The Best Car Body Fillers
Let’s face it, we can all have accidents with our cars, resulting in a ding or dent. These can damage the look and resale value of your vehicle, and sometimes a repair is all you need. But, if you would prefer to try at home, rather than have a professional repair, where do you begin? Car body fillers can help to reshape your car, to regain the appearance of your vehicle. The products even out dings and dents in the car’s bodywork. We have listed the top three rated car body fillers below;
3M Bondo 261 Lightweight Car Body Filler
This lightweight product is a two-part body filler. The pack comprises of a filler and a hardener, which need to be mixed together. The soft pink colour of the product makes it easy to see when applying to your car, for easier use. But, the hardener works very quickly with this filler, meaning you have less time to work it.
Permatex 25909 Liquid Metal Filler
Unlike the Bondo filler, the Permatex product is ready to use, it does not need any mixing. This filler is compatible for many materials, but only comes in a small tube. Due to this, it is designed for small areas of damage to be repaired (such as cracks and holes). The extra benefit Permatex gives is the high resistance of the product. The 25909 Liquid Metal Filler is resistant to water, oil and petrol, once hardened.
Evercoat 156 Lightweight Car Body Filler
This product is more expensive than the others on our list, but does come with great features. The creamy texture of the product makes it easy to spread and work over the car. With the added benefit of the product not hardening during application, the Evercoat product can be easy to use. It can also repair larger areas of damage, up to ½ an inch in depth.
While all these products are great at home car body fillers, it is unlikely that a homemade repair will give the same finish as a professional repair. Once filled, the repaired area will need to be painted and blended with the rest of the car.
Common Questions About Car Body Filler
How Long Will Body Filler Last?
The lifespan of a body filler repair depends on several factors, including the quality of the filler, the preparation of the surface, and environmental conditions. Generally, a properly applied body filler can last many years, but exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures can reduce its longevity.
Will Body Filler Crack Over Time?
Body filler can crack over time if it is applied too thickly, improperly mixed, or if the surface was not properly prepared. To avoid cracking, apply filler in thin layers, mix it thoroughly with hardener, and ensure the surface is clean and free of contaminants.
Where Should Body Filler Not Be Used?
Body filler should not be used on areas that are subject to high stress or movement, such as on plastic bumpers or over large rusted areas without proper reinforcement. It should also not be used on seams or joints that may flex, as the filler can crack or detach.
Does Body Filler Stop Rust?
Body filler does not stop rust. In fact, applying body filler over rust can worsen the problem. Rust will continue to spread beneath the filler, causing the repair to fail over time. Before applying any body filler, it’s essential to remove all rust and treat the area with a rust inhibitor.
Why Does My Body Filler Dry So Fast?
If your body filler is drying too quickly, it could be due to several reasons:
- Too much hardener: Using too much hardener will accelerate the curing process.
- High temperatures: Warm weather or direct sunlight can cause the filler to dry rapidly.
- Small batches: Mixing smaller batches allows for more working time and reduces waste.
What Are the Dangers of Body Filler?
The primary dangers of body filler are related to inhalation and skin contact. The dust generated during sanding can be harmful if inhaled, and the chemicals in the filler can irritate the skin. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear a dust mask, and use gloves to protect yourself.
Can You Put Body Filler Over Paint?
Yes, body filler can be applied over paint, but it’s not recommended for the best results. The filler adheres better to bare metal. If you must apply it over paint, make sure to roughen the painted surface with sandpaper to create a strong bond.
Can You Apply Body Filler Directly to Metal?
Yes, body filler can be applied directly to metal, and it’s often recommended. Before application, the metal should be cleaned, degreased, and sanded to remove any rust or old paint. This preparation ensures the best adhesion and durability of the repair.
What Size Hole Can You Fill with Body Filler?
Body filler is best used for small to medium-sized dents or holes. For large holes or deep dents, it’s better to use a fiberglass filler or patch the area with metal before applying body filler. Filling large holes with body filler alone can lead to cracking and failure over time.
How Do You Sand Down Car Body Filler?
Sanding car body filler is a multi-step process:
- Start with coarse-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) to shape the filler.
- Switch to finer grits (180-220 grit) to smooth the surface.
- Finish with very fine sandpaper (320-400 grit) to prepare the surface for priming and painting.
Use a sanding block to maintain even pressure and avoid creating waves or low spots in the filler.
If you would prefer to leave it to the specialists, and avoid making the damage worse, complete our online form for your free estimate, or call us on 0800 145 5118.
