Choosing the right body filler is not a “brand preference” decision — it’s a workflow decision. The right filler helps you move faster, sand cleaner, and deliver straighter panels with less rework. In this 2026 guide, we’re covering 8 proven options across three real shop categories: lightweight fillers, fiberglass-reinforced fillers/putties, and finishing glaze/putty.
MAXIFILL PLUS (69734)
Premium lightweight filler for daily pro repairs.
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MAXIFILL Lightweight (3L)
Versatile shop staple for most standard repairs.
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Platinum Plus Filler
Premium filler when consistency matters most.
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R1 Easy 6000 (3L)
Production-friendly body filler for steady throughput.
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DURAGLAS® 24030
Short-strand fiberglass filler for reinforced repairs.
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RESIN GLASS (66257)
Fiberglass putty for reinforcement + controlled build.
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FUTURA GLASS (3L)
Light fibre putty for durability-focused repair work.
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Z-Grip Glaze (100482)
Finishing glaze/putty for final skim and tiny imperfections.
View & BuyWhat matters most when choosing a body filler
In a professional workflow, “best body filler” means the product that matches the repair type and sands the way you need it to. Here’s what actually changes your results:
- Workability: how smoothly it spreads and how controllable it feels while shaping.
- Sandability: how evenly it cuts (and how quickly it loads your paper).
- Featheredge: how clean the edges blend into the surrounding panel.
- Category fit: lightweight for most repairs, fiberglass-reinforced when strength matters, glaze for final skim.
Quick decision guide (choose the right category first)
- Standard dents / everyday collision: Lightweight filler (fast shaping + predictable sanding).
- Repairs needing reinforcement: Fiberglass filler/putty (added strength + stability).
- Final surface refinement: Finishing glaze/putty (pinholes, tiny lows, micro-waves).
Comparison table: 8 best body fillers (2026)
| Product | Type | Best for | Why it’s in the list | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roberlo MAXIFILL PLUS (69734) | Premium lightweight filler | High-quality daily repairs | Solid pick when you want a premium lightweight option in regular rotation. | Buy at APS |
| Roberlo MAXIFILL Lightweight (3L) | Lightweight filler | Most standard repairs | Versatile option for general shaping and shop throughput. | Buy at APS |
| 3M Platinum Plus Filler | Premium filler | Consistency-focused work | Premium option when you want predictable workflow and results. | Buy at APS |
| Roberlo R1 Easy 6000 (3L) | Body filler | Production-friendly repairs | Great “steady output” choice when throughput matters. | Buy at APS |
| USC DURAGLAS® 24030 | Short-strand fiberglass filler | Reinforced repairs | Fiberglass category for repairs where extra reinforcement is useful. | Buy at APS |
| Roberlo RESIN GLASS (66257) | Fiberglass putty | Reinforcement + controlled build | Fiberglass putty option when you need strength and shape control. | Buy at APS |
| Roberlo FUTURA GLASS (3L) | Light fibre putty | Durability-focused repairs | Light fibre category pick for stability-focused repair needs. | Buy at APS |
| Evercoat Z-Grip Glaze (100482) | Finishing glaze/putty | Final skim & tiny imperfections | Great finishing step before primer for micro defects and small lows. | Buy at APS |
Top 8 picks: what each one is best for
1) Roberlo MAXIFILL PLUS — premium lightweight filler
A premium lightweight filler makes the most sense when you’re trying to keep repair time predictable: smooth spread, controlled shaping, and a clean path into sanding and primer.
- Use it for: daily collision repairs where finish quality matters.
- Skip it if: the job needs reinforcement — move to fiberglass category instead.
2) Roberlo MAXIFILL Lightweight — the versatile shop staple
Lightweight filler is the “most repairs” category: great for building shape efficiently without overcomplicating the workflow.
- Use it for: general panel shaping and everyday dents.
- Skip it if: you’re trying to solve reinforcement problems with a non-reinforced product.
3) 3M Platinum Plus — premium consistency
In production work, fewer surprises is money. Premium fillers are often chosen when you want a predictable rhythm from spread → shape → sand.
- Use it for: higher-visibility repairs where process consistency is key.
- Skip it if: you’re doing rough reinforcement work (fiberglass filler/putty is better suited).
4) Roberlo R1 Easy 6000 — throughput-friendly option
If your shop is moving volume, you want a filler that behaves consistently and doesn’t create extra steps.
- Use it for: steady daily repair workflows.
- Skip it if: the repair calls for reinforced materials.
5) USC DURAGLAS 24030 — short-strand fiberglass reinforcement
Fiberglass fillers exist for jobs where reinforcement is useful. If you’re debating “lightweight vs fiberglass,” the repair type is your answer.
- Use it for: repairs where reinforcement is a priority.
- Skip it if: you’re doing a standard dent repair — lightweight is usually faster and easier to finish.
6) Roberlo RESIN GLASS (66257) — fiberglass putty category
Fiberglass putties give you reinforcement with a more controlled “putty-like” application approach, useful when you need structure but still want shape control.
- Use it for: reinforcement + controlled build areas.
- Skip it if: you’re only chasing micro defects — use finishing glaze instead.
7) Roberlo FUTURA GLASS — light fibre putty
Light fibre putties are chosen when you want durability-focused repair confidence while keeping the application manageable.
- Use it for: stability-focused repair builds.
- Skip it if: you need a final skim — glaze will finish cleaner.
8) Evercoat Z-Grip Glaze — finishing glaze/putty
This is the “last 5%” product. Use it to eliminate tiny lows, micro texture, and small imperfections before primer.
- Use it for: final skim coats and small surface refinement.
- Skip it if: you need real build — start with a proper filler first.
Application tips that save the most time
- Prep is everything: clean, dry surface and proper mechanical tooth before filler.
- Mix correctly: follow manufacturer instructions for hardener ratio and mixing method.
- Apply in controlled layers: build only what you need — overbuild = extra sanding.
- Let it cure properly: sanding too early can cause tearing and extra pinholes.
- Sand progressively: shape → refine → finish, then glaze only where needed.
Common body filler mistakes (and what to do instead)
- Using lightweight filler when reinforcement is needed: switch to fiberglass filler/putty categories.
- Overbuilding the repair: use the minimum material needed to restore shape.
- Skipping a finishing glaze step: if you see micro defects, glaze saves primer time later.
- Ignoring manufacturer guidance: cure time and hardener ratio control the entire sanding experience.
