How to use Bondo Body Filler on wood? [Ultimate 5 Steps]
Replacing your old damaged furniture can be pretty stressful and expensive too. Moreover, some pieces of furniture can be dear to us hence hard to let go of them. Well, Bondo has worked out an effective and affordable solution for you.
Although Bondo was initially made for auto body repair, it has several ideal properties for wood repair. Bondo is comparatively cheap compared to other wood fillers, has strong adhesion force, and dries quickly. The work does not require special skills or workforce too.
Bondo body filler repairs chipped furniture, cracked, scratched, or missing veer and edges. Also, it can be used to fill hardware holes, repair gouges, and other multiple woodworks.
Check out my 24 years of Woodworking database HERE
For years now, Bondo body fillers have been used by a handyman to repair many issues of the woodwork successfully. It is quite easy to work with Bondo.

What is Bondo body filler?
This is a polyester resin body filler product originally made in America for automotive body repair. It is a professional-grade filler with highly versatile properties. Bondo body filler allows you to make permanent repairs to both indoor furniture and outdoor furniture. The compound is made to be permanent and durable.
How to use Bondo body filler

First, you will have to prepare the surface. Use 220grit sandpaper for sanding the surface; this will help with adhesion. Make sure not to remove excess material since it will increase the amount of layer to be applied. Next, you blow off sand dust and wipe the surface clean.
Measure the area needing repair to get the amount of body filler needed. Then mix well small amounts of hardener with the filler before applying the resin to the affected area. Next, apply the filler conveniently to the repairs, let it dry, and finally, sand away the excess.
Clean and remove old materials.
Scrap out loose or rotten materials using a hammer, chisel, or a needle-nosed plier to aid in loosening rotten materials. Shake the surface or hit it lightly with the hammer to see if all the loose materials have fallen off. Or you can jab the wood surface using a screwdriver, go on until no soft material is left on the wood.
Make sure you don’t remove a lot of the material from the wood, as this will increase the amount of work needed afterward.
Blow off the dust and wood chips from the surface. After wiping it, you can use a damp cloth to clean the surface thoroughly. This will help the Bondo filler to adhere perfectly. When all unwanted substances are shaken off, make sure the remaining wood is completely dry. If not, you can place woodwork in the sun to dry before applying Bondo body filler.
Apply Bondo body filler
Make sure the furniture is dry for Bondo to stick. The Bondo body filler is applied using a putty knife or a Bondo spreader. Use enough pressure while applying Bondo to the parts to be repaired; this will help achieve maximum adhesion. The number of cots applied depends on how deep or uneven your surface is.
Deep and wide repairs will require several coats of the body filler instead of more minor deep repairs. Keep applying thin layers of cots until the indented area is filled. I suggest you apply the mixed resin according to the shape you want it to look when you are done. This is because it can be pretty hard to sand away when Bondo completely hardens off.
Scrape off excess Bondo to minimize the effort when sanding. Don’t forget to work quickly because your Bondo will harden fast depending on the weather.
Prepare the surface for Bondo.
For Bondo filler to stick well, you have to prepare the surface correctly. First, sand out all the paint until the wood is bare; I recommend 36-220 sandpaper. Second, don’t be afraid to stand outside the damaged area since Bondo is applied to a broader area than the repair.
Measure the surface to be repaired as this will help determine the amount of filler needed to avoid excess wastage. If the gap to be repaired is too comprehensive, fill it using a piece of wood. This will save you a lot of Bondo. Finally, wipe the surface until clean.
Mix Bondo body filler
Bondo has a powerful stinky smell and can be harmful, especially to those with respiratory diseases. So before you start mixing Bondo body filler, make sure your wear a safety mask, safety glasses, and plastic gloves.
Since Bondo dries very quickly, I recommend you start by mixing small amounts. First, knead the hardener before squeezing out the cream over the putty. I advise the rate of 1:3 when mixing hander and putty. Next, use a plastic spoon to mix the hardener until the resin is one color. This will be either grey or pick, depending on the type of hardener you used.
Sand Bondo body filler
Wait until the Bondo is completely dry. Two types of sandpapers are needed for this process; rough and medium-grit sandpaper. Work your edges and finesse to obtain the look you want.
Begin with the medium grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Then finish off using the roughest sandpaper, usually 180-220 grit, to ensure the edges are flush and the surface is not scratched. I recommend sanding in different directions in a circular pattern to avoid waves in the filler. Sand until the filler is the same level as the surface.
Conclusion
Using Bondo body filler serves your advantage because the process of repairing your furniture is very quick. It is cheaper too compared to buying new furniture besides you get to paint your furniture the same day.
Bondo body filler restores your furniture to its original beauty.
Most importantly, it provides a rock-solid repair that is more likely to last longer. Bondo body filler goes well with any paint and stain making it compatible with any surface. Furthermore, it will restore your furniture to its original state. With Bondo, you are assured your furniture is as good as new.