Putty

Why are fillers important in body repair?

Fillers, also known as body putty or repair compounds, are essential materials used to correct surface imperfections, dents, and scratches before painting. The correct filler ensures a smooth, level surface that improves the adhesion and appearance of subsequent coatings.

Available filler types

Soft putty

• flexible and easy to shape
• ideal for minor surface imperfections
• easy to apply and sand

Fiberglass putty

• strong mechanical properties
• suitable for larger dents and structural repairs
• long-lasting durability

Aluminum-reinforced putty

• contains aluminum for enhanced mechanical resistance
• improved vibration and impact resistance
• particularly effective on metal surfaces

Fast-filling (spot) putty

• designed for quick small repairs
• faster drying time
• suitable for localized surface issues

Plastic putty

• smooth, even finish
• easy sanding properties
• good adhesion on various surfaces

Sprayable putty

• fast and efficient coverage for larger areas
• easy, even layer application
• suitable for spray application

Benefits of fillers

• fast and effective repair of surface defects
• smooth, even surface before painting
• improves paint adhesion
• enhances durability of the refinished surface
• suitable for a variety of automotive surfaces

What to consider when choosing a filler?

• type of surface being repaired
• extent of the damage (minor vs. major)
• importance of drying time
• type of topcoat and clearcoat to follow
• application method (manual or spray)

Frequently asked questions about fillers

What are fillers used for?
Fillers are used to correct body surface imperfections, dents, and minor scratches before painting.

Which filler is best for more substantial repairs?
Fiberglass putty is recommended for deeper dents and more substantial body repairs due to its strength.

Which filler is best for quick small repairs?
Fast-filling putty is suitable for quick fixes because of its faster drying time.

In what order should fillers be applied before painting?
Generally, structural or deeper defects are filled first with a stronger putty, then surface-level imperfections are smoothed with a finer putty before painting.