QA

Question: How To Prep Bondo For Paint

Can you paint directly over Bondo?

A direct application of Bondo Ultimate over sanded or cured primer and paint is possible. After applying this filler, it is easy to sand.

Should Bondo be primed before painting?

You should use a “direct to metal” (DTM) primer to help top coats stick to the metal but it’s not needed under body filler most of the time. Once the metal is primed then you can apply a “filler primer” (2K) to help hide scratches and minor surface irregularities.

What primer do I use over body filler?

Applying body filler over epoxy primer provides maximum corrosion protection for the metal. Apply filler within seven days of applying epoxy primer to maximize adhesion.

What do you use to sand Bondo?

Once the Bondo cures, it’s time to sand. Power sanders are OK to break the surface and knock down any high spots, but hand sanding with the body contour is the best way forward. Cut in with heavier grit sandpaper and work out to about 80 grit to leave a tooth for the following skim coats.

How long does Bondo take to dry before painting?

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.

How long before I can paint Bondo?

Bondo mixed to the color swatch will begin to cure in less than 10 minutes at room temperature. Too much hardener in a warm environment will reduce working time, but too little in a cool environment can result in maddeningly long curing times.

What grit sandpaper do I use for Bondo?

First step: Prep the Surface 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.

Does body filler go on bare metal or primer?

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.

Should body filler go on bare metal?

The consensus on here from the research I have done is most think filler should go on good clean bare metal that is ground with 24-36 grit to create a good “tooth” for the filler to have the best opportunity for superior adhesion that will last years if not a lifetime.

How many coats of filler primer do I need?

Strain Filler Primer with a fine screen before pouring it into a spray gun cup. Set the conventional spray gun pressure to 30-40 psi. Apply 2-3 coats allowing 5-10 minutes of dry time between coats.

What is the difference between Bondo and Bondo wood filler?

The biggest advantage of using Bondo over a regular wood filler is the short dry time. Wood filler can take hours to dry and require more than one coat. Bondo dries in less than 30 minutes and only requires one coat! This means more projects in less time.

How long should Bondo dry before sanding?

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. 7. Using 3M™ Sandpaper 80 grit, sand and shape the filled area to the contour of the surface.

Does Bondo harden 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.

What temperature should I apply Bondo?

If you’re looking for a reasonable temperature to work filler then stay above 50 deg. F. The warmer the filler gets the quicker it will harden and be sandable.

What is the best surface to mix Bondo on?

Proper Mixing Techniques for Body Filler (Bondo) 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. Place the proper amount of Bondo filler and hardener: 50:1. Mix with a plastic or metal Filler Spreader.

Can you use self etching primer over Bondo?

Yes. You can apply self etch over fully cured filler.

Can Bondo filler get wet?

Bondo Fiberglass Resins and Repair Kits are 100 percent waterproof. Bondo Ultimate can be applied directly over sanded and cured primer and paint. This filler remains easy to sand for days after the application.

What is 320 grit sandpaper used for?

180 to 220 Grit Sandpaper: Finer grit sandpaper is great for removing the scratches left by coarser grits on unfinished wood and for lightly sanding between coats of paint. 320 to 400 Grit Sandpaper: Very fine grit sandpaper is used for light sanding between coats of finish and to sand metal and other hard surfaces.

Can Bondo fall off?

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”. Eventually the filler will shrink and possibly crack, or even pop off!Feb 2, 2020.