A little dent, scratch, or rust on your automobile messes up its value tremendously. There is no problem without a solution; hence, getting rid of those impediments on your vehicle requires a simple modification. With that modification, you can watch your vehicle come alive. What other solution are we talking about but auto body fillers!
Auto body fillers repair rust that has built up on your vehicle, leaving it looking great as if it had never rusted before. However, note that there is no “best” auto filler for rust; it is only a quick and temporary fix. For the best result, replacing the rusted components remains the solution to eliminating rust.
The Best Auto Body Filler for Rust
The first step in vehicle body rust repairs is knowing the type of filler needed. Get it right with the auto body filler type to buy. You sure will achieve the look and repair you need.
Generally speaking, polyester resin bases and a cream hardener are body fillers. This product helps to smoothen out dents and cover blemishes/rusts on vehicles. Make a choice on the body filler needed for the restoration or repair project with the following criteria:
- The range of the project
- The kind of restoration
- User’s preference on the type chosen
Types of Body Fillers
Speaking of types, body fillers are of three categories:
- The Standard Body Fillers
- The Mid-range Body Fillers
- The Premium Body Fillers
The fillers are available in a two-part material which consists of a polyester resin alongside a cream hardener. As mentioned earlier, the filler grade chosen is a factor determined by the project and the damage type or size.
The Standard Body Fillers
The Standard-grade body fillers come as a substance that is lightweight, spreads seamlessly, and cures between 20-25 minutes. The standard grade fillers work best for fixing minor dents and scratches. After application, standard fillers easily fuse properly with your vehicle’s body once it is primed and painted. The letdown of this filler is that it is not appropriate for use on galvanized steel surfaces. Another demerit is that it offers the least stain-resistance.
The Medium Body Fillers
The Medium-grade body fillers usually come fiberglass-filled; hence, they adhere adequately to a range of surfaces. Compared to the standard-grade fillers, the medium-grade fillers are slightly higher in quality and are better stain-resistant. They are best for fixing small holes, tears, and cracks in metal and fiberglass.
The Premium Body Fillers
This filler type is the highest in quality of the trio. The premium body fillers are made from resin of top-quality. It comes with a stain-resistance feature that is the highest. They are the least difficult to sand down of the three. The premium fillers offer the best adhesion of filler materials to surfaces that are underlying. For the best results during repair work, use the premium body fillers for high-quality jobs or on large areas and dents.
Best Auto Body Filler For Rust
When it comes to vehicle body rust repair, using the best auto filler type is essential. There is an extensive range of fillers, but some of the best auto body fillers for rust include:
- Bondo All-Purpose Putty: This is a versatile, fast-drying filler that can be used on metal, wood, and fiberglass. It is used to fill in dents, scratches, and other surface imperfections on vehicles and other metal surfaces. It is made of a two-part system consisting of putty and a hardener that are mixed together before application. Bondo All-Purpose Putty dries quickly and can be sanded and painted to match the surrounding surface.
- Evercoat Rage Xtreme: This heavy-duty filler is specifically designed for metal surfaces, making it an ideal choice for repairing rust on your vehicle. It is a premium, high-performance auto body filler for collision repair and restoration projects. It is made with a unique blend of resins and fillers that provide excellent adhesion, strength, and durability.
Unlike traditional fillers that require multiple applications and long sanding times, the Evercoat Rage Xtreme dries quickly and sands in as little as 15 minutes. It is also resistant to shrinking and cracking, making it an ideal choice for repairing large areas of damage.
Evercoat Rage Xtreme is a versatile product used on various metal surfaces, including steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, and can be painted over once fully cured.
- Devilbiss Easy Sand 2: This two-part polyester filler is user-friendly and dries quickly, making it a popular choice for auto body repairs. It’s a lightweight and fast-drying auto body filler designed for use in auto repair and refinishing projects. It is formulated to provide a smooth and easy sanding experience, reducing the time and effort required to prepare the surface for painting.
Unlike traditional heavy fillers, Devilbiss Easy Sand 2 is easy to spread and feather, making it ideal for repairing large areas of damage and for bodywork repair. The product dries quickly and can be sanded in as little as 5 minutes, further making it a fast and efficient solution for repairing dents, dings, and other surface imperfections. Devilbiss Easy Sand 2 can be used on various metal surfaces, including steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, and can be painted over once fully cured.
Auto Body Fillers – Usage Tips and Tricks
Before using any putty or filler, ensure you take some details of the vehicle to ensure the best result. The tips and tricks below will help you get it right for your vehicle body rust repair.
First, ensure the area you are repairing is washed and dried. The reason for keeping the surface clean and dry is that fillers will not bond well to smooth surfaces. Hence, vehiclerying out a thorough sanding of the affected area is vital. Sanding the area helps roughen the surface, which is pertinent to achieving the best result.
When engaging in automotive rust repair, the issue of staining from the filler is common. Staining usually occurs because the chemicals in the filler react with the makeup of the automotive paint. To solve this, adopt the following: use a quality primer when painting; choose the appropriate grade body filler; and do not perform fill work when the humidity is high. Furthermore, to reduce the chances of stains, ensure you add the correct amount of hardener – do not overdo things. Additionally, for those looking to enhance their Instagram presence and gain more followers, it’s essential to maintain a visually appealing feed. Platforms like SocialGreg.com offer services to help boost your Instagram views and engagement.
Ensure you take the time to mix the filler you use thoroughly, and finally, avoid trapped air during handling.
You must always mix the exact amounts of filler and creme hardener. This is based on the instructions inscribed on the product’s packaging. Note that if the ratio of the hardener to filler is high, the filler will be brittle and crack. Contrariwise, if the filler to hardener ratio is too low, there is bound to be a delay in drying and hardening.
When mixing the filler and the hardener, please use a non-vehicledboard mixing board. This is because of the absorbent properties of a vehicledboard which can contaminate the chemistry of the filler. Get a disposable mixing board to help in this case.
When dealing with auto body rust, it is best not to use a filler over an area with pre-existing rust. To get the best from rusty areas, ensure you remove rust before proceeding. If you do not do this, you risk staining and discoloring the repaired area.
For faster curing, complete filler projects on warm, dry days rather than on humid days. When working with fillers, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area because of the strong chemical makeup of the product. In addition to that, it is recommended by experts that you put on a dust mask for safety reasons.
FAQs
What is auto body filler, and why is it essential for rust prevention and protection in vehicles?
Auto body filler is a substance used in vehicle repairs to fill in gaps, dents, and imperfections in a car’s body. It plays a crucial role in rust prevention and protection by sealing areas where moisture could penetrate, leading to rust.
How does auto body filler help prevent rust in vehicles?
Auto body filler helps prevent rust by creating a barrier over damaged or exposed metal surfaces, sealing out moisture and preventing it from coming into contact with the metal, which is crucial for rust formation.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best auto body filler for rust prevention and protection?
Factors to consider include the filler’s compatibility with automotive surfaces, its ease of application, drying time, durability, and its ability to resist moisture and corrosion.
Does the article recommend specific auto body fillers for rust prevention, and how were these recommendations determined?
The article may recommend specific auto body fillers based on factors like product quality, user reviews, and their effectiveness in preventing rust. Recommendations are typically based on extensive research and testing.
Can I use auto body filler on my vehicle myself, or should I seek professional help?
While you can use auto body filler yourself for small repairs, complex rust issues and large-scale repairs are best left to professionals who have experience in automotive bodywork.
