Ever stared at a ding in your car and thought, “Ugh, that’s going to cost a fortune!”? You’re not alone! Fixing dents and scratches on your car is a common problem. And a smooth, perfect finish starts with something small but mighty: auto body glazing putty.
Choosing the right putty can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, types, and sizes! The wrong choice can lead to a bumpy, uneven repair. This means more work and maybe even a bad paint job. It’s a pain to pick the right product and get it right the first time. Nobody wants to redo a repair!
Don’t worry! This post is your easy guide. We’ll break down everything you need to know about auto body glazing putty. You’ll learn what to look for, how to use it, and how to get professional-looking results. You’ll also learn to avoid common mistakes and save money. Get ready to become an auto body putty expert!
Let’s get started and dive into the world of auto body glazing putty!
Our Top 5 Auto Body Glazing Putty Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Auto Body Glazing Putty Detailed Reviews
1. Evercoat Body Shop 105035 Pro-Grade Glazing Putty for Filling Minor Dings
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of looking at those annoying dents and scratches on your car or other projects? The Evercoat Body Shop Pro-Grade Glazing Putty is here to help! This putty is made to fix small problems like door dings, hail damage, and scratches. It works great on many different materials, like aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. The easy-to-use kit includes a hardener for perfect mixing and a smooth finish.
What We Like:
- Versatile! This putty can fix problems on many surfaces.
- It sands fast! You can finish your repairs quicker because it sands up to 50% faster.
- No stains! The putty won’t stain, so your paint job will look great.
- It’s tack-free! You don’t have to worry about a sticky mess.
- High quality! The included hardener helps you get great results.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the container might be small for very big projects.
This Evercoat Body Shop Pro-Grade Glazing Putty is a great choice for anyone who wants to fix minor imperfections. It is easy to use and gives you a professional finish.
2. Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty
Rating: 9.1/10
Need to fix small imperfections on your car, boat, or furniture? Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty is here to help! This putty fills pinholes, scratches, small dents, and tiny cracks. This 16-ounce tube is a handy tool for any DIY project. It works on metal, fiberglass, and wood. You can sand, prime, and paint it after it dries. This product makes repairs easy and helps your surfaces look smooth.
What We Like:
- It fixes many different problems.
- You can use it on metal, wood, and fiberglass.
- You have 3 minutes to work with it.
- It dries quickly. You can sand it in just 30 minutes!
- It won’t stain your paint.
What Could Be Improved:
- The work time is short, so you must work fast.
- It is only for small repairs.
This Bondo putty is a great choice for small fixes. It is simple to use and works well on different surfaces. It is a helpful product to keep on hand for any repair project.
3. US Chemical Ready-to-Use Red Glazing Putty (16 oz.)
Rating: 9.3/10
Need to fix up your car’s paint job? The US Chemical Ready-to-Use Red Glazing Putty (16 oz.) can help! This putty is red and ready to go. It’s made to fill small problems on your car. These problems include scratches, dents, and pits. You can use it with other auto body repair stuff. It’s perfect for fixing up metal. It comes ready to use, so you don’t have to mix anything. After it dries, you can sand it and paint it. This makes it easy to get a smooth finish.
What We Like:
- The putty fills imperfections well.
- It is easy to use right out of the container.
- It works with other auto body repair products.
- The putty is sandable.
- You can paint over it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might not be enough for big jobs.
This US Chemical Red Glazing Putty is a good choice for small repairs. It’s a simple way to fix up scratches and dents before you paint.
4. 3M Platinum Plus Glaze
Rating: 8.9/10
The 3M Platinum Plus Glaze, 31180, is a two-part, premium finishing glaze. It is a self-leveling product. This glaze is designed for professional use. It helps smooth out imperfections on surfaces. It is made for industrial and occupational use only. This product works great on many different materials.
What We Like:
- SELF-LEVELING FORMULA: This glaze spreads evenly. It hangs well on vertical surfaces.
- EASY-SANDING PROPERTIES: You can sand it quickly. Sanding can begin in just 15 minutes.
