Bondo Epoxy

[Manny]

Hi All,I was at the big box hardware store today picking up some supplies and stumbled across Bondo epoxy. They had a gallon for about $32 for the resin, the hardener was only a few dollars. Anybody ever heard anything good or bad about it? Anyone use it? For that price, maybe it's good for non-critical construction projects? (but hey, what isn't critical on a boat????)Happy New Year!

 

[Patrick Lombard]

Bondo

Started using it when I was 15 on cars, boats and houses. I'm 57 now and still using it to fill dents, holes and rot. It seems the only thing that has change is the price and the color of my hair.

 

[Ross]

Manny, Are you certain that it is Epoxy?

I have only seen Bondo as polyester and the hardener for a gallon would come in a tube about the size of a family size tooth paste tube.

 

[CalebD]

Bondo

Bondo is not an epoxy product but a polyester resin mixed with thickeners. It is a 2 part mix putty that is useful for repairing stuff that needs to be faired (sanded) like autobody dents. I use it as a wood filler and generic filler putty around the house as you said: "non-critical construction projects". It sets very quickly compared to "fast" epoxy. It is not recommended for use on the hull exterior in place of fiberglass and epoxy as it does not have the adhesion or strength. But it is used to repair auto body dents and can endure the outdoors if it is primed and enameled. The other thing about Bondo is that it has a very strong and unpleasant odor (like gel coat) before it sets up and for this reason should not be used in tight confined spaces that are not well ventilated. I could see keeping a can on the boat though for emergency repairs and various interior uses. Since it can be made to harden quite quickly in warm temperatures it could be a lifesaver if the unmentionable happens.Bondo is also a bargain compared to Marine Tex which is nearly $30 for a small jar but I would only use Marine Tex on my exterior hull, not Bondo.Hope this helps.Caleb

 

[Manny]

Oops

My bad!It's actually "fiberglass resin"... I didn't mean the regular stuff to fix dents and other assorted auto body work issues.Here's the link:

 

[CalebD]

Oops?

They can call it what they want to. They probably do mix some chopped up fiberglass into it to give it it's body. It IS a plyester based resin though.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bondo_%28putty%29I could market my sweat as a cologne and call it "Surging Beast", but I dont. I could call you a few things too but lets keep it civil. You asked the question. I answered thruthfully.

 

[PaulZ]

Poly boats

It's my understanding that most production boats are laid up with Poly resin,epoxy being so expensive

 

[Don]

it also absorbs water

In addition to what CalibD said, this type resin absorbs water which makes it unsuitable for boats, particularly below the waterline. Also, gelcoat will not adhere to it.