
Parts
- Clean the area around the spot you wish to repair with water and if necessary, soap.
- Always wear disposable gloves when working with Bondo. A painters mask and full length clothing is also recommended to help prevent breathing noxious fumes and skin irritation.
- Mix the body filler and its hardener per the instructions on their containers.
Can you use body filler to repair scratches on a car?
This guide shows how you can use automotive body filler to fill in gaps, cracks, dents and even some large scratches. A 1998-2002 Honda Accord was used to make this guide, but the principles apply to any car or truck body. Clean the area around the spot you wish to repair with water and if necessary, soap.
How do you fix a dent in a car body filler?
Fill the dent, gap or crack with the body filler and hardener mix. You can use paper, tape or your hands to smooth out the filler while it is still in putty form. It is recommended that you apply several thinner layers of filler to deep dents and cracks to prevent having a porous finish.
How do you fix a broken piece of plastic that is cracked?
Now melt the crack back together fully, don't be afraid to stick the soldering iron in the crack so it's not just a surface repair. Some plastics after being melted will take longer to cure than others and is shown by the plastic feeling somewhat softer or rubbery compared to the rest of the plastic piece.
How do you fix tacky filler?
Feel the surface of your filler and see if it is tacky still, or as Kevin say “smuckin”, because that is the sound the glove makes pulling away from it. Spray a little Chassis Clean or Aerosol Injected Cleaner on a rag, and use it to wipe the resin off the top layer which will help it flash quicker so you can get to sanding.

How do you fix a cracked filler?
0:361:59How to Repair Small Holes and Cracks in Walls with WickesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompletely scrape any excess off as you go allow the filler to dry completely the packaging shouldMoreCompletely scrape any excess off as you go allow the filler to dry completely the packaging should guide you on how long this is likely to take sand down the surface.
How do you fix cracked body work?
Fill the dent, gap or crack with the body filler and hardener mix. You can use paper, tape or your hands to smooth out the filler while it is still in putty form. It is recommended that you apply several thinner layers of filler to deep dents and cracks to prevent having a porous finish.
Will body fillers crack?
10:0616:35Why does Bondo crack or why does body filler crack - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome guys say oh I never used bondo because it always cracks. That's absolutely not true ok. ItMoreSome guys say oh I never used bondo because it always cracks. That's absolutely not true ok. It doesn't always crack it only cracks when you didn't do it right.
How do you revive body fillers?
0:551:50Thinning Bondo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what the way to get around that is just to take some fiberglass resin pour that into your bodyMoreAnd what the way to get around that is just to take some fiberglass resin pour that into your body filler. And then mix that. And you'll find that that loosens up the body filler.
How do you fix cracked primer?
Here's what you'll need to do:Clean off the cracked area with a degreasing cleaner and sponge.Sand lightly. ... Apply a new coat of primer on the sanded area.Wait for the primer to dry.Use touch-up paint to paint the affected area.Wax the newly painted area for shine.
Can you repair plastic body panels?
Damage to the fibers or damage through the composite panel can also be repaired, but with a different procedure than a cosmetic repair. A significant cost savings can be realized when using plastic repair products. A repair done with a plastic repair product can be considerably less costly than purchasing a new part.
What is the difference between body filler and Bondo?
0:191:21Types of Bondo® Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe can just to the right is bondo professional gold body filler. It's ideal for cars 1998 or newerMoreThe can just to the right is bondo professional gold body filler. It's ideal for cars 1998 or newer because it has quicker adhesion galvanized coated metals.
Are body fillers flexible?
A high adhesion and flexible polyester filler specifically designed for scuffs and scratches on plastic parts that require ultimate flexibility (e.g. bumpers).
How thick can you put on body filler?
How thick can I apply body filler? Body filler should be applied in thin layers from 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick, with dry time between layers.
How long is body filler good for?
When stored at the recommended conditions in original, unopened containers, this product has a shelf life of 16 months from the date of manufacture.
Does Bondo cure without hardener?
Without it the bondo won't get hard. Put a small piece of bondo on a board and run a line of hardener from end to end. It will take about five minutes to mix it up and apply it. If it starts tacking up, stop applying it or you'll mess it up.
Can you shake body filler?
Never shake the container to blend the filler. According to US Chemical and Plastics Product Manager Bob Olszak doing so (especially with a can shaker) creates pin holes in the filler that will need repaired.
Do you need to use a lot of force to apply filler?
No need to use a lot of force, or try to apply a lot of filler. The first coat can even be just like a primer to establish the bond between the metal and the filler, and the next layer will just stick filler to filler.
Can you use lead in polyester filler?
There is really no reason to use lead now with the polyester fillers being as good as they are, and if you try to apply the same techniques you have used for lead to modern filler your repairs aren’t going to come out too good. For instance, this dent is over a 1/2 inch deep where the hammer hit it.
Step 1
First step is remove the paint and getting to the raw plastic as we don’t want any contaminants. Use 180 grit sandpaper to remove the paint to expose the bare plastic. Carefully sand the area, depending on the damage you will want to provide some support so the cracked area doesn’t get worse.
Step 2
Just to give you a view where I'm at after sanding. Clean the area using rubbing alcohol, then allow it to evaporate.
Step 3
Use a soldering iron to tack the crack back together, roughly holding the damaged area. Once satisfied, if your soldering iron has changeable tips, use a flat tip. Now melt the crack back together fully, don't be afraid to stick the soldering iron in the crack so it's not just a surface repair.
Step 4
Use an automotive grade flexible epoxy to fill and reinforce the damaged area. Ensure that the epoxy is compatible with the plastic you are working with. Clean the area using rubbing alcohol, then allow it to evaporate. Mix the epoxy accordingly, then apply it using a body filler applicator.
Step 6
Clean the area using rubbing alcohol, then allow it to evaporate. Apply a paint of your choice, in the video I have used a color matched acrylic enamel single stage paint. You can use a two stage paint as well which involving applying a base color and then clear coat. Color matched paint can be custom mixed at your local automotive parts store.
Step 7
Allow the paint to dry. Dry times will vary depending on your climate and the paint used. If you wish, you can wet sand the paint to remove any excessive amounts of orange peal, then buff for a mirror shine.
How to join plastic pieces together?
Gather materials. Get together all the plastic pieces you want to join. You’ll also need and your adhesive, of course, tissue paper, something to protect your work area, and sandpaper (for bonding smooth surfaces). Stay safe. Work in a well-ventilated, protected area.
How to remove uncured adhesive?
If you need to clean up larger quantities of uncured adhesive, moisten it and let it cure before carefully scraping it off. You can cut away cured adhesive with a sharp blade and remove it with acetone or boiling water.
What adhesives can be used to bond plastic?
Some products are better suited for large projects, while others can bond only certain kinds of plastic. Some adhesives, such as Loctite Plastic s Bonding System, are formulated to bond difficult materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and Teflon.
