Fiberglass body filler vs bondo Body Filler Comparison Chart Reinforced Body Filler Reinforced body fillers have metal or fiberglass added for strength. Get the best Bondo Body Filler products at the right price. Our hardener combines the best of ease of use and quality final results. If you have access to a Keystone around you, they have a nice filler called "Key'lite" that I find pretty nice. The air just gets trapped from mixing, and when you sand down to a bubble BOOM pinhole. If you have too big of a hole you might need to go with a plastic welder and some stainless steel backing mesh. Nov 4, 2025 · Fiberglass consists of extremely thin, resin-coated glass fibers used principally as insulation and as a reinforcing agent in plastics. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional auto body repair technician, understanding the ins and outs of Bondo is crucial for achieving flawless results. I’ll be using it to smooth out bendy ply before priming/painting. Fiberglass is a highly versatile lightweight material that is often used as a durable and cost-effective alternative to concrete, wood, and metal. Ease of Use: Bondo is easier to apply and sand, making it convenient for quick, smooth finishes. Find Fiberglass roof panels at Lowe's today. Bondo® Body Filler for fast, easy repair of dents in cars An American Original Born from a time when auto body repair involved heat-shrinking metal and pouring lead, our Bondo® Body Filler has been helping vehicle owners and auto body professionals for decades. You know what to do. It is a two-part component which mixes and applies easily and can be sanded, filed, drilled, tapped, or bolted once cured. Shop Body Filler and all other Shop Supplies products available now on NAPAonline and for pickup at your local NAPA Auto Parts store! Technically, there are many kinds of "Bondo" including regular talc based body filler, fiberglass, epoxy filler, and glazing putty and several others. The curing process takes anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour or more depending on how much Apr 10, 2003 · I primarily use fiberglass to cover up weld areas the fiberglass putty will resist water and keep everything sealed up so you dont' get rust in those joints then I sand that down, and apply the bondo over that, real thin, just to fill in the holes and give it a smooth look. When used properly, bondo- or body filler- is a perfect material for repairing dents, scratches, and other bits of damage to a vehicle quickly and seamlessly. If the hole is small and you can coat the back to Nov 3, 2005 · use 2 part body panel adhesive with a backing patch piece of metal on the inside of the hole (plastic filler and blend the patch if it's gotta be pretty) use enough so it comes thru the hole a little, sand that down, plastic filler on top to blend your done. I've been doing it for awhile, I use evercoat liteweight filler and it's a little thick, so I throw some resin in it. Use it to fill the void and gel coat over it. The Different Types of Body Filler Explained Body Fillers fall into a handful of different categories. I've been using it for 30+ years, and it still works (and smells) the same. Without getting rid of that rust it will come back. Use some resin to stick some paint stick on the inside of the pannel so you have something to lay the fiberglass against. Rust and waterproof. Though like most sanding work, you definitely want to wear a mask to deal with the fine particles. Sand down to good Jan 27, 2003 · For bodywork use Evercoat brand fillers. Bondo makes "Glazing and Spot Putty" which is used as a final, thin coating for filling small imperfections. I've never worked with fiberglass before. If you're doing nail holes in small volume, the Minwax High Performance Filler is very close to Bondo, except that it seems like it uses sawdust instead of lightweight microbeads for filler in a polyester resin (smells like Bondo or fiberglass polyester resin, but comes in small cans). This filler is good for roughing in or filler areas that are damaged the worst or need the most filling. Sep 8, 2017 · Subsequently he asked another worker "You work on Vettes, what would you suggest for filler?" The Vette guy says if I use the Bondo type material eventually It would release from the substrate and pop loose. Fiberglass (American English) or fibreglass (Commonwealth English) is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. Mar 27, 2024 · Bondo Vs. Jun 28, 2025 · Fiberglass is a composite material composed of fine glass filaments embedded within a polymer resin matrix. Rondo is not spread on like Bondo is but is instead poured on the inside of the pep and slushed around for an even coat. Rage Gold is probably my favorite filler. Mar 15, 2019 · I have a dent in the side of my tank and I was going to use bondo glass for the base, which is a short strand fiberglass body filler. If you want to learn how to paint your own car, this is the place! What kind of bondo do you like best as wood filler? There are many types including “bondo wood filler” but I see people using different kinds and I’m curious what people like. Bondo, famously known as an auto body filler, is an all-purpose polyester putty used to repair cracks