Minor accidents, parking mishaps, and road wear can leave visible marks on your vehicle’s body. In some cases, the car panel may also develop rust or suffer impact damage that requires repair. Modern cosmetic repair techniques offer various solutions to restore your car’s smooth look without needing costly panel replacement. Most small to medium damage can be fixed using car body filler, provided the panel’s structural integrity isn’t compromised.
This guide explains the main types of body fillers and their uses, depending on the type of repair required.
Article Highlights
The article reflects on
- What is car body filler
- Types of body fillers
- Uses of different body fillers
What is Car Body Filler
Body filler is a special paste used to fix dents, scratches, and small holes in your car’s surface. It consists of polyester resin and a cream hardener that forms a putty-like substance.
The filler is spread over the damaged area. Once it hardens, it is sanded to create a clean and smooth surface for paint. Body filler is used on dented, scratched, or lightly rusted metal panels to restore a smooth surface before painting. It cannot be used on heavily rusted or untreated surfaces, which require rust removal or specialised metal repair first.
Also Read: What is Car Body Filler, How it Works, and Common Types
Use of Body Filler in Car Repair
Body fillers smooth out dents, scratches, and imperfections on a car’s exterior. They are essential for restoring the panel’s smooth appearance and preparing it for paint. It is also used to repair damage from accidental panel damage.
The filler is applied over the damaged area to rebuild the panel’s shape. Once applied, the fillers are sanded to a smooth surface, and then the repaired area is primed. This makes the panels ready for paint. Body filler is used on dented, scratched, or lightly rusted metal panels. It cannot be used on heavily rusted areas or untreated surfaces requiring rust removal or specialised metal repair.
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Types of Body Filler and Their Uses
Body fillers are categorised based on their adhesion, rust resistance, and the extent of damage they can repair. The type of fillers used for a panel repair depends upon the severity of damage and the finish required.
Standard Body Fillers
Standard body fillers are lightweight fillers. Common use of standard body fillers is to fix minor damages to car panels such as chips, scratches and dents. Lightweight fillers dry out in less than half an hour and, therefore, are used for quick repairs.
They are easy to sand, which makes them a good choice for repairs that require matching the car’s original colour. They are used to create a smooth and paint-ready finish.
However, these fillers don’t adhere well to smooth or coated surfaces, such as galvanised steel, unless the surface is properly sanded (abraded) and primed first.
Fibreglass Filler
Fibreglass fillers are stronger and more durable than standard fillers. They typically come in the form of a powder or strand. They are mixed with resin to provide additional strength or to create different consistencies.
Fibreglass fillers are stronger and more reliable than lightweight body fillers. However, they can only handle moderate structural repairs.
Another category of fibreglass fillers is long-strand fibreglass. It is a thickened filler with long fibreglass fibres. These fibres are extremely strong and are preferred for structural repairs, filling in very large holes, or heavily rusted panels.
However, long-strand fibre glass fillers are harder to sand, so they are often used as a first layer before a smoother filler to create a flawless finish.
Metal-Based Filler
A metal-based filler typically contains aluminium and, in some cases, zinc. These fillers are used for high-strength repairs. They have excellent tolerance for high temperatures without softening, cracking, or losing adhesion. Moreover, these fillers form a strong bond with metal and also resist rust. Therefore, they are used for car repairs in areas exposed to high heat, such as around the engine bay or exhaust areas.
Also Read: Aluminium Panel Repairs: Why You Need a Specialist Car Body Shop in London
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Premium Body Filler
Premium body fillers are made from high-quality resin that offers excellent stain resistance. They are thicker and stronger than standard fillers. Therefore, they are used for surface contouring, such as levelling dented or uneven panels. They are also used to repair large surface dents.
Premium fillers have a low-pinhole formulation and non-clogging sandability, which makes sanding easier. They also provide superior adhesion to the underlying surface and help achieve a flawless finish. Therefore, they are usually used for final shaping and surface levelling before primer and paint.
Using a Finishing Glaze
Finishing glaze, or putty in automotive repairs, is a thin, smooth filler. It fills in minor imperfections such as tiny pinholes or sanding scratches. Finishing glaze creates a smooth, level surface ready for paint.
Finishing glazes are not meant for reshaping panels and are usually applied over other body fillers to achieve a flawless, paint-ready surface.
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Conclusion
Car body fillers are an essential part of vehicle repair work. Each type varies in strength, finish, and use. Choosing the right one and applying it correctly ensures a lasting repair. For best results, visit the AVX auto repair shop for expert filler and panel repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common car body fillers are lightweight polyester body fillers. They are easily spread and sanded. Hence, they are mostly used in cosmetic car repairs.
The durability of body filler depends on the technician and the fillers used. A good body filler typically lasts 5 to 10 years or more, depending on environmental conditions.
It’s not recommended to apply body filler directly over paint. Filler needs a clean and properly sanded surface to bond correctly. Applying filler directly to the paint can cause poor adhesion, leading to cracking or peeling of the filler.
Transform Scratches and Dents into a Perfect Finish with AVX
At AVX, our expert technicians in London offer panel repairs with precision and care. We use different car body fillers to handle minor imperfections and accidental panel damage.
