Thickness Matters
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.
Can you use Bondo for large dents?
Even some major dents can be treated with car dental fillers. Unfortunately, filling compounds such as Bondo also present some drawbacks.
Fillers like Bondo can crack if they are mixed too thickly, harming rather than improving the look of the car
.
Can you put Bondo over 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 fix a big rust hole without welding?
How long will Bondo last?
In most cases, Bondo filler lasts for
two to three years
. There are car owners who have had Bondo hold on to their vehicle’s bodies for even eight years. If you want it to last that long, then you need to apply it correctly and thoroughly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are body fillers strong?
We often get asked about metal body fillers or reinforced fillers and what they are. These fillers are
incredibly strong
but do have their place in the body shop.
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.
Does Bondo shrink?
Bondo Fiberglass Resins and Repair Kits are 100 percent waterproof. Because they
do not shrink
, they are excellent sealers.
How do you fill a large dent in a car?
What is the best body filler for cars?
- 3M Bondo 261 Lightweight Car Body Filler. This lightweight product is a two-part body filler. …
- Permatex 25909 Liquid Metal Filler. Unlike the Bondo filler, the Permatex product is ready to use, it does not need any mixing. …
- Evercoat 156 Lightweight Car Body Filler.
When should I use Bondo?
Bondo is an automotive body filler, often used for car and household repairs. You can use Bondo
to fill in small dings and smooth out warped panels in a car body
. Before you begin applying Bondo, make sure to sand down the paint, replace any rusted metal, and mask off any areas that don’t need filler.
Is Bondo body filler waterproof?
Glass strand Bondo is essentially waterproof
. Regular Bondo is not, moisture will creep in between Bondo and whatever surface it’s on if there is not some other sealer there such as paint. If you want to put something on that is waterproof and doesn’t need to be painted use epoxy putty.
How do you fill screw holes in a car body?
Plastic body filler or “Bondo” is what most people use
. You can get it at any auto supply store. Most holes can be filled with just the filler but larger ones need a backing of some kind to keep the filler from falling out after it hardens. Fiberglass cloth is the usual backing that’s used.
How do you Bondo a bullet hole?
- Prep the surface with a Scotch-brite pad or 220-grit sandpaper. …
- Mix the Bondo. …
- Use a plastic squeegee to apply the Bondo mixture to the bullet hole. …
- Use the sun or a heat lamp to harden the filler on the car panel.
How do you fill holes in metal without welding?
Epoxy or Tape
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.
Can you use JB Weld on rust holes?
How can I fill a hole in my car without welding?
- Remove 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.
How long does a rust repair last?
It’s impossible to stop it completely, but you can buy
6-10 years
if repaired properly. That usually means welding in new sheet metal, sandblasting, priming with a rustproofing/rust converter primer, regular primers and paint, and undercoat where applicable.
What is the difference between Bondo and body filler?
Which is better Bondo or fiberglass?
Fiberglass is More Durable than Bondo
The first key difference between these two is in regards to durability. Fiberglass is way stronger than Bondo resin. Therefore, when you use fiberglass filler, expect it to outlast car parts that have Bondo.
What can you use instead of Bondo?
You can use
plastic/metal 2-part epoxies
. Repair epoxy is also a good alternative.
How thick can you go with bondo?
So in the spirit of political correctness and repeating the party line ”
Ideally filler should never be more than 1/8′′ thick
“. In real life I have seen bondo from another persons previous repair be two inchs thick and last 15 years or more with no problems until the car was damaged again in the repaired area.
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
.
How much hardener do you put in bondo?
Mixing is the most vital step when using body filler. Plastic body filler needs the filler and a hardener mixed at the perfect ratio. The mix is crucial:
50:1
.
