
Body filler
Car body filler gives an even finish by filling in dents and levelling the surface. Your bodywork is well repaired and ready for the paint to be applied. Colorbox offers tins of finishing filler, gravel remover and all the accessories you need for car repairs.
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Car body filler: what is it?
A kind of paste obtained by mixing synthetic or natural substances, body filler is used in various fields of expertise. In car repairs, it is used to mask defects on the surface of the bodywork, or to bond components. Its composition gives it mechanical and aesthetic qualities that simplify car bodywork repairs.
Combined with coloured pigments, body filler can camouflage scratches, holes, dents… and any other irregularities in the bodywork. It also comes with ahardener, usually sold with the body filler. The hardener acts as a catalyst, accelerating the drying process of the body filler applied. The hardener-body filler mixture guarantees a perfect result
Is it necessary to apply car body filler?
Body filler is an essential part of any car body repair. Car body filler makes it possible to :
- Filling holes, cracks, scratches and dents ;
- Improve the watertightness of the bodywork;
- Reinforce the repaired surface ;
- Shaping the components;
- Guarantee a uniform finish.
The different types of car body filler
There are 6 main types of body filler:
Universal body filler:
This is the body filler most commonly used by professionals in the trade. Mainly applied to the steel sheet of bodywork, it is more or less filling. This body filler provides effective protection against humidity.
Metal body filler:
Reinforced with metal particles, this type of body filler offers great protection and durability. It can be applied to most car body surfaces, but is recommended for steel.
Aluminium body filler :
This body filler has a high aluminium content, making it ideal for bodywork. The high aluminium powder content gives this body filler its anti-corrosion properties. Its application provides good protection against humidity and improved resistance.
Plastic body filler:
This body filler is used for plastic bodywork parts such as bars, rocker panels and bumpers… Thanks to its composition, plastic body filler has excellent adhesion and is easy to sand.
Fibreglass body filler:
Used to repair cracks in the bodywork, this fibreglass-based polyester body filler is softer and finer than other types. It offers excellent strength and robustness. What's more, you can use it at great depths.
Tin body filler:
Working with tin gives the surface a high level of resistance. Note that body filler from the Debrasel range can be used instead of tin filler.
This list is not exhaustive, and there are other types of car body filler. For example, you can use spray-on or spray-off body filler. Sprayable body filler, as the name suggests, is used with a spray gun instead of a spatula. This makes it easier to use and reduces application time. The body filler is sprayed onto the surface to be treated. This means the body filler can reach many hard-to-reach areas.
How do I apply car body filler?
Body filler application depends on the type and brand. We therefore recommend that you always read the technical data sheet before starting to lay. But to use a standard repair body filler, you generally need to follow these key steps:
- Dry sand the bodywork using abrasive paper ;
- Mix the body filler with a spatula to homogenise the product;
- Add a hardener according to the dosage indicated on the label;
- Mix the body filler and hardener together for at least one minute;
- Apply the paste obtained to the surface of the bodywork to be repaired;
- Allow the rendering to dry for as long as necessary;
- Smooth the surface using abrasive paper;
- Remove dust from the repaired surface;
- Apply the finishing coat and leave to dry;
- Re-sponge the finish, then apply the paint.
Colorbox for car body filler
Colorbox provides you with several brands of body filler and gravel remover such as : UPOL, Sifa, Cromax, Teroson, Finixa, Debrasel, Carline Expert, Colad… Products can be supplied in the form of a jar with a tube of hardener or sprayable cartridges. Spray-applied body fillers also come with their own liquid hardener. As well as tins of body filler, Colorbox sells all the accessories you need to apply the product, such as putty knives. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.