Welding sheet metal panels, like any welding application, requires proper technique and equipment. While TIG welding is known as a more a precise procedure, it also requires a more advanced level of skill. When welding thinner metals, such as sheet metal panels, the main objective is to achieve optimal penetration while avoiding warping and burn through, and delivering a quality weld with a clean appearance.

The proper MIG welding tips and techniques for novice welders or individuals looking to occasionally weld are listed below to help anyone achieve a high level of success in collision and auto repair applications.
...

Welding helmets are available in a wide range of colors and graphics, making them a welder’s most personalized accessory. These visual features are often what catch our attention, but it’s important to look for features that best protect our eyes.

Today the most popular helmets sold are equipped with auto-darkening capabilities. These helmets protect from harmful light emissions at all times, and automatically darken in milliseconds to an appropriate shade when an arc is struck. In addition to providing critical protection from damaging arc flash, any helmet must be comfortable enough for a full day’s work with flexible and adjustable headgear. Helmets now are considerably more functional to accommodate a welder’s specific needs.
...

Follow the rules of thumb offered here for selecting welding equipment, preparing base materials, applying proper technique, and visually inspecting weldments to ensure high-quality gas-metal-and gas tungsten-arc welds on aluminum alloys.
Even for those experienced in welding steels, welding aluminum alloys can present quite a challenge. Higher thermal conductivity and low melting point of aluminum alloys can easily lead to burnthrough unless welders follow prescribed procedures. Also, feeding aluminum welding wire during gas-metal-arc-welding (GMAW) presents a challenge because the wire is softer than steel, has a lower column strength, and tends to tangle at the drive roll.

To overcome these challenges, operators need to follow the rules of thumb and equipment-selection guidelines offered here...
...

Arc welding is one of several fusion processes for joining metals. By applying intense heat, metal at the joint between two parts is melted and caused to intermix - directly, or more commonly, with an intermediate molten filler metal. Upon cooling and solidification, a metallurgical bond is created. Since the joining is an intermixture of metals, the final weldment potentially has the same strength properties as the metal of the parts. This is in sharp contrast to non-fusion processes of joining (i.e. soldering, brazing etc.) in which the mechanical and physical properties of the base materials cannot be duplicated at the joint.
...