Bondo alternative?

[RazzleTazzle]

Hey everyone,

I'm working on my first pep project and I'm wondering if there's a feasable alternative to Bondo as a sculpt medium. I live in a basement apartment and am only able to work on the project during nice weather outside because of the materials needed. So I've been trying to think of different materials that I could use indoors.

I was wondering if spackling compound would do the trick instead of Bondo? Any thoughts? And if anybody knows of a resin that gives off way less fumes than fiberglass resin, that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

 

[Uanna]

I have heard of a substance called Plastic Wood and its generally used for covering up small divets or holes in props.

 

[oysteinhole]

I have heard of a substance called Plastic Wood and its generally used for covering up small divets or holes in props.

Epoxy filler (spackel) is ten times better and odourless ...i havent used any than this . this is a boat product not autoparts

 

[thegreatgalling]

I like Apoxy sculpt. Its a two part product that basically becomes clay. It can be wet to smooth and sanded. Dries as hard as bone. Only drawback is its a bit heavy in weight.

 

[Knowone251]

Not to be self-promoting ass, but I just did a video on the subject:

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Great video.

I'm not an avid builder but sometimes I do kits or mods and what to fill in a screw hole, pin holes, or small gap. In the past, I have used wall spackel for these smaller jobs and no problems. However, I got to believe that there is something else better but just as easy.

Is there something that:
- requires no mixing (not two parts)?
- great for small jobs?
- has a decent amount of time to work with?
- easy to apply?
- easy to sand?
- accepts a paint application?

 

[The Dark One]

Bondo® Glazing and Spot Putty, 4.5 ounce, 907


I'm going to be using this inside my home to fill some pin holes in a project. I cant imagine using anything other than bondo for filling and smoothing a piece. Less than 10 bucks at Walmart.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Bondo® Glazing and Spot Putty, 4.5 ounce, 907
View attachment 288070

I'm going to be using this inside my home to fill some pin holes in a project. I cant imagine using anything other than bondo for filling and smoothing a piece. Less than 10 bucks at Walmart.

Looks perfect! Thank you.

 

[laellee]

That stuff works awesome, especially on pinholes. It dries fast, and you can work it into pinholes with just your finger. Sands super easy too.

 

[The Dark One]

you can work it into pinholes with just your finger.

That's the plan! Then a little wet sanding and it's ready for paint!

 

[Darth Lars]

Glazing putty is quite brittle and has solvent fumes before it has cured.

Good video. I agree completely.

I mix my own epoxy-based putty alternative to Bondo each time I need to use it. I started with a "Starter Kit" from West Systems that included both epoxy, mixing cups, mixing sticks and microballoons (adds bulk with low weight). Add Colloidal Silica to prevent it from running. You can get the same consistency of Bondo, or thicker or looser depending on your mix. Note that a lot of epoxy to filler will be more difficult to sand. All available at the boat repair store, and all part of the West Systems line.
Epoxy can have foul odour like of rotten plant matter, but it is much milder than polyester (the base of Bondo) and does not stink up the house with fumes. Some epoxies take a few hours to cure, and I think that these are more durable. Epoxy may not smell toxic, but like Bondo it is toxic to inhale dust, so use a respirator when sanding.
Another good thing about it is that it can be used on white/pink/blue styrofoam, where Bondo would melt it. The same epoxy can also be used for laminating fiberglass.

Edit: Unlike Bondo, home-made epoxy putty can also be somewhat flexible and has excellent adhesive properties making it the ideal choice for plastic armour that needs to be wearable and not crack under stress. Some Clonetrooper armour makers recommend epoxy and fiberglass tape for assembly.