You've got your window sills almost rotted? The drywall is patchy and needs some repair? Or perhaps those old furniture looks extra lifeless and you want back the glow. There are too many things that Bondo body filler can help you with.
Now if you don't know how to use Bondo body filler on wood then you're missing out on so many repair benefits including rusted spots, scratches on your car, dings, holes, and even dents. On wood, it does wonders as well.
Also, for those who have a little clue of what this is, it's basically two-part putty stuff. Both filler and putty duties are included with this fabulous thing. So, you can basically enjoy benefits from both worlds rather than deliberating over some wood putty vs wood filler argument.
Yap, there are a few limitations but not something too bad, for example, it isn't the type of wood putty for staining but you can easily go for a coat of paint or primer after you are done having a flush finish with a wood sander.
Exactly How To Use Bondo Body Filler On Wood – Start From This Point.
Those who have never tried Bondo body filler, first get some idea on the mixing rule as well as other supplies that you'll need. The process of using this thing on wood would require also a hammer, chisel, putty knife, sandpaper with a rough or medium grip, and a wood hardener. The last one is optional though, however, it's good for a great result.
Oh, don't forget your safety mask as well as plastic gloves.
Give The Wooden Surface a Good Cleaning as well as Get Rid of Any Old Material.
To start fresh, we want all and every rotten, loose and weak material out from the surface. And that would basically help in maximizing the benefits of Bondo for patching. Especially for window trims that are super old and quite rotten.
You will need a basic chisel and also a hammer would be necessary. Get a tiny pry bar or even a needle nose plier would work. These tools would help you get rid of materials that are too weak. Use a screwdriver for pushing the wood. And see if it crumbles. Once it does, this means you must get rid of it. Any dust or wood chips also need cleaning in gaps.
For soft and rotten wood, pairing up a chisel with hammer would help you get the perfect removal. Once you are done, make sure to dry the wood. Moisture does not go well with Bondo. Use a hairdryer if necessary but get rid of all the dampness.
Optional But Try to Give it a Go – Wood Hardener Application!
If you are basically dealing with an old rotten wood area such as on dooryards, decks, winders or any external surface that has a lot of chance of water damage, then applying a wood hardener would help a lot.
This thing would penetrate deep inside the fibers of the wood and bind them together. Making the old wood hard enough to have moisture repelling abilities. The application is super simple, just follow the able provide instruction. There's nothing much to talk about the application that's why so I'll skip and leave it to you.
Getting Your Surface Ready.
Now in case you are working on a huger repair. Then you must make ways for the Bondo to adhere better. And that can happen since you are adding a form of anchor.
Simply driving a few screws inside the material would play role of anchors and make deal sealed. The Bondo would have so much more grip on that area to work with this way.
However, if the wood comes with pretty large gaps, then we need to do something about filling it with maybe cut wooden pieces. The majority of the gaps would need filling this way. And then you can hope Bondo to take responsibility for the remaining gaps.
By doing so, you basically sidestep the need for multiple coat applications. This could have cost you more by needing to purchase more Bondo to work with.
The Very Important Phase – Batch Mixing.
Generally, there is more than just one type with Bondo. You'll sometimes see the ones that come with a white hardener. But most people prefer the red color hardener version. And that's because it literally makes it very easy for you to visualize the hardening process whole mixing with putty. So, you know what amount is sufficient. As you mix things, it should turn into a shade that's pinkish-red.
Doing the mixing job in a well-ventilated area is very important. Also, don't forget your safety masks as well as plastic gloves at this phase. Keep in mind that the Bondo is pretty strong stuff. And you won't be able to breathe properly in an area that lacks ventilation while trying to mix it.
For the mixing part, the appropriate rule is to combine golf ball size putty section with a hardener with a one-inch size. Make sure you pay attention to amount of hardener because it can literally become almost unworkable if you add too much.
And if you end up using too little, the putty will form into a hard-to-dry substance, which obviously would be difficult to work with. This is why proper and uniform mixing is so important.
The safest play would be going for smaller batches. Yes, this may force you to apply several coats but it's still the most appropriate way to avoid issues. Also keep in mind, after mixing you will have around 10-15 minutes before the putty become useless. As then, it will form a gummy-like consistency that would be super hard to work with.
Application Phase.
Get your putty knife and take out a scoop of the mixture. And then gradually start applying it into gaps. Try your best to maintain the shape really close to what you'll intend the surface to finish with. It could be hard to accomplish but try your best.
Also, you need to be as fast as you can. Because very quickly the thin will start to completely harden and then you won't be able to sand away properly. For wide or deep areas, go for several coats instead of trying one application.
Finally, Sand to Make It Flush Nice.
As soon as it's been 30 minutes till the batch being ready, it should be now hard enough for you to sand. Get rid of all the excess material with sandpaper. And then you should have a nice flush finish. A powder sander makes the whole process much easier. Don't forget to wear proper protective wear as the dust should not mess up with your lungs.
A Tiny Tips.
After sanding you might be left with a pile of wood dust and before you dump them out, there are many ways to use them. So just letting you know!
If you've ever been curious on, what can you do with sawdust and ways to make the waste come in use, then this is also a similar case. Those who know what to do with sawdust from dust collector will tell you about making fake snow with it by just using white paint and glue as well as methods to use it as plant feeding material. There are many actually.
Quite similarly, with wood dust, you can fill a path that might have been hard to walk due to rain or even use the wood dust for starting a fire. It's definitely a fun topic that I'll love to talk broadly on someday.
Finish Things Off With Paint & Primer.
So, I already told you that Bondo body filler is not great with wood stain. And that's why using a few coats of primer or paint or even both would give a great result. Once you do so, you're good to go.
Wrap up
So, how does the whole thing look like after you try the method out! I hope it works for the best. Now that you know how to use Bondo body filler on wood, there's no chance an old rotten part would cause you to stress anymore. See You In Some Other Topic Soon!
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