Universal body putty

Universal bodywork putty: essential for reliable, long-lasting repairs

Description of Universal Putty:

Universal Bodywork Putty is a filling and finishing product for use when working in bodywork workshops to repair, smooth, fill and even out metal, plastic or polyester surfaces before painting. It offers excellent adhesion to most components, is easy to apply and guarantees a perfectly smooth, ready-to-paint surface.

This two-component putty, generally based on polyester resin, is used with a specific Hardener. Once mixed, it has a homogenous consistency that makes it easy to apply and Sanding.

What are the characteristics of Universal Putty?

• Multi-substrate adhesion: suitable for steel, galvanised steel, aluminium, zinc, composites and certain plastic surfaces.
• Fast drying time: hardens in just a few minutes, saving time in the workshop
• Excellent sandability: sands easily, both dry and wet, without clogging abrasives
• Fine, even texture: ensures even application and a flawless finish
• Low porosity: limits the absorption of primers and guarantees a uniform paint finish
• Light colour: (generally beige or grey) makes it easier to visually inspect the surface before painting.

What are the advantages for professional bodybuilders?

• Versatility: a single product for most repairs, from deep filling to finishing
• Time-saving: mixing, application and fast drying for greater productivity
• Resistance and durability: excellent resistance over time, even under paint
• Perfect finish: guarantees a smooth, flawless surface before applying primer or paint
• Saves stock: replaces several types of specialist putty (aluminium, fibre, fine), simplifying workshop management

Why choose a quality Universal Putty?

For a professional body repairer, the quality of the Putty is crucial to the durability of the repair.

A top-of-the-range Universal Putty offers :

• Optimum adhesion to various substrates
• Dimensional stability
• Perfect compatibility with automotive primers and paints.

So it's vital to opt for a reliable Universal Putty to guarantee a clean, fast and long-lasting job, while optimising workshop costs and productivity.

How do I apply Universal Putty to a bodywork part?

As mentioned above, Universal Putty is an easy product to apply to bodywork, but there are certain application steps to follow. Universal Putty is generally available in packs of 1kg, 1.8kg...

To obtain a long-lasting, flawless result, it must be applied in a number of specific stages...

1. Preparation of the substrate :

Before any application, it is essential to prepare the surface to ensure the Putty adheres properly.

• Thoroughly degrease the area using a water-based cleaner, degreaser or suitable solvent.
• Sand the surface (P80 to P120 grit) to remove any paint, rust or impurities
• Remove dust and clean again to remove any residue

2. Preparation:

Universal Putty is a two-component product: it consists of a base paste and a Hardener

• Approximately 2 to 3% Hardener for 100g Putty
• Mix carefully with a spatula until a homogeneous colour is obtained, without mottling.
• Too much Hardener may dry too quickly, too little may slow polymerisation.

3. Applying the Universal Putty :

Apply the mixture immediately after preparation

• Use a flexible metal spatula
• Spread in thin, even layers, without attempting to fill the entire defect in a single pass
• Allow to harden for a few minutes between applications if necessary.

To fill a deep hole, first use a filled putty (aluminium or fibre type), then finish with a Universal putty to smooth the surface.

4. Drying time :

Curing time varies according to ambient temperature and quality of Hardener

• At 20°C, Universal Putty generally dries in 15 to 30 minutes.
• It must be fully cured before sanding to avoid clogging the abrasive.

5. Sanding the surface :

Once dry, sand the Putty to obtain a smooth surface:

• Coarse sanding: P80 to P120 grit to level the surface
• Finishing sanding: P180 to P240 grit to even out before applying the primer.
• Good Sanding ensures optimum Paint adhesion and a final finish free of irregularities.

6. Finishing and painting :

After sanding, dust the area, apply a filling primer, then proceed with painting. Universal Putty provides a perfectly flat surface, with no pores or bubbles, guaranteeing a professional finish.

The correct application of Universal Putty for bodywork involves following every step of the process: Preparation, mixing, application, drying and sanding.

This versatile product is the key to an attractive, long-lasting and professional repair, while saving body repairers precious time.

How much does Universal Body Putty cost?

Universal putty is an essential product for car repair professionals. Used to fill, smooth and even out surfaces before they are painted, it combines versatility, speed and reliability.

But how much does it cost, and what invoices influence its cost? Here's everything you need to know about the price of Universal Putty.

The price of Universal putty varies according to the brand, format and quality of the product. On average, for PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY:

• 1kg tin: between €10 and €15 excluding VAT
• 2kg tin: €15 to €20 excluding VAT
• 3kg tin: between €25 and €45 excluding VAT

These prices include the Hardener, which is essential for mixing. Some premium manufacturers offer more technical versions, which are therefore more expensive.

Factors influencing the price of Universal putty:

1. Brand and quality of formulation:

Well-known brands such as MaxMeyer, Glasurit, R-M, Spies Hecker and Sikkens offer top-of-the-range putties, tested to offer consistent performance in the workshop. The Carross brand also offers a light putty with unbeatable value for money, tested and approved by the brand's technical team.

2. Type of putty :

Although Universal putty is versatile, some models contain special additives:

• Aluminium: for greater mechanical strength
• Fiberglass: for deep repairs
• Finish: for ultra-smooth touch-ups before painting

3. Packaging :

The larger the format, the lower the price per kilo. Workshops often use 2 to 4kg pots, which are more economical in the long term.

4. The supplier:

The price can vary according to the bodywork products distributor, but can also vary according to the range.

Even though its cost may seem modest, Universal Putty plays a crucial role in the final quality of the repair.

A quality product guarantees :

• Rapid application
• Reliable adhesion to metal, aluminium and plastic
• Easy sanding
• A smooth surface ready for painting

A good Putty saves time in Preparation and produces results without rework: a worthwhile investment for any bodywork professional.

How do you store putty?

To preserve its quality, texture and performance over time, it is essential to follow certain storage and conservation rules. Putty that is not properly stored can harden prematurely, lose its homogeneity or compromise adhesion during application. It is advisable to store between 15°C and 25°C (ideal room temperature).