Mix Bondo

If your automobile is rusty or you get in a collision and the damage isn't too extensive, you can patch the dings with a body repair product called Bondo. Learn to mix Bondo and save money, as Bondo, also called body putty, is considerably less expensive than a body shop. Applied correctly, Bondo repairs are durable and long-lasting.

Steps

1. Cut a thick piece of cardboard about 6 by 6 inches (15.24 cm by 15.24 cm). Alternatively, you can mix it on particle board or buy an inexpensive pad of disposable plastic sheets to mix the Bondo.
2. Open the can and mix the Bondo with a stir stick if there is a layer of liquid on top. Use the stir stick to lift a golf ball-sized dollop of filler out of the can and reseal the can.
   • Mix a larger amount of Bondo and hardener if the area you need to patch is larger. Look at your project to estimate the amount of Bondo needed.
3. Add 1 line of hardener--also known as a catalyst or fixing agent--by squeezing it out of the tube across the top of the Bondo filler. (Bondo comes with a tube of hardener.)
   • If you add too much hardener, the mixture will gel too quickly. If you add too little, it increases the amount of time for it to cure, and if you don't add enough it will never cure. If you add 1 line of hardener across the top of the dollop of Bondo, it takes about 15 minutes to dry after applying. Add 2 lines and it takes about 5 minutes to dry. Experiment to get the right Bondo mixture.
4. Use an ice cream novelty stick or a plastic spreader to quickly mix the two substances together. Do not whip them, but rather fold them to avoid introducing air bubbles.
   • Use hardener with dye in it so you can see when the mixture is mixed evenly. If there are no streaks in the filler or areas that are darker or lighter, it is mixed well.

Tips

• Buy plastic body filler at hardware stores, auto-parts stores or discount department stores.
• If you want to use Bondo Glass, the filler and hardener are mixed in the same proportions as regular Bondo, and the mixture is folded in the same way till there are no streaks of red hardener in the gray Bondo Glass.
• Once the Bondo and hardener are mixed, you have only about 3 minutes to apply it before it starts to gel. After it gels, it won't stick to the surface you are repairing.

Warnings

• Don't use metal tools like screwdrivers to mix Bondo because doing so may add grease or oil to the Bondo mixture.
• Always wear eye protection.
• Mix Bondo outside where there is plenty of fresh air circulating, as the fumes may be dangerous.

Things You'll Need

• Bondo and hardener
• Mixing surface
• Ice cream novelty stick or plastic spreader
• Safety glasses

References

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjvTmSAPNmE
• http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/242.cfm

See also

• Get Rid of a Car That Doesn't Run
• Repair a Dent on a Car Using a Stud Welder Gun
• Know That Car Needs a Professional Mechanic
• Do an Oil Change for a Toyota Camry (2001 to 2011)
• Reset Gas Gauge Needle
• Replace a Cabin Air Filter on a 2012 2018 Ford Focus
• Flip Cars for a Profit
• Choose a Mobile Mechanic
• Deal With a Bad Repair
• Install a New Belt Tensioner With Pulley for Serpentine Belt on Plymouth Voyager V6 Mid 1990 Early 2000 Years

Read more ...