How Long Does Bondo Take to Dry

If you are planning to use the bondo on your vehicle, you may want to know how long it takes to dry. It takes approximately 3 minutes for the gel to start to set and then about 10 to 15 minutes to fully dry. You can apply the gel to the body of the car as well as the interior. Once it is cured, it is resistant to fuel.

It takes 10 to 15 minutes to dry

If you’re planning on using bondo for a DIY project, knowing how long it takes to dry can make the difference between a quick finish and a lengthy job. While it can be used on a variety of household projects, bondo isn’t meant to be applied to items that are hot or exposed to a lot of humidity.

Bondo is a type of two-part epoxy that can be stained or painted. It is also great for filling holes in a drawer or repairing damaged wood. However, it can take several hours to cure.

wood
Photo by Bakhrom Tursunov on Unsplash

After you mix the bondo with hardener, you should apply it in thin coats. Each coat should be at least a half-inch thick. A thinner coat allows for easier sanding and curing. When the first coat dries, you should sand it down with 80-grit sandpaper. Then, you should apply a second layer of bondo and feather the edges into the drywall. Finally, you should apply a third layer of bondo to smooth the edge.

You can speed up the curing process of bondo by incorporating heat into the mix. In addition to adding hardener, you can add a small amount of oil or bar keepers friend to the mix. These additives can affect the way the plastic cures and can change its properties.

It takes 3 minutes to dry before it starts to gel

This is not to say that you have to be a carpenter to apply it. You can buy it at a discount department store. In fact, the “Bondo” name is the trademarked name of a well-known manufacturer of plastic body fillers. That’s the good news; the bad news is that your local auto parts shop is likely to carry the stuff, too. Thankfully, there are many options in the industry. As the name suggests, this type of filler can be used to repair a wide range of automotive surfaces. The only downside is that it’s not very forgiving if you’re not careful. So, it’s best to take your time.

brown wooden handle bar
Photo by Douglas Bagg on Unsplash

A good rule of thumb is to use only a small handful of the stuff per job. It’s also a good idea to acclimatize yourself to the rigors of the task. Of course, don’t forget to use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the inevitable splatters.

It is resistant to fuel but only after it is cured

If you’re in the market for a new gas tank, you might want to consider all the alternatives before you jump into your car and drive away. For starters, you have the options of dumping a few hundred dollars into a new gas tank, or getting the job done on a budget. Luckily, there are several reputable companies that do the work for you. Some even offer free quotes and estimates! Taking the time to properly seal your fuel tank is not only a smart move for your wallet, it also helps prevent rust and leaks, two issues that plague many new and used vehicles. With a little effort, you can have your vehicle back in tip top shape in no time. One company that comes to mind is the West System, which offers a full line of epoxy products.