Top 10 Car Body Fillers: Restoring Your Vehicle's Flawless Finish

The top 5 products for which we conducted the most research are shown below, along with an overview of their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Best Overall: ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-2013

2. Best Budget: 3M/BONDO 907 Putty

3. Best Material: Bondo Body Repair Kit, Original Formula

4. Best Durability: POR-15 Patch - Filler & Seam Sealer

5. Best Performance: Bondo Self-Adhesive Body Patch

1. ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-2013

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Product Summary

These fillers are suited for a variety of substrates, including metal, fiberglass, and wood, thanks to their high adherence and adaptability. They cure rapidly and are simple to mold, apply, and combine.

Specification

• For professional use only – not for retail sale
• Fast curing and skins over quickly—can be painted 60 minutes after application more

Reasons to buy

• Used to repair dents, scratches, and other cosmetic damage on the vehicle's exterior.
• By filling in and smoothing out damaged areas, body filler helps restore the vehicle's original appearance.
• Allows you to tackle minor repairs yourself, saving you the expense of professional repairs.

Reasons to avoid

• Only suitable for cosmetic repairs and cannot fix structural or major damages.

2. 3M/BONDO 907 Putty

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Product Summary

These fillers are often made from lightweight materials like microspheres or calcium carbonate, combined with resins. They offer good adhesion and are easy to work with for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Specification

• Versatile Formula Repairs Scratches, Pinholes, Holes And Nicks.
• Use During The Fill Stage Of The 3M Body Repair System more

Reasons to buy

• Repairing body damage with filler can help maintain or increase the resale value of the vehicle.
• Simple to use, especially with sufficient fundamental training.
• It may be applied to the body panels, fenders, bumpers, and trim, among other elements of the car.

Reasons to avoid.

• Achieving a seamless and professional-looking repair with body filler requires skill, practice, and attention to detail. 

3. Bondo Body Repair Kit, Original Formula

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Product Summary

These fillers are known for their high strength and durability, making them suitable for more significant repairs and metal surfaces. Metal fillers offer excellent adhesion to metal substrates and can be drilled, tapped, and sanded like metal, providing a sturdy and long-lasting repair.

Specification

• DO-IT-YOURSELF auto repair kit fixes dents, dings, deep scratches and more
• KIT CONTAINS Cream Hardener, a Self-Adhesive Metal Body Patch, a spreader and the original Bondo Body Filler more

Reasons to buy

• Have a quick drying time, allowing you to complete repairs efficiently.
• Once sanded and properly finished, body filler creates a smooth surface that can be further prepared for painting.
• Helps create a solid foundation for paint adhesion, ensuring a more seamless and durable finish.

Reasons to avoid

• Properly applying and finishing body filler can be a time-consuming process, especially for larger repairs that require multiple layers and sanding.

4. POR-15 Patch - Filler & Seam Sealer

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Product Summary

They are suitable for fixing microscopic surface flaws including pinholes, shallow scratches, and small dents. These fillers are frequently created by combining resins with lightweight components like microspheres or calcium carbonate. Both experts and DIY enthusiasts may easily work with them since they provide good adherence.

Specification

• ✅ WHY CHOOSE POR-15 PATCH? - POR-15 Patch is quite literally POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating in a tube. Remains flexible while working and dries rock hard becoming impervious to fuels and solvents. It’s so tough it may actually add strength to weakened metal!
• ✅ ALL PURPOSE PATCH – While wearing protective gloves - POR-15 Patch must be applied to dry surfaces only. Dries to touch in 4-6 hours but full cure may take up to 96 hours depending on thickness applied. Once dry, POR-15 Patch cannot be removed by any solvent. Keep cap and threads clean before resealing. POR-15 Patch dries to a rock-hard finish and sanding is very difficult, so we don’t recommend use on car exterior parts if a cosmetic finish is desired. more

Reasons to buy

• Designed to be resistant to rust and corrosion, helping to protect the repaired area.
• Pliable when first applied, allowing it to be shaped and molded to match the contours of the damaged area.
• It is effective for repairing small to moderate-sized dents, dings, and surface imperfections.

Reasons to avoid

• Over time, body filler repairs can develop cracks, especially if the vehicle experiences flexing or impact.

5. Bondo Self-Adhesive Body Patch

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Product Summary

They are generally thinner in consistency and are applied in thin layers. Glazing putties are designed to dry quickly, allowing for faster repairs and minimal downtime. They are compatible with most paint systems, ensuring a seamless blend with the surrounding surface.

Specification

• Reinforced mesh provides supportive backing to fill holes
• Patch material may be cut, folded and shaped for most contours more

Reasons to buy

• When applied and finished properly, body filler can provide long-lasting repairs that withstand regular wear and tear.
• Compatible with primers and paints, allowing for seamless integration into the painting process.
• By repairing damaged areas, body filler helps maintain the vehicle's aerodynamic profile, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Reasons to avoid

• Not as flexible as the vehicle's original metal or plastic, which can lead to cracking or separation if the repaired area undergoes significant stress or flexing.

Type of Filler:

Consider the type of repairs your vehicle may require. A lightweight filler or glazing putty may be appropriate for small surface flaws such as scratches or pinholes. For more significant repairs or metal surfaces, metal fillers or polyester fillers with added strength may be required.

Adhesion and Durability:

Check the filler's adhesion properties and durability. For materials like metal, fiberglass, and wood, look for fillers that give great adherence. For long-lasting repairs, take into account materials that are corrosion- and rustproof as well as watertight.

Ease of Application and Sanding:

Choose a filler that is easy to mix, apply, shape, and sand. Look for fillers that have a smooth consistency and are easy to spread evenly over the damaged area. Quick-drying fillers can help reduce downtime and allow for faster repairs.

Shrinkage:

Minimizing shrinkage is important to ensure a smooth and seamless repair. Opt for fillers that have minimal shrinkage properties, as this will help maintain the repaired surface's integrity over time.

Compatibility with Paint Systems:

Consider the compatibility of the filler with different paint systems. Ensure that the filler can be easily painted over and blends well with the surrounding surface. Look for fillers that are compatible with a wide range of automotive paints for a professional finish.

Safety Considerations:

Always prioritize safety when working with automotive fillers. Check the manufacturer's guidelines regarding safety precautions and ensure the filler is non-toxic and safe for use. If you have specific health concerns or sensitivities, choose fillers that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or have reduced odor.

1. How long does car body filler take to dry?

   Depending on the kind of filler and the particular product, different car body fillers have different drying times. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for drying time. While some fillers could dry in 15 to 30 minutes, others might take several hours or longer.

2. Can car body filler be used on any surface?

   Car body fillers are made for certain surfaces, including metal, fiberglass, or wood. It's crucial to pick a filler that works with the surface you're restoring. While some fillers are adaptable and may be applied to a variety of surfaces, others are created expressly for a given substance.

In conclusion, car body fillers are valuable assets in the automotive restoration process. By selecting the right filler, following proper application techniques, and prioritizing safety, you can restore your vehicle's flawless finish and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Remember that while car body fillers can effectively repair many types of damage, they have limitations. For significant structural repairs or complex damage, it's best to consult a professional or consider alternative repair methods.

See more reviews here: The 10 Best Car Cleaning Kits For A Spotless Ride