filling small holes in metal, exterior.

[fru-gal]

I had a storm door replaced, and that left the metal (aluminum?) surround with some visible screw holes in it that I'd like to fill and paint over.

I've been searching for exterior putty metal on the web, and nothing leaps out at me as the best choice. I read about Bondo, but it gets mixed reviews and apparently needs stuff mixed into it, the packaging breaks, etc.

Is there some simple product that does this? What I had in mind was leveling it off in the small holes and after it cures painting over it.

Thank you.

[mancich]

You might try some paintable silicone caulk. Squeeze a bunch into each hole, then use a very small putty knife or the edge of an old credit card to smooth it as best you can. It might work. Good luck

[livesoft]

What does your friendly local auto body shop use?

Check out youtube.com for some videos.

[edge]

bondo probably

[Jack FFR1846]

JB Weld

[PVW]

If the frame for the storm door is a hollow tube, fill the holes with expandable spray foam (e.g., Great Stuff). After it dries, use a utility knife to remove any squeeze out and then sand the area smooth. Painting over spray foam will have a different appearance, but won't be too noticeable with small holes. If it doesn't look good enough, then drill out a little of the spray foam and fill the holes with paintable caulk. Remove any excess caulk before it dries.

Expandable spray foam is very expandable, so start with very small amounts and be careful not to get it on any other surfaces as it's difficult to clean up.

If the frame is a piece of angle aluminum that is directly attached to wood behind it, then you can fill it with paintable caulk.

[Epsilon Delta]

I put screws in the empty screw holes. IMHO it often looks better than caulk or other fillers.

[lthenderson]

JB Weld

+1 If you aren't familiar with this stuff, it comes in two tubes connected with one plunger so you just squirt a little out on a piece of cardboard, mix until combined and fill the holes. It will harden very hard like metal, can be sanded flush and accepts just all painting finishes.

[adamthesmythe]

All of the above should work (silicone caulk, bondo, epoxy). If it were me it might depend on what was on hand.