You’ve probably heard about Bondo, the famous auto-body filler. But can you use Bondo wood filler for wood projects?
That depends on whether or not it’s been hardened. If you don’t harden it and leave it as-is, then no—it won’t work as a filling material because it will crack and crumble away shortly after application. If you’d like to know more about using Bondo without a hardener and how to get the best results when using this product, keep reading!
What happens if you use wood filler without a hardener?
The short answer is that it’s not a good idea. Bondo filler is designed to be mixed with hardener, and if you use it without the hardener, you’ll end up with a mess on your hands.
You should also know that there are many different types of bonds, but we’ll focus on just one type here: regular Bondo filler and hardener.
What is the difference between Bondo filler and Bondo hardener? Bondo filler is an epoxy putty used as a wood putty or wood repair material, while a Bondo hardener creates a thick layer that protects and strengthens surfaces like metal or plastic when applied correctly.
The two products work hand in hand so they’re best used together!
Table of Contents
Does Bondo filler need a hardener?
If you’re an avid DIYer, you might have heard of Bondo wood filler. But can it be used without the hardener? Since Bondo is a two-part epoxy resin, this question may come up from time to time.
In order to answer it, we need to understand what a hardener does in the first place.
Hardener is used in mass production situations where large quantities of epoxy resin are needed for repairs or building projects.
While most DIYers will only use small amounts of Bondo at once (if any), many professional repair shops use large amounts and thus require a hardener for bonding purposes.
Bondo itself is already a polyester resin that will harden on its own with exposure to air and sunlight over time; there’s no need for any extra substances when using it as long as you follow instructions carefully!
How long does Bondo take to dry without hardener?
Bondo is a two-part epoxy putty that requires a hardener to set. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to 120 hours, depending on how thick the Bondo is and how long it has been sitting before application.
You should also consider the temperature of your area when determining how long Bondo takes to dry without hardener.
If your area is warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), then drying time will be much faster than if it was colder outside.
Do you need to use wood hardener?
Bondo is a two-part epoxy wood filler that’s used for filling holes and cracks in wood surfaces. Bondo hardener is a catalyst that speeds up the curing process, allowing you to use your project sooner.
The bondo hardener comes in two forms: liquid and gel. The liquid can be poured directly into the filler or applied with a brush; it’s clear, thick, and milky in appearance.
The gel is like a thick paste—you’ll want to apply it with an artist’s paintbrush or small spatula tool instead of pouring it into your container of filler mix.
Why does my wood filler keep cracking?
When you use wood filler without hardener, it will dry and shrink. This causes the wood filler to crack. The reason for this is that when you apply the wood filler, it expands and fills gaps in your furniture or piece of wood.
When it dries, it shrinks back to its original size. If any large cracks are present in your furniture, this can cause them to get bigger over time because the adhesive isn’t strong enough to hold everything together tight enough.
Will bondo eventually dry?
Yes, Bondo will dry eventually. Bondo’s drying time depends on a few factors: the temperature of your environment and how much air is circulating around it.
If you’re using Bondo in warm weather or are keeping it in an area that has a lot of airflows, it’ll dry faster than if you use it in cold weather with limited ventilation.
If you use a heat gun to speed up the drying process, be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want to melt any plastic parts!
How do you apply Bondo wood filler?
Applying Bondo wood filler is a simple process. First, wet the area where you will be applying the Bondo wood filler to ensure that it spreads easily and adheres well.
You can use warm water or even a solution of cold water with soap—just make sure it’s wet!
Next, spread a thin layer over the damaged area using your finger or a putty knife. Let it dry for about 20 minutes before sanding it down to remove any excess material.
Conclusion
Wood filler is a great product for fixing small cracks and holes in your wood. It can also be used to repair sections of furniture or other household items.
The problem with using this type of product without a hardener is that it dries too fast to give you enough time to work with it before drying completely which may cause problems down the road when you try sanding or painting them over later on in life.
