Body filler

[Billyk]

What body filler works the best & easy to use ?

[crazyjim]

I use Squadron for minor work and 2 part Bondo for the larger jobs.

[cobraman]

Some don't care for it but I have used the Squadron green for a long time and never had a problem with it. I can't claim it to be the best but it works good for me.

[Rider]

3M glazing spot putty, or Tamiya putty.

[espo]

I use nothing but the Tamiya putty. I have tried others but Tamiya just works best for me. I would try them all and then figure out what works for you. 

[SSNJim]

I typically use JB Weld for my major jobs (chops, sections and so on), and Tamiya putty for the minor ones and final smoothing.

[Speedfreak]

There's also this newer stuff from this 'English' (I think) company called ' Perfect Putty. I've used it for minor things and it was easy to use and works well.

[Lunajammer]

For filling and shaping, this...

[MrObsessive]

Two part Dynatron Putty-Cote. Been using it for years, and what's nice about it is that it has some plastic in it, which makes it nice to glue styrene on it. Such as replacing trim and whatnot when doing bodywork.

[Oldcarfan27]

Honestly, I use just one, Bondo Spot and Glasing Putty, and it's only for minor or thin fills.

The rest, I use good old plastic and super glue. It dries hard, stays stable, doesn't shrink and can be worked the same as the rest of the plastic kit. And it's fast - no long waiting. 

Other builders may disagree, but I've had bad, long term experiences with all kinds of fillers shrinking and cracking.

I also try to plan my cuts carefully and prep parts to fit precisely and neatly, to minimize sloppy puttying. Think of what were doing as miniature "Overhaulin' " shops. Look at how neat and clean their cars are BEFORE they ever put any paint on them. A final finish is only as good as it's foundation.

Besides, if something happens (God forbid) and you have to strip the paint off,  you won't have as much to re-putty again later.

Just my way of doing it.

[SfanGoch]

34 minutes ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

Besides, if something happens (God forbid) and you have to strip the paint off,  you won't have as much to re-putty again later.

That's why I use Magic-Sculpt. It's impervious to all stripping chemicals/solvents and, being a two-part epoxy, doesn't shrink or crack. Reshaped RoG Ferrari 250 GTO rear end using this stuff.

[bobthehobbyguy]

I also try to minimize the amount of filler by using super glue and sheet plastic to build up areas and the bondo spot putty in super thin coats.. it assure fewer issues down the road