
3M, which makes Bondo body filler, offers these simple steps for repairing rust-outs and keeping your vehicle in prime condition:
- Start by washing the spot you’re going to repair and then wipe it down with a VOC-compliant adhesive remover to get rid of any wax or other buildup. ...
- Next, tap the rusted area with a body hammer to create an indented area so that when Bondo Glass Filler is applied, your repair will be even with the surrounding ...
- Now it’s time to mix your Bondo Glass Filler, which will provide additional strength to the repair, on a non-absorbent surface. ...
- Once your filler is properly mixed, start with a small, thin layer followed by several back-to-back layers. ...
- Shape and sand the repair with 40-grit sandpaper and then even it out using 80-grit sandpaper, blow off, mix and apply a coat of Bondo Body Filler using the same ...
- If there are pinholes in the repair after sanding, apply a very thin coat of Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty to pinholes. ...
- Once the area is painted, apply 3M Rust Preventer Spray to the back side of the rust-out area to extend the life of the repair. ...
How to repair a hole in a car with Bondo?
How to Repair a Hole in a Car with Bondo
- Remove any metal that is not solid from around the area of the hole that is to be repaired.
- Use coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any paint and primer for a distance of 3 to 4 inches in all directions away from the hole.
- Use nylon window screen to fill in behind the hole and create a backer to hold the auto body filler.
What are tips for repairing a car with Bondo?
Same-Day Repairs with Bondo
- Formulated to be non-shrinking and water resistant for permanent repairs
- Easy to use – cures to light gray color
- Sandable in 15 minutes and paintable in 25 minutes
How to repair a dent with Bondo?
How to Fix a Dent in a Car
- Clean the Car and Remove Any Residue. ...
- Remove Paint from the Dented Area by Sanding. ...
- Start Working on the Dent with a Hammer, Mallet, or Dent Puller. ...
- Mix Bondo and Put Down the First Layer of Body Filler. ...
- Shape the Filler with a Sanding Block. ...
- Smooth Out the Filler with a 180 Grit Abrasive Sheet. ...
- Use the Sanding Block to Remove Paint and Scratches. ...
How to fix car dents with Bondo plastic metal?
You'll also need the following supplies:
- Sandpaper: 150 grit, 220 grit, 400 grit wet /dry
- Rubber sandpaper block
- Body filler (with hardener, usually included)
- Glazing and spot putty
- Rigid plastic spreader
- Flexible plastic spreader
- Automotive primer
- Work gloves, safety goggles, mask
- Spray bottle filled with water

Can Bondo fix rust holes?
While “Bondo” is the name of a 3M product, it has also become a generic term for plastic body filler, and several companies make similar stuff. The putty can be useful for filling rust holes in the most rust-prone areas of a car including quarter panels, fenders over and behind the wheels, and the bottoms of doors.
How do you fill a rust hole in metal?
Epoxy and tape are two common no-weld hole repair options. These do-it-yourself approaches are effective when repairing a small hole rather than a significant tear. Specialty epoxy and tape products are designed to patch steel and metal.
What to use to fill in rust holes?
9 Steps to Follow When Fixing Holes Using Fiberglass and Metal MeshRemove the Rust Around the Hole by Sanding It. ... Cut Around the Damaged Spot Slightly. ... Fill the Hole Using Metal Sheets. ... Add Bondo Glass Stratum. ... Sand the Spot. ... Utilize the Bondo Body Filler That's Within the Accepted Range. ... Use Automobile Primer. ... Paint the Spot.More items...•
Can Bondo be used on holes?
4:235:57Can Bondo Fill Holes? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYes it can't be applied over holes those aren't too big you know spoiler hole is probably a prettyMoreYes it can't be applied over holes those aren't too big you know spoiler hole is probably a pretty small and it has been in the past.
How do you fill holes in metal without welding?
Epoxy or Tape The two usual non-weld hole fixing options are epoxy and tape. These DIY techniques are efficient when fixing a small hole instead of a considerable tear. Tape merchandise and specialty epoxy are intended to patch metal and steel.
How do you fill a hole with Bondo?
1:185:25How to Use Bondo to Fill Holes in Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe will start right here we're just gonna apply it like this now when you're applying this I like toMoreWe will start right here we're just gonna apply it like this now when you're applying this I like to kind of smooth it out but then go back and put a little bit more over the top.
