Funny but on small spots I use the eyes closed method first. Some people have a good touch, I happen to blessed with a good touch. Sometimes I'll shoot just a dusting of light gray lacquer primer because it gets sanded off. Then I use lacquer thinner to remove the left over paint on the low spots once they are identified.

I used bondo in the past but not any more since I've switched to epoxy. Bondo will still absorb water and gel coat is porous no matter what anybody says. But for cats that live most of their life on a trailer it is negligible. I use West System with the light filler I think it is 410 that is cream colored.