Use the plastic spreader included with the Bondo kit to spread the mixed filler over the area to be repaired by using a firm wiping motion. The mixed filler should not be applied more than ¼ inch thick. Only wipe the filler on the surface in one direction, or bubbles will form into holes when the filler dries.
Full Answer
Is Bondo body filler any good?
Bondo is resistant to fuel, but only after it is cured. If you are smoothing out a gas tank, that is great, it you are trying to fix a rusted out gas tank, this is not going to do a good job. Body filler is not good for rust repairs. You cannot slather some Bondo over rust and expect it to stop the rust or stick to it for that matter.
How to do repair auto body rust with Bondo?
- Do-it-yourself auto repair kit makes for durable same-day repairs
- Easy to use – includes step-by-step instructions
- Ideal for repairs from large holes and rust-outs to deep scratches
- Includes reliable materials for mixing and cleanup
- Featuring Bondo® Body Filler, the original filler used by professionals for over 60 years
How durable is Bondo body filler?
Things You’ll Need
- Bondo filler
- Hardener
- Sheet of cardboard or plastic
- Metal or plastic spreader
- Popsicle stick
- Sandpaper
- Painter's tape
- Protective gear
- Primer and paint
Do professional body shops use Bondo?
Yes auto body shops still use Bondo and other fillers. It is a great product and if used properly, thin applications, it works great. Most Bondo problems are due to excessive thickness and improper application. How worthwhile is it to learn how to fix your own car?
How do you use Bondo body repair?
0:222:31How to Bondo Video - Car Dent Repair Using a Body Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then sanding that filler down using anywhere from 180 to 400 grit sandpaper. And then step fourMoreAnd then sanding that filler down using anywhere from 180 to 400 grit sandpaper. And then step four is all about the painting process so you've got priming sanding primer applying base coat apply.
How do you use Bondo for beginners?
0:552:02How to Apply Contour Premium Body Filler - Eastwood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the filler and hardener evenly folded together start applying it to the hood. Remember. YouMoreWith the filler and hardener evenly folded together start applying it to the hood. Remember. You only have about three minutes before the filler set. So work quickly first apply a thin coat.
How do I prepare my body for Bondo?
0:0817:23How to Prepare Your Bodywork | Bondo for Paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you've finished your bodywork. The next step is to prepare the area for paint the first thingMoreAfter you've finished your bodywork. The next step is to prepare the area for paint the first thing I like to do is use an air nozzle. And just blow the area. Clean. When you're doing that.
Do you apply Bondo to bare metal or primer?
bondo goes over bare steel only. Never over any kind of paint, primer, etc.
Should you primer before body filler?
For small repairs, you can bog directly over the bare metal. If the repair is larger, or you're looking for a longer-lasting job, apply a base coat of epoxy primer before laying on the filler.
How do I get a smooth finish with Bondo?
2:3051:40How Do I Sand "BONDO" and Make It "PAINT READY"? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so what we got and when you feel your bondo for the final touch. You want to use your wholeMoreOkay so what we got and when you feel your bondo for the final touch. You want to use your whole hand just like this and you want to rub it.
What do you wipe Bondo with?
8:1314:04How To Prep Bondo Putty for Primer-Auto Paint And Body Tech ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay it's a lint free tag free white ball towel okay. And what you want to do is just basically wipeMoreOkay it's a lint free tag free white ball towel okay. And what you want to do is just basically wipe.
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 long should Bondo dry before sanding?
When used according to the manufacturer's recommendations, Bondo takes 10 to 15 minutes to dry enough to form a sandable surface. After 45 minutes it's cured enough to be painted.
Do you have to sand before applying Bondo?
Before applying, paint needs to be sanded to the bare metal. Make sure to sand outside of the repair area as Bondo will need to be spread and applied wider than the damaged area. (36-grit to 220-grit should do the trick for body filler application).
How long can Bondo be left unpainted?
Between life and work, the longest time period the bondo would go Unpainted would be about 2-3 weeks.
What will Bondo stick to?
It works well on wood, foam, and carbon fiber For modeling purposes, Bondo's density lets it stick well to pieces of wood, foam, and carbon fiber. These materials aren't affected by the polyester resin, so they allow the Bondo to be applied without surface deterioration.
What is the best surface to mix Bondo on?
1. Mix on a Spreader Mixing Board designed for the job. Do not mix on cardboard, cardboard will absorb the important resins from the body filler and hardener. Lay down your filler and then apply the correct amount of hardener.
Can Bondo be used 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.
Do you sand Bondo between coats?
Between each coating, sand the hardened putty with 80-grit sandpaper to remove excess Bondo. The coarse sandpaper will also rough up the surface giving it the tooth needed for the subsequent coating of Bondo to achieve good intercoat adhesion.
How long does Bondo take to harden?
Apply additional layers until desired thickness is reached. 6. Allow the putty to dry 15 minutes at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). In cooler climates, putty may take 20-30 minutes to dry.
What is Bondo body filler?
Bondo® Body Filler. The original filler for auto body repair, featuring a durable, non-shrinking formula that dries quickly, sands easily and accepts any primer and paint system.
How many stages are there in 3M body repair?
Even a small repair can seem complex at first. So 3M's Body Repair System simplifies the entire automotive body repair process by dividing it into four stages:
What is stage 4 finish?
Stage 4 — Finish. The final stage for showroom-grade results: removing small defects, sealing and polishing clear coats and other painted surfaces.
What is bondo used for?
How To Use Body Filler. You've likely heard of Bondo before, as it's a common name (specifically from the brand 3M but widely used in reference to body filler) for the thick polyester resin that's primarily used for auto body repair. When used properly, bondo- or body filler- is a perfect material for repairing dents, scratches, ...
What is Body Filler?
In general, body fillers consist of a polyester resin with a cream hardener that forms a putty-like substance that is used to return a vehicle's body to its smooth surface after minor damage.
How long does it take for putty to cure?
Standard - lightweight putty that cures in approximately 20- 25 minutes. Standard grade fillers are typically only used on small scratches and minor dents such as hair damage.
How to remove scratches from putty?
Make sure that you featheredge around the rim of the damage so that it blends into the surrounding area seamlessly. This may require a finer grit (180 grit), as you featheredge, which will help to remove any scratch lines.
What to clean a car with to keep putty from sticking?
This means the vehicle needs to be completely clean - free of bugs, grime, dirt, wax, or any other substance that might keep the putty from sticking. This might mean a simple clean with soap and water, or a wipe down with residue or adhesive remover.
Why can't you use cardboard as a mixing palette?
Don't use cardboard as a mixing palette, because it is absorbent and will mess with the chemistry of the mix.
Can you use filler on sand off?
If you want to use filler for areas with rust, sand off and corrosion or cut it out completely and batch with sheet metal or mesh before adding filler.
What is the bondo kit?
Everything You Need for Fiberglass Repair#N#Our Bondo® Fiberglass Repair Kit lets users do it themselves for easy, cost-effective, shop quality auto body repair. The repair kit includes cloth, resin and hardener, along with a mixing tray, mixing stick and a spreader for straightforward application over cracks and metal rust-outs. The resin bonds to metals, and hardens to a sandable surface in less than two hours.#N#The seal created by the polyester resin material is permanent, waterproof and will not shrink. It can even be used as a sealer for damaged wood and on marine applications. The kit includes:
How long does it take for polyester resin to harden?
The resin bonds to metals, and hardens to a sandable surface in less than two hours. The seal created by the polyester resin material is permanent, waterproof and will not shrink. It can even be used as a sealer for damaged wood and on marine applications. The kit includes: Easy how-to directions. Fiberglass resin.