and dents in cars, trucks, boats, and household items. thanks, Buddy M. Choose from our selection of fiberglass, Garolite, and more. May 15, 2009 · Re: Fairing/Filler from 3M I just did some glassing and used Bondo product by 3m are you talking about regular bondo car filler? they do have poly -filler there is long hair, short hair, and glazing putty. Go with the evercoat and depending on why your using it and where will make the choice of type of filler for you. SMC is Sheet Molding Compound. You wanna make sure to use the fiberglass reinforced one at the bottom. Jan 13, 2022 · Bondo can last for years when used as a filler. He said I need to use glass reinforced filler, the glass fibers of which would intertwine with the fiberglass in the body. Trust the Bondo® brand to have the right filler or resin for the job. Bondo - All Purpose vs Woodfiller I am trying to do some wood furniture repair and a lot of people online are using "all purpose" bodno instead of the Woodfiller bondo. expansible panel Our Bondo-Hair Long Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler features strands of chopped fiberglass up to 1” long for extra strength on your toughest repairs: filling large rust holes, restoring shattered fiberglass and more. Formulated for Convenience When mixed with a 2-part filler, a chemical reaction occurs which allows you to make high-quality Jun 20, 2024 · Fiberglass-reinforced body fillers should be finished with a body filler or polyester glazing putty before applying primer. Truth is, lots of this stuff is porous like a sponge, and can absorb water if not protected, with a paint coating. May 12, 2020 · This body filler has one-inch pieces of fiberglass which makes it lightweight and very durable. Aside from ordinary body filler, there is also short-strand, long-strand, reinforced fiberglass and epoxy body fillers. Depending on your project, you may want to use more than one type. From lightweight plastic fillers, fiberglass filler, fiberglass strand (tiger hair) filler to an aluminum based filler called Metal 2 Metal. Feb 22, 2012 · The paste (Bondo), is really meant as filler, with solid material behind it. com. Bondo All-Purpose Putty and Bondo Wood Filler are both products from the Bondo Brand, a leading manufacturer of automotive repair products. Bondo is still a top-selling brand. Also, there's no need Description Our No. Get free shipping on qualified Bondo products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today. You can use Bondo to fill in small dings and smooth out warped panels in a car body. The lighter the filler the easier to work. You’ll also find it going by the names glass-reinforced plastic and glass fiber plastic. For large repairs, use a fiberglass cloth. Then I'd use regular bondo over the top to make it smoother. There is most likely rust on the back side of the metal you will be working. Feb 4, 2022 · Going back to aluminum body filler, this product is compatible with all types of metal other than aluminum. They are used for major repairs when filling holes, or fixing shattered or torn fiberglass panels. On the Feb 24, 2025 · Bondo is an automotive body filler, often used for car and household repairs. May 22, 2021 · Classified ads, photos, shows, links, forums, and technical information for the Volkswagen automobile Bondo Long Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler LS-QT-ES with chopped fiberglass strands for extra strength. 37 oz, 1 Tube Aug 24, 2024 · Selecting the right body filler for your automotive project can be more difficult than it seems. May 24, 2010 · Re: bondo and gelcoat In place of bondo type fillers, regular poly resin can be mixed with thickening fibers and/or milled fiberglass to make a putty that will not absorb water. Use with Our Many Lines of Car Body Filler Bondo® Red Cream Hardener is a hardening agent designed to work with all fillers, putties and glazes. Description This is a glamourous car filler whose quality is Feb 6, 2007 · Best known for its bridging capabilities in rebuilding shattered fiberglass and reinforcing torn or rusted areas of sheet metal, Kitty Hair is formulated with long strands of chopped fiberglass which doubles the strength of standard fillers. Order online or pickup at your local AutoZone store. JB Weld: Bondo is a polyester-based filler better suited for cosmetic repairs, while JB Weld is an epoxy-based adhesive ideal for structural and demanding fixes. It contains short, interlocking fiberglass strands and fibers that make it stronger than regular body filler. Fiberglass can be used in many ways, like in pools, doors, sports gear, and car parts. These fibers, typically measuring 5-20 micrometers in diameter, provide exceptional tensile strength while maintaining flexibility. I've seen old bondo/plastic type fillers crack over time, but this metallic body filler stuff is really Apr 12, 2009 · Bondo over previous bondo that's old is a bitch. Fiberglass (American English) or fibreglass (Commonwealth English) is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fiber. Dec 1, 2020 · Here's a handy interactive chart that will help you select the best body filler for the type of bodywork repair that you're tackling. If wanting to cover a hole, the thing you're wanting. Apr 30, 2024 · Bondo is a lightweight body filler primarily used for automotive repairs, while J-B Weld is an epoxy adhesive used for bonding and sealing. The easiest to sand down is the Bondo type fillers. SMC fiberglass vs regular fiberglass. We will get much deeper into that later on. Figuring out which filler will best meet your needs can feel like a guessing game. