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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the lowest temperature that body fillers can be used in?45° - 50°F (7° - 10°C); if using below 65° F, the amount of hardener used should be slightly increased.
What is the highest temperature that body filler can be used in?Body filler can sustain temperatures up 180° F (82° C) of constant heat. Temperatures above 180° F (82° C) can cause the filler to soften and lose ashesion.
What is the mixing ratio for body filler to cream hardener?For a 3-inch diameter circle of filler (approx. 1/2-inch thick), squeeze out a 3-inch ribbon or strip of creamhardener. Or, use a golf ball size amount of filler, sqeeze out a 1 1/4-inch ribbon or strip of creamhardener. Filler should be a pinkish/salmon color when properly mixed, using red cream hardener.
Does it matter what color the cream hardener is?No. The color of cream hardener will not affect curing or cause staining.
How can I remove cured filler?By using a quality automotive paint stripper or by sanding; However, caution should be used when using paint stripper onmost surfaces. Do not use paint stripper to clean hands.
Body filler is not curing, why?Either not enough cream hardener was used in the filler, the cream hardener is old and beyond it’s shelf life or filler is older than 1 to 1-1/2 years. The body fillermay have also been applied in extremely cold conditions. If the filler is a grayish color, the filler hasn’t been mixed.
Why is the filler is curing too fast?Too much hardener was used. Normal gel time is 4-6 minutes at 77° F. The proper mixing ratio for body filler & hardener is 50 to 1 by weight.
How thick should fillers be applied?One quarter inch per layer for automotive and home applications. Glazes and putties should be applied 1/8 of an inch per layer.
When can body filler be painted?Forty-five to sixty minutes after the application for both automotive paint and house paint.
What types of paint should be applied over filler?All types of automotive paints. House paints such as latex and oil-based paints.
What type of primers can be used?Most house and automotive primers. Etching primers should not be used due to their acid content.
What causes my body filler to have pinholes?Mixing in a circular motion, which forces air into the mix. Also, using too much cream hardener can cause gassing. Mixing should be done in a back and forth wiping or folding motion.
Can body filler be applied to wood?Yes, body filler is the best type of wood filler because it chemically cross-links to cure. It is cured and sandable in only 20 minutes, and paintable in 45 to 60 minutes. It is also compatible with all house paints and primers. Body filler can be drilled, tapped, routed and carved.
Is body filler resistant to gasoline?Yes, but can only be used to repair the outside surface of metal gas tanks that contain minor pinholes. Filler cannot be submerged in gas.
Is body filler water resistant?Yes. Water absorption tests show that filler only absorbs 0.3% of water,which is considered minimal. Therefore, body filler is not waterproof by itself but is water resistant. Note: If the application is primed and painted, the paint will render the application waterproof.
Can I apply filler over a painted surface?No, all applications should be sanded down to the bare surface including wood and metal, unless using a premium filler.
Can body filler be thinned to make it pourable?Yes, thin with 4 parts body filler to 1 part polyester resin (Fiberglass Resin, Part 404) or 25%.Use Cream Hardener to catalyze. Working time and cure time/dry time will be lengthened.
Will body filler melt Styrofoam?Yes, but only for the first 3-6 minutes while the filler is in an uncured state; doing very little damage.
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