What is Car Body Filler Made Of?
Car body filler, also known as body putty or filler, is a paste-like substance used to repair and smooth out imperfections in car bodies. It is applied to dented, scratched, or rusted areas and then sanded and painted to match the surrounding surface.
Body filler is made from a variety of materials, including:
Resins
Resins are the main ingredient in body filler. They bind the other ingredients together and create a hard, durable finish. The most common type of resin used in body filler is polyester resin. Polyester resin is strong, flexible, and easy to work with.
Other types of resins that can be used in body filler include:
* Epoxy resin: Epoxy resin is stronger and more durable than polyester resin, but it is also more expensive and difficult to work with.
* Vinyl ester resin: Vinyl ester resin is a hybrid resin that combines the strength of epoxy resin with the flexibility of polyester resin.
* Acrylic resin: Acrylic resin is a water-based resin that is easy to work with and produces a smooth finish.
Fillers
Fillers are added to body filler to give it bulk and strength. The most common type of filler used in body filler is talc. Talc is a soft, white mineral that is inexpensive and easy to mix with resin.
Other types of fillers that can be used in body filler include:
* Silica sand: Silica sand is a hard, abrasive mineral that can be used to create a rough finish.
* Wood flour: Wood flour is a fine powder made from wood pulp. It can be used to create a smooth, paintable finish.
* Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight material that can be used to reinforce body filler.
Hardener
Hardener is added to body filler to cause it to harden. The most common type of hardener used in body filler is methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). MEKP is a strong oxidizing agent that causes the resin to cross-link and harden.
Other types of hardeners that can be used in body filler include:
* Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a weaker oxidizing agent than MEKP, but it is also less toxic.
* Cumene hydroperoxide: Cumene hydroperoxide is a strong oxidizing agent that is similar to MEKP.
Additives
Additives are added to body filler to improve its performance or make it easier to work with. Some common additives include:
* Pigments: Pigments are added to body filler to give it color.
* Waxes: Waxes are added to body filler to make it easier to spread and sand.
* UV inhibitors: UV inhibitors are added to body filler to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.
Types of Car Body Filler
There are two main types of car body filler:
Polyester Body Filler
Polyester body filler is the most common type of body filler used on cars. It is strong, durable, and easy to work with. Polyester body filler is typically used to repair dents, scratches, and other minor imperfections.
Epoxy Body Filler
Epoxy body filler is stronger and more durable than polyester body filler, but it is also more expensive and difficult to work with. Epoxy body filler is typically used to repair major damage, such as holes or cracks.
How to Use Car Body Filler
To use car body filler, follow these steps:
1. Clean the area to be repaired.
2. Sand the area to be repaired to create a smooth surface.
3. Mix the body filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Apply the body filler to the area to be repaired.
5. Sand the body filler until it is smooth and flush with the surrounding surface.
6. Prime and paint the area to be repaired.
Safety Precautions
When using car body filler, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
* Wear gloves and a respirator.
* Use the body filler in a well-ventilated area.
* Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
* If the body filler comes into contact with skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
* If the body filler comes into contact with eyes, flush them immediately with water and seek medical attention.