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 15, 2024 · I personally wouldn’t be afraid of using bondo if it sticks good to your project, cars get wet don’t they? and a gas tank isn’t going to be submerged in water anyway. Bondo states that this product has twice the strength of their standard car body filler. Includes tips and tricks that work every time with diffi May 20, 2009 · Bondo brand sucks hard. Therefore, if such an unfortunate incident happens, you will need this filler to have that dent repaired. Learn more about what is fiberglass and what its types are. Jun 28, 2025 · Definition of Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a reinforced composite material made from extremely fine glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Auto body fillers are essential materials used in the automotive repair industry to restore the smooth surface of vehicle bodies before painting. a cheese grater would lift whole parts of your new bondo. However, certain factors dictate how long Bondo lasts on your car’s body. only way is to skim coat a thin layer and let it cure until real hard, then grind or sand it down. Recycling advances allow old fiberglass products to be reused, like turning wind-turbine blades into new items. It's name is derrived from the R in Resin and the "ondo" part of Bondo. Get deals on automotive parts, truck parts and more. Start shaping the filler before it's completely set, i. Without grinding the metal down, they are many as big as a nickle, but after Dec 4, 2018 · Short strand fiberglass filler is an excellent foundation for a lot of different repairs and is compatible with any substrate including fiberglass aluminum steel and SMC composites. Evercoat has a wide range of fillers to hoose from. Choosing the wrong one can lead to subpar repairs, wasted materials, and worse – the need to start over 3M™ Bondo® can repair everything from dings in your car or boat to cracks in your home. The creamy consistency mixes easily and quickly. Apr 16, 2014 · The second is Rondo,a mixture of Bondo Body Filler and Fiberglass Resin. Was planning on using this : Cut out all the rust and patch it with fiberglass. Different dry times, filler types, epoxy primer types and sand paper grits were used in an extensive Sometimes it's perfectly OK to fix a rust hole without welding by using Duraglas, Kitty Hair, Bondo Glass or other types of reinforced filler. Its ECC is pretty darn close to the sheet metal found in Mustang bodies, and consequently it will usually last a LOT longer if not indefintely. Welcome to the ultimate guide to 3M Body Filler Bondo - your go-to resource for everything you need to know about this revolutionary product. It can also be used on masonry, fiberglass, and other metals. Bondo All-Purpose Putty is an extremely versatile filler used on wood, metal, fiberglass, and masonry for quick, easy repairs. You shouldn't be using JB Weld as body filler, and vice versa. Any two-part system will workL Bondo, JB Weld, and Abatron to name a few. Would this be a good way to do it? Are there better body fillers out there? Should I use a long Sep 10, 2022 · Can I use Bondo instead of wood filler? Bondo is a polyester resin that is used to bond and fills large holes, small cracks, and dents in wood. Spreads Discussion on the types of fiberglass and materials that should be used. The rougher the filler (like, longstrand fiberglass filler > shortstrand fiberglass filler > lightweight filler) the more likely there will be pinholes. Different Types of Body Fillers Many people call all body fillers 'Bondo" but it is actually a brand name. It is also slightly thicker and provides a fast drying time, making the filler less messy on vertical surfaces like car doors. About this item Ideal for repairing rust-out and rust hole repairs. Same and Next Day Delivery. It contains short, interlocking fiberglass strands and fibers that make it twice as strong as regular body filler. 1 short-strand fiberglass filler formulated with fibers to provide ultimate strength and durability on rust-outs, holes, tears and cracks. Mar 10, 2006 · It uses a hardener much like the bondo/fiberglass stuff, but the difference is the filler is aluminum. Rondo can be mixed in various consistencies but mostly resembles a runny milkshake. This waterproof and rustproof filler can be applied without fiberglass mat or cloth. Oct 8, 2014 · The tiger hair is a polyester epoxy with strands of fiberglas in it. It is one of the most difficult to sand down. Bondo 00233 Professional Gold Filler The exterior look of your car’s body says a lot. It offers high strength, lightweight structure, and exceptional resistance to corrosion, moisture, and chemicals. Oct 18, 2023 · Fiberglass is a composite material that’s made of very fine glass fibers. if you're filling a flat area, remove excess