What's the Best Body Filler for Cars?

Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’m diving into some bodywork repairs on my car and I’m on the hunt for the best body filler out there. I’ve seen a lot of options available, but I’m not sure which one to go with. So here are a few questions to kick off the discussion:

What to Look for in Body Fillers?

  • Ease of Use: How user-friendly are they? Are they easy to sand and shape?
  • Durability: After application, how well do they hold up? Do they crack or chip over time?
  • Cost: Is there a significant difference in price between different brands? Is it worth spending more?

Recommendations Sought

I’ve heard about a few brands like Bondo and Evercoat, but I’m curious about experiences from others.

  • What have you used?
  • Do you have any recommendations for specific products that have worked wonders for your repairs?
  • Any tips on application or finishing techniques that make a big difference?

Share Your Experiences

Post your experiences, ‘before and after’ pictures if you have them, or just share your thoughts! I’m eager to learn from the community and make a decision. Thanks in advance for your help!

2

If you’re looking for durability, polyester fillers are great, especially for small repairs. They bond well and are relatively easy to sand. I’ve used them on my project car with good results!

3

I agree! Polyester fillers can sometimes crack under stress though. I’ve switched to epoxy fillers for bigger jobs; they hold up really well against moisture and heat.

4

I’ve had my fair share of struggles with body fillers! Have you tried urethane fillers? They are more flexible and can handle vibrations better, so they might be worth considering too.

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I haven’t used urethane yet! How do they compare in terms of application? Are they easier or more challenging to work with?

6

Urethane fillers are pretty user-friendly! They can also be sanded right away without waiting. But do they really hold up as well as epoxy for long-term durability?

7

I’ve found epoxy to be the best overall. It takes longer to cure, but the strength is unmatched. Once it’s set, you’re in good shape for years! Just need to be patient.

8

That’s true! And when you take the time to prep the surface properly, it makes a huge difference in the finish too.

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What about the smell when working with these fillers? Not all of us have a garage to work in. Are there low-odor options that anyone has tried?

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I always wear a mask when using fillers, especially polyester! For low-odor options, I’ve seen some water-based fillers, but I haven’t used them extensively. Anyone have experience?

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I’ve tried a water-based filler once; it was decent but didn’t have the same durability as traditional fillers. Great for minor repairs, though.

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12

Honestly, I think it all depends on what you’re working with and how much prep you want to do. Each has its niche! Anyone else think there’s a ‘best’ filler?

13

I think what’s best can vary by application. If only we could have a filler that combines the best traits of each!

14

Hey, if a filler could do that, it would probably be the superhero of the garage! I’d name it ‘Polyepoxythane’—coming soon to an auto shop near you!

15

I’ve had great results with Bondo. Just make sure to prep the area well before applying it.

16

What preparation tips do you have for cleaning the surface before applying the filler?

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17

Surface prep is crucial! I always sand the area and wipe it down with acetone to remove any grease. It really helps with adhesion!

18

That’s a great tip! Do you have any mixing guidelines to share?

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19

Absolutely! When mixing, follow the ratio on the package closely. Too much hardener can lead to cracking, while too little can mean it won’t cure properly.

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20

What tools do you suggest for applying the filler? I struggle with getting a smooth finish.