some damage—maybe a fall or the weather took a toll? No need to panic! Small cracks, dents, and chips can be fixed with some simple tools and materials you can find at any hardware store.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Polyester body filler (like Bondo)
• Disposable gloves
• A mixing surface (plastic sheet or scrap metal)
• Spreaders (plastic or metal)
• A Surform tool or coarse sandpaper
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Dust mask and safety goggles

Step 1: Prep the Damaged Area

To ensure the filler sticks properly, roughen the surface of the damage with sandpaper. Start with coarse grit (around 36) and gradually move to finer grit (up to 180). This is important for painted or smooth finishes. Polyester filler works best for shallow dents or cracks; for broken parts or big damage, you may need welding.

Tip: Cover surrounding areas with masking tape to protect them during repair.

Step 2: Mix Your Filler

Put on your gloves, place some filler in a circle on your mixing board, then add a matching length of hardener next to it. Blend gently with your spreader, folding the materials together rather than stirring, to avoid air bubbles. The mixture will warm up and turn a light pink color—this means it’s ready.

Keep in mind: Only mix what you can use within 10 minutes, as it sets quickly.

Step 3: Apply the Filler

Using your spreader, apply a thin coat over the damage, extending a bit past the edges to make sanding easier later. Press firmly to fill the dent or crack completely. For small or tricky spots, trim your spreader for better control.

Note: Filler is designed for damage up to ¼ inch deep; deeper areas might shrink over time.

Step 4: Sand and Smooth

Start sanding once the filler feels rubbery but not fully hardened. Use coarse sandpaper or a Surform to shape the repair roughly, then let it cure completely (around 30 minutes). Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and blend the edges seamlessly.

Pro tip: The smoother the sanding, the more natural the repair will look. Remove any masking tape only after the filler has dried fully.

Wrapping Up

With just a few steps and basic materials, you can bring your metal statue back to life, fixing those annoying dents and cracks yourself. Once the filler is smooth, you can repaint and finish it to match the rest of your piece perfectly.

If you have any questions or need recommendations on care or new critters, feel free to get in touch—we’re here to help!