How thick can Bondo be applied?
about a 1/4”There is no minimum thickness for Bondo, but there is absolutely a maximum. You do not want to apply body filler to anything that is thicker than about a 1/4”. That does not mean it can't be done, but the repair will not last as long. Eventually the filler will shrink and possibly crack, or even pop off!
How do you fix deep rust on a car?
Step 1: Mask off the car rust repair area. Protect the entire vehicle from paint overspray with poly sheeting. ... Step 2: Remove the rust. Crack off any blistered paint with a scraper. ... Step 3: Clean with detergent. ... Step 4: Prime the surface. ... Step 5: Sand the primer. ... Step 6: Spray the base coat. ... Step 7: Spray on the clear coat.
How do you repair a rust hole in a quarter panel?
0:1115:39Lower Quarter Panel Rust Repair - In Front or Back of Wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo today we're going to take a look at how to repair that and here's a close-up shot of that rustMoreSo today we're going to take a look at how to repair that and here's a close-up shot of that rust spot. You can see this is the quarter panel and this is a separate pieces is a rocker panel.
How strong is Bondo?
Bondo is amazingly strong and is very easy to work with. The mixing ratio seemed vague so I went with 8 drops per 3-4 grams, on wax paper on top of a scale.
How do you use body filler on metal?
11:0621:17Body Filler for beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're ready to start putting in the body. Filler so for this dent i'm going to apply the fillerMoreAnd we're ready to start putting in the body. Filler so for this dent i'm going to apply the filler over the dented. Area and then also build it up a little bit with some extra filler.
How to apply bondo to fiberglass?
On your mixing pallet, mix the Bondo and hardener. Using your putty knife and spreader, apply Bondo to the surface that has been created by your fiberglass and epoxy. When finished you should have a relatively even surface with all surface holes and pits filled. Allow the Bondo to harden.
How to prepare a vehicle for rust?
To prepare your vehicle's surface in areas where it is completely rusted through, use a disc sander or grinder to remove all rust and debris from both the inner and outer surfaces.
How to smooth paint on a touch up surface?
Use your rasp and sanding block to smooth your new surface. With a clean rag, wipe off any dust or debris left from sanding. Spray on your paint primer. When it is dry, use a fine sandpaper to smooth the primer, wipe off primer dust, and spray on your touch-up paint.
Can rust eat through paint?
Touch-up paint. Over time, rust can eat through the metallic surface of any vehicle. Eventually, it will require rust repair to remove the rust. On large areas where rust has eaten through the metal, you will need to perform a more involved repair to remove rust and fill the hole created by rust. Here are the steps required to use Bondo, ...
Can a rusted car surface be a hole?
Some places on your vehicle's surface that are rusted completely through the surface will be easy to spot. Other areas may be deteriorated enough that the vehicle's metal surface is rotted but still has not created a hole, or opening in the surface. Although you will need to fill in both of these types of rust damage, ...
What to use for bondo body filler?
To get started, the body filler needs something to stick to. Raw, unpainted metal is preferred. Primed metal will work. A rust converter should be used to prepare rust-pitted surfaces for body filler. Rust The rust converter stops the oxidation process which creates rust, and prevents the spread of rust. If rust has thinned or eaten through the panel, then the Bondo needs a backup. You can use fiberglass sheets, metal mesh, or fiberglass screen.
How long does it take to sand plastic body filler?
After 15 to 20 minutes, use coarse sandpaper (30 to 60 grit) to shape the repair and feather it to the surrounding body surface. After another 30 to 40 minutes, the surface should be ready for final sanding with 180 to 300 grit paper. After cleaning the dust from the surface, you’re ready to prime and paint. This article will provide more information about the plastic body filler process.
Can a chip from a stone cause rust?
It tends to be a constant issue close to the shore, in humid areas and in the salt belt. Even a chip from a stone can give rust a foothold on your car and lead to cosmetic or structural damage. Body repair is often considered one of the most delicate and complicated car repairs, but learning how to Bondo rust holes is luckily quite simple.
Can you bondo a rust hole?
However, whether or not you can Bondo a rust hole will depend on the location and severity of the rust.
What is bondo used for?
Bondo is a compound that is mainly used in the automotive industry for repairing dents, dings, or large scratches in metal. Bondo is also used to repair wood, drywall, concrete, brick, fiberglass, etc. When I was giving my wheelbarrow an update, I noticed a hole in the edge where the rust has eaten the metal away and I used Bondo to repair it.
How to mix hardener and compound?
Apply a bead of the hardener to the compound in the tray, and stir to mix the compound and the hardener.
