Question: Bondo and Hardener

D_Harris

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For those who have used Bondo, Evercoat, ect. is it difficult getting the correct amount of hardener in the mixture.

I ask because it seems that the manufacturer purposely includes too little hardener, so you have to buy another kit or find the hardener by itself.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
I think the mfg includes enough hardener to do the whole batch...if you mix it perfectly and at optimum temperature. Which never happens.
 
rule of thumb is a circular dollop of filler.. then a strip of hardener almost but not as quite as long as the central diameter of the bondo

basically lay a strip of hardener across the top of your bondo, dead center. but not quite all the way across, if that makes sense..

if the stuff is bright red and hardens up in one minuite, you added too much hardener
 
Usually the hardener tube they include is not enough. If you use sparingly maybe, but I always use more so it will have a faster and harder set up. If you don't put enough in it will set up like rubber and will be unable to work with it.
 
It is the right amount in the little tube. It Takes a little practice on the amount to put in. Too little will take longer to cure but it will cure. Too much sets up fast with pin holes.. Example, Yellow bondo, Blue hardner , You should end up with a Med. Green when mixed. Hard to tell you how to do it But I have been spreading Bondo for over 30 yrs.
Racer X
 
id also like to add that i recommend you get evercoat or some other "professional grade" easy sanding filler.

bondo brand bondo is krap.. but it is strong..


usually i use bondo to fill large holes etc then top it/finish it off with the high grade stuff.
 
wow im glad i saw this thread im getting ready to start fixing up my space duel cab probably next week or so, so that link with the videos helps alot :)
 
rule is golf ball size per half inch of hardner..

And yes, buy Evercoat or other name brand. Bondo brand gets too hard and is hard to sand. Evercoat makes a cheap filler (everlight?) and a premium (Rage/ Rage Gold/ Rage platinum)
 
They sell the red tubes of the bondo brand hardener right next to the bondo cans at any store that sells bondo. I've seen it at Meijers also, but I know not everyone has those near them.
 
I always have hardener left when I get finished with a can. If you mix it so that it's just light pink it will take 15-30 mins to harden, but it gives you time to apply and shape. I just put a dollup (sp?) down and put one stripe of hardener about 2/3 of the way across. This rule of thumb works well most of the time, but every now and then I end up with too much. Time is your friend. Don't rush it.

Jeff
 
here is what usually do, its not rocket science!!!

DSC00773.jpg


DSC00774.jpg
 
I could be wrong but that looks like it's for doing glass work.

I just received a message back from the seller...

I am sorry I somehow missed your first enquiry. I have personally used this hardener with several different resins with great results. I would see no reason it would not perform well with those brands. Thank you for your interest.

no1halo


Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Bondo always comes with the appropriate amount of hardener and it's cheap as all get out.. even the tube of extra hardener from lowes is only a few bucks.. If I run out of hardener usually i'm scraping junk from the bottom of the can and it's time for a new can anyway.
 
after the bondo i recomend a small layer of body filler, that light duity stuff that doesnt need to be mixed. sand the bondo down where it should be then bring out that filler before final sanding f you see any pin holes or things like that
 
If you buy the Bondo brand of plastic spreaders, they are colored to match the correct ratio of resin to hardner.

Start off with a small amount of hardner, mix it well and compare it to the spreader, add more hardner as needed. Eventually you'll just know from experience, but matching the spreader is a good starting point.

The most important things to remember whenever working with resins are ratios and complete mixing. Get those right and you'll get great results.
 
I think the mfg includes enough hardener to do the whole batch...if you mix it perfectly and at optimum temperature. Which never happens.

NOT... EVEN... CLOSE

If you buy the gallon size can of Bondo, there's one little tube of the hardener cream. You're going to need 3-4 more tubes to have enough for the whole gallon.
 
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