Wood Fillers?

[fjl]

What are some good wood fillers? I've also heard of people using Bondo as wood filler but then I heard that certain Bondo is not that great. That only certain types of Bondo would be recommended.

What are some of the better fillers to use? Paint grade and such.

[NiteWalker]

I've heard excellent things about fiberglass reinforced bondo. I try not to need filler but if I do I'll look into that.

[rovingmind]

that would depend on what your trying to fill. 

for small scratches the best filler is a sliver shaved off a piece of scrap. (for solid wood)

I have a garbage bag full of sawdust for mixing with woodglue for nail holes and screw holes.

For large dips the glass fibre putty works.

for gaps in joints a sliver of wood to fill the gap then the glass-fibre putty to smooth it out.

of course this is making the assumption that your going to paint and apply artwork.

[fjl]

Basically yeah. I can buy plywood but not all of it is perfect. It will have its small dips and chipped wood and other things.

So then this one?

[kingflynn]

An excellent filler for small fills, like nail and screw holes is Minwax in the yellow tube.  Several painters I know swear by it.  The tube makes it convenient too.

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(fyvwceus3nyrza45tg4ql255)/productDetails.aspx?SKU=1205236

[spiffykyle]

I think Bondo also makes a wood specific filler. The whole fiberglass reinforced filler might be a bit much for screw holes and dips in plywood. Although for a cabinet that will get a lot of abuse, you might need it to fill in gaps in joints.

Isn't Bondo a two part filler also? You have the filler and a hardner (other wood fillers are this way too). I personally don't like 2 part fillers because they dry rather quickly and its a pain to have to mix up another batch every 15 minutes.

I use the tube stuff (various brands) for screw holes and the like since its dry in like 20 minutes and sands/paints very easily.

[fjl]

Bought a gallon of Bondo. Tried it on some pieces of wood. It's not bad. Hate the smell though. But at least it doesn't seem to linger once it dries. Was going to go for the fiber bondo but they didn't have it in gallon size only the original Bondo. So I went with the original. I recall using Bondo many years ago in high school auto shop. Wasn't that hard to get the hang of it again.

I recall doing fiber glass filling as well. Sanding was torture as the small fiber would end up getting on your skin and making you itchy for the rest of the day. Would the fiber bondo do that too?

[SavannahLion]

Isn't Bondo the stuff that, once it fully cures, is nearly impossible to sand? Basically, you have to sand it after it hardens, but before it cures?

[RichSorr]

Isn't Bondo the stuff that, once it fully cures, is nearly impossible to sand? Basically, you have to sand it after it hardens, but before it cures?

not at all, I could see it being a pain using just a sheet of san paper with your hand, but if you have a good disc sander it goes pretty quick

[fjl]

Yeah, I just ordered myself THIS!

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1295DVSK-5-Inch-Variable-Canister/dp/B0000614V4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9327946-0211857?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1177473258&sr=8-1
 

[NiteWalker]

You did good. 
I have the same sander and love it. Hope you didn't pay $85 for it though...
I bought mine for $65...

[RichSorr]

Yeah, I just ordered myself THIS!

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1295DVSK-5-Inch-Variable-Canister/dp/B0000614V4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9327946-0211857?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1177473258&sr=8-1
 

nice! you're ready to go

[johnvv]

Bondo quick summary (from an experienced cabinet restorer):

- use the pink Bondo (for autos - grey base plus red hardener).  The fiberglass is an option for a section that needs to be really strong.  Don't use the wood filler or 'home' flavor.
- wear a mask when applying it so you don't get sick from the smell, etc.
- it is easy to sand when dry.  Use a power sander when possible. WEAR A MASK when sanding - you don't need to inhale the micro particles.  It can also be formed into shapeds (e.g. nice corners) when sanded.
- apply in multiple layers and sand in between applications.  Don't apply a huge amount at once as you will get air bubbles.
- once your repair is complete, cover bondo with a primer before painting.  Don't paint directly on the bondo.  The primer also protects the bondo from water.

When you buy you Bondo, most stores have some Bondo brand plastic applicators (3 in set).  Buy those and they are both handy and their color indicates the color you should be mixing your Bondo to for best results.

[fjl]

Nice tips!

I don't have a garage but I do have a backyard with a nice space with a cement foundation. I'll work there after I put up a canopy. When sanding, I plan to use a fan to blow anythying bad away. Of course, I'll still use a face mask and goggles. 

[ScottS]

FYI, I've used the regular pink Bondo on wood projects and not had any problems with it. Granted, it was on my house which doesn't tend to move around a whole lot. For something that's going to flex or receive a ton of abuse, I'd go with the fiberglass reinforced stuff. For everything else, the regular Bondo is probably sufficient (and easier to deal with).

I'll suggest that when you're working with the uncured Bondo you want more than a dust mask since the fumes are pretty bad. I use a full-blown respirator mask. The kind that has the two replaceable cartridges that stick out on either side of the mask.

[ChadTower]

Granted, it was on my house which doesn't tend to move around a whole lot.

You need to listen to more Billy Idol.

[RichSorr]

As someone who works in the game production industry. companies who actually paint their games use the greenish/brown bondo and grey hardener. I forget which one it is off hand. If they were building a game cabinet, it would go like this. Use wood putty on any staple spots and knots, sand entire cabinet. Primer, circle all inperfections with a pencil, then bondo. Sand bondo, do another quick primer coat, then do the final coat. using 120 grit sandpaper the entire time. comes out wonderful. If you apply the bondo correctly the first time it will hold great, no need to do a second layer.

[fjl]

So then what bondo is it you are talking about? Please find out.