filler with a scraper before set. If applied correctly, Bondo A Firm Fiberglass Resin that's Easy to Work With Bondo® Fiberglass Resin Jelly features tiny milled glass fibers that add strength and provide a thicker consistency for filling holes and rust-outs in auto body repair. Epoxy, with the thickening filler of your choice, would seem to be the way to go. Before you begin applying Bondo, make sure to sand down the paint, replace Nov 14, 2010 · The #1 site on the Internet to discuss and learn about autobody and paint. It is about the strongest filler you can find. Never had any comebacks. These filaments—drawn from molten glass—are combined with resins such as epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester to form a durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the world of 3M Body Filler Bondo Apr 7, 2025 · Epoxy wood filler is durable and best for large repairs, while Bondo is a solid option for minor fixes and quick projects that won't be exposed to the elements. I use DAP premium wood filler. Cheaper than Bondo, no smell, no mixing, easy to wipe off, and easy to sand. . There are countless filler options, each tailored to unique types of damage repair and finish requirements. Available in a wide range of formulations, fiberglass couples the formability of plastic with the strength of glass. As you can see from above, even though it’s safe to use Bondo on aluminum. Cavity wax the backside of whatever you do to buy yourself more time Any pictures of your hole? Because generally you want to either use a flexible body filler, or plastic welder for bumper repair. Ideal for filling large rust holes and restoring shattered fiberglass. Bondo body filler isn't great for rust repair, it holds moisture. Evercoat products are good and easy to work with. Kitty Hair comes with blue hardener. Since 1953 Evercoat has Jul 27, 2019 · I just watched a couple of youtube instructionals on epoxy &fiberglass vs bondo & stainless mesh and both have their merits and are equally messy. Your go-to source for fiberglass, resins, and reinforcements. Sandable in as little as 20 minutes for quick repairs Waterproof formula works for Bondo® Glass Reinforced Filler makes an excellent foundation for hole, dent and rust-out repairs without the need for backing strips, cloths and resins. Bondo Glass Reinforced Filler makes an excellent foundation for hole, dent and rust-out repairs without the need for backing strips, cloths and resins. Also USC products are easy to work with. Of course use rust prevention primer on everything before you start. It seems to have held up really well and you could not tell it was there. e. Covers small (up to ½”) holes without the need for backing strips, fiberglass resin or cloth Bondo Glass Reinforced Filler formula is stronger than traditional lightweight filler Ideal to repair metal, wood, concrete, masonry and fiberglass. It dries pretty quickly so if you make a mistake, it's easy to just slather on a bit more to cover the area and try again. A detailed explanation of how to begin your body work, how to get it straight and how to finish it. Sep 7, 2013 · Old shop I used to work at, the body guy would pour a little 'glass resin into his filler to thin it out a little and make it spread easier. Choose from our premium selection and experience the Fibre Glast edge: top quality, innovative solutions, and expert support. JB Weld: Does JB Weld really leave Bondo quaking in its boots? I squeezed tubes and pored over data sheets until I had a definitive answer. Is it Nov 16, 2010 · I've had all of the paint basted off a body, and the older body work was almost entirely all metal body filler. I think there are some types of marine fillers but I have used regular bondo on an outboard before and it was never a problem. ” Decades of trial and error, along with a few years as a card-carrying member of the set painters’ union, place my experience somewhere in the middle. Nov 4, 2004 · whats the ratio you guys are using to when mixing filler with fiberglass resin? ive been playing around with it a little lately but was unsure if putting too much resin into the mix would screw anything up. Can also be used on welded areas and to bond seams (rust, automotive and marine applications). It is also slightly thicker and provides a fast drying time, making the filler less messy on vertical surfaces like Typically used in autobody repairs, body fillers are applied to dents or cracks and can be sanded, painted and blended for a smooth finish. I say Sheet Material Compound like a billion times Buy Bondo® Bondo-Hair Long Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler 762 1 Quart - MMM 762 online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Rondo is also stronger, but heavier than Bondo Oct 5, 2024 · Key Takeaways Bondo vs. You can also use Bondo to fill holes in metal, fiberglass, and other materials. They provide a cost-effective solution for repairing minor to moderate damage […] All of USC’s premium and lightweight body fillers are stain resistant, tack- and clog-free, self-leveling and have superior adhesion properties. This is not a commercial, it is a complete guide to help you choose the type of materials you need for a specific