Bondo FAIL (help)

[fowljesse]

I consider myself talented, but I can't do Bondo, apparently
I mix it wrong, so it herdens too fast, or not at all, and can't get it smooth. So, instead of putting more layers on a particular project, I'd like to know if there's something else I can put on it, and sand smooth. It's almost smooth enough to layer on primer. I can put up a picture if it'll help, but it's emberassing

[onlytrueromeo]

Fiberglass?

[Ryan]

mix smaller ammounts! that was my big problem It dries too fast and becomes granular, and is impossible to work, or it never dries... mix it to harden quickly and work in tablespoon ammounts at a time.

[fowljesse]

I do small amounts, and I can't get it to go on smooth. The best thing so far, is smotthing it out with a piece of ice..
Here's the deal: It's almost microscopicly bumpy. Too little for Fiberglass. And, if I put on another layer of Bondo, I'll screw it up again. I'm hoping for something like Bondo, but thinner

[Dali]

bondo is pretty easy. i use regular bondo. the hardener is red so i judge ho much to mix with the grey bondo, put enough in it so it turns abit of a dark red, i also dont stir it too much, this will make it harden faster. that way about 2 cups will last about 10-15 minutes before it hardens. another thing i do when building sub boxes or anything with fabric i will also use some fiberglass resin mixed in, this makes it abit more fluid. if its not going on smooth you bondo might be old or it was frozen, the room temp has to be right as well or it will not cure.

[Savin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWqr1PvKzhA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1YngLukUQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF11hib6 ... re=related" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAOu1HvQSw0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6Jy8qbODY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4elRsPmRv8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6Jy8qbODY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://autorepair.about.com/od/fixityou ... /bondo.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There's some stuff for ya. The vids might help, or they might annoy you with the same opening sequence in every one...


Also, there are different forms of bondo. There's the "Normal" stuff, then theres also thinner, runnier style. I think Bondo's 'proffessional gold' is a smoother mixture. I'm not sure though.

[fowljesse]

Thanks, everyone
I've used it before, without these problems. I think maybe it's too old, or something.

[Ryan]

If you're doing very light work, try filler putty.

[fowljesse]

YES! That's what I'm talkin'bout!

[Ryan]

Um,I have some at the shop... its a very old foil type tube, I forget what its called, although it might simply be "Filler Putty" It takes almost 30 hours to cure, though.

[fowljesse]

Oy Vey.
That's okay. It's for my tail lights.

[Mad Cow]

If you can't mix it in the right proportions try buying it in a squeezable tube, it's already pre-mixed and much easier to use. The only trouble I have with bondo is putting on too much and not waiting long enough for it to dry.

[boosted_bullet]

i've used the prof. gold (with the rx-7 on the front =] )
its pretty smooth but dries to quickly (3-5 mins?) i think i add to much red cream hardner...