A method for repairing surface imperfections on a vehicle body includes the application of an uncured layer to a thickness of up to 0.254 mm of a primer composition comprising: a polyester resin, an acrylated urethane resin, a crosslinking agent, a solvent, and a particulate filler to the vehicle body. The uncured layer is exposed to actinic radiation to induce cure of the uncured layer to form a coating to fill the surface imperfection on the vehicle body. A surface coating primer composition is also provided that includes a polyester resin; an acrylated urethane oligomer or polymer; a crosslinking agent; a solvent; a photoinitiator; and a particulate filler. The uncured composition has a viscosity of between 100 and 800 centipoise.