body damage repair. Suggested Use (s) Can be used to repair cracks and holes in fiberglass. Each one has its own benefits. Bondo Short Strand Fiberglass Reinforced Filler makes an excellent foundation for hole and rust-out repairs without the need for backing strips, fiberglass cloth, or mat. This formula is ideal for vertical work such as car doors or boat hulls where standard resin can drip down the surface and cause extra work and cleanup. While often mistaken as a single material, fiberglass consists of fine glass fibers woven into a matrix and reinforced with a polymer resin. But it would be like tabbing drywall in with carbon fibre- the stuff underneath will just disintegrate, and the whole thing fails anyway. In fact, this waterproof filler delivers twice the strength of standard body filler, making it ideal for rebuilding missing pieces during full vehicle Sep 29, 2008 · Polyester-based car body fillers just don't hold up in a wet environment. Be sure to really scratch up the back side to promote adhesion. The only thing I'd add is: Apply a wood hardener after removing the rotted wood and before applying the filler. Experience exceptional service, same-day shipping, and unbeatable reliability. Yes, epoxy will stick to Bondo. May 30, 2020 · 12 Best Auto Body Filler Reviewed 1. Both products have their unique strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the right one depends on the specific requirements of the project. Feb 3, 2025 · Fiberglass is a very common type of composite that is used in many applications. This simple two-part solution includes a resin-based filler and a hardener. Can be used in combination with paste filler, to even Marine Epoxy: Comparison of WEST Systems to BONDO - Moderated Discussion Areas Hop to: How To Use Body Filler You've likely heard of Bondo before, as it's a common name (specifically from the brand 3M but widely used in reference to body filler) for the thick polyester resin that's primarily used for auto body repair. Shop roof panels and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes. Even if you drive a Phantom Rolls Royce but it has dents on it, they will highly tarnish its splendour. This video will help you decide if you should put body filler over bare metal or epoxy primer. Jan 11, 2012 · Body filler (aka bondo putty) and JB Weld are two completely different things, and are meant for different uses. Then you can bondo over that. The fix is to shape your filler to pretty much perfect, sand to 220-400, blow it off extremely Feb 4, 2022 · Going back to aluminum body filler, this product is compatible with all types of metal other than aluminum. Complaints of auto filler used on boats comes from most auto filler containing talc, which is reported to absorb water 3M Bondo Body Fillter, Liquid Hardener, B56912, Automotive, Garage, Dock, . The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet called a chopped strand mat, or woven into glass cloth. Bondo cures when it is exposed to the elements of weather, sun, and heat. The super-creamy texture also allows this body filler to be used for small spot repairs, but this filler will excel at being spread over larger areas compared to a standard lightweight body filler. Mar 24, 2007 · Bondo makes body filler, which is what people generally call "Bondo", and is used for filling large areas. Can be Bondo® Body Filler for fast, easy repair of dents in cars An American Original Born from a time when auto body repair involved heat-shrinking metal and pouring lead, our Bondo® Body Filler has been helping vehicle owners and auto body professionals for decades. Apr 24, 2007 · Bondo Self Adhesive Body Patch provides a firm, metal reinforced contour foundation for Bondo Body Filler and Fiberglass Resins when applied directly over the patched area. The area around the hole is filled with Bondo (polyester auto body filler). Basic fiberglass mat, encapsulated by polyester resin, isn't porous, as what boats are made of. It provides a waterproof foundation which will stop moisture from leaching in to your subsequent repairs. You will enjoy more convenience and better results if you use a specialized aluminum body filler. I'm repairing a hole in a little rowboat I use to get to my mooring . But We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. These fillers are designed to fill in dents, scratches, and other imperfections on the metal surfaces of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. I have these big rust holes on the fenders of my old Ford 1900. Jul 1, 2014 · All regular filler is a consistency where it has pinholes. Jan 20, 2020 · Bondo was a far lighter, speedier solution; but a car built out of body filler and old porch screens was derided as a “Bondo buggy. Mar 2, 2019 · These are body fillers that contain strands of either fiberglass, Kelvar, or carbon fiber. more to watch: • Bondo fiberglass repair kit review Filler with gelcoat works well but won't get as smooth so you often need to do a thin top coat of gelcoat after which is why alot of pros just use thickened resin to fill the deep scratches. Saves you a lot of sanding time. Jan 3, 2020 · Fiberglass is made by heating glass and creating tiny, thin filaments through superfine holes.