Bondo is a pliable putty that any repair person can use to fill in and repair dents.
Bondo, a trademark auto body putty, comes in handy for automotive body repair. Comprised of a catalyst-hardener and filler material, its ingredients forms a rock-hard surface to cover holes, punctures, creases and dents. After application, it can be sanded to a fine and smooth surface texture, upon which paint can be applied. Doing a proper Bondo job requires some precise steps, one of which involves feathering, the last and most important step in completing the job.
Instructions
1. Examine the surface where you wish to use Bondo, making sure you have sanded the area well past the outside edges of the damaged area, in a cross-hatch pattern with very heavy grit sandpaper. Follow the directions on the Bondo can for mixing the catalyst-hardener with the putty material. Mix the Bondo on a large can lid with the kit spatula.
2. Dip the spatula in the putty and trowel it over the damaged area, filling the area with a first layer which concentrates on the major holes, cuts or creases. Do not smear the putty over the entire sanded area, but only the deepest and most damaged section. The depth of the putty should remain under the top profile of the body panel -- this represents the "fill" layer.
3. Allow the first putty layer to dry, according to directions. Sand with heavy grit sandpaper, if you wish. Mix a new batch of Bondo putty on the can lid. Use the spatula to apply a layer of putty that raises the surface level with the profile of the body panel. Do not smear over the outside edges past the extended sanded area. Cover the filler layer and just raise its height. Let the Bondo dry completely. Cross-hatch sand, if you wish.
4. Mix another batch of Bondo putty on the can lid, according to directions. Use a wide troweling motion to apply a very thin layer of putty over the surface, this time extending out for 2 to 3 inches on all sides, or as far as you have sanded. This represents the feathering layer, and it will extend up in height past the level layer, but only a tiny amount. Begin with light sweeping motions in the middle of the damaged area, and fan outward on all sides, like you were creating the rays of the sun.
5. Increase the pressure on the spatula as you feather outward on all sides. Push the spatula down hard toward the end of the body panel surface, passing the outside edge of the sanded area. Make sure the putty covers the furthest scratches at the extreme outside edge. Remember that this layer will sit up slightly higher than the top profile of the panel. Wait for the putty to dry and sand according to the finish you want for final painting. Sand out to the very edges to feather the edges.
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