- STRONG ADHESION: It sticks well to many surfaces. It works with galvanized steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
- POLYESTER FINISH COAT: The finish is stain and tack free.
- SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED: It is made to be pinhole free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for consumer use.
This 3M Platinum Plus Glaze is a great choice for professionals. It provides a smooth, pinhole-free finish. This product is only for industrial and occupational use.
5. USC 26006 Icing 24 oz tube – Glazing & Finishing Filler Putty
Rating: 8.6/10
The USC 26006 Icing 24 oz tube is a glazing and finishing filler putty. It’s designed to smooth out surfaces. This putty helps you get a perfect finish on your projects. It is used for auto body repair and other tasks. This product is meant for filling small imperfections.
What We Like:
- N/A
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This product’s effectiveness is unknown. Since there is no information about it, it’s hard to recommend it.
Buying Guide: Auto Body Glazing Putty
If you want to fix dents and scratches on your car, auto body glazing putty is a good choice. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
You need to know what makes a good glazing putty. Here are some important things to check:
- Easy to Apply: The putty should spread smoothly. It should not be too thick or too runny.
- Quick Drying Time: You don’t want to wait all day for it to dry. Look for a putty that dries fast.
- Sanding Ability: After it dries, you will sand it. Choose a putty that sands easily. This will give you a smooth surface.
- Adhesion: Good putty sticks to the metal of your car. It should not peel off.
- Shrinkage: Some putty shrinks as it dries. Look for putty with low shrinkage. This will prevent problems later.
- Feather Edge: Putty needs to blend smoothly with the existing paint. A good feather edge is important.
Important Materials
Auto body glazing putty is made of different stuff. Knowing these materials helps you understand the product.
- Polyester Resin: This is the main ingredient. It makes the putty strong and flexible.
- Fillers: These add bulk and make the putty easier to sand. Common fillers include talc and other minerals.
- Hardener: This is also called a catalyst. You mix it with the putty to make it harden. It’s very important.
- Solvents: Solvents help the putty spread. They help it dry.
- Pigments: These give the putty its color. They can help it blend with your car’s paint.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make putty better or worse. Here’s what to look for:
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making good products. Research brands before you buy.
- Shelf Life: Check the expiration date. Old putty might not work as well.
- Mixing Ratio: The putty should tell you how much hardener to add. Follow the instructions.
- Storage: Store the putty in a cool, dry place. This helps it last longer.
- Reviews: Read online reviews. See what other people say about the putty.
- Price: Cheap putty may be bad. Expensive putty is not always better. Find something that fits your budget.
User Experience and Use Cases
Auto body glazing putty has many uses.
- Small Dents: It’s great for filling small dents.
- Scratches: You can use it to fill scratches.
- Surface Imperfections: It can smooth out any rough spots on your car’s body.
- Prep for Painting: Putty makes a smooth surface for paint.
- DIY Projects: You can use it for small car repair projects at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about auto body glazing putty:
Q: What is auto body glazing putty?
A: It’s a type of putty used to fill small dents and scratches on cars.
Q: How do I use auto body glazing putty?
A: First, clean the area. Mix the putty and hardener. Apply the putty. Then, sand it smooth. Finally, you can paint the area.
Q: What kind of hardener should I use?
A: Use the hardener that comes with the putty. They are made to work together.
Q: How much hardener should I use?
A: Read the instructions on the putty. Follow the mixing ratio carefully.
Q: How long does it take to dry?
A: Drying time varies. It depends on the putty and the temperature. Most dry in 15-30 minutes.
Q: How do I sand the putty?
A: Use sandpaper. Start with a coarser grit and move to a finer grit.
Q: Can I use auto body glazing putty on plastic?
A: Check the product label. Some putties work on plastic, but not all of them.
Q: How do I store the putty?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep the lid sealed tightly.
Q: What happens if I use too much hardener?
A: The putty might dry too fast. It also might be brittle.
Q: Where can I buy auto body glazing putty?
A: You can buy it at auto parts stores and online.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.