Bondo Spot Putty (filler)| Why professional painters use it for trim

How and why do we use Bondo Spot Putty before applying paint to trim? We got a lot of questions on Instagram about our prep work, so I wanted to explain in detail. Whether you are a weekend warrior, or a pro- this may clear up some confusion.
Why do we use this specific product? Is it a filler or...?
Why do we use red putty instead of a clear or white glaze?
Why do we use SO MUCH?
Do we charge extra for this amount of prep work?
How do we apply it?
Watch this video for all of these answers!
Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty- Sherwin Williams
www.sherwin-williams.com/home...
Video made in the great state of Idaho

[@flandrensinteriors3428]

nice to see companies take pride in their work!

[@jeffchandler5520]

I love the spot putty, use it on all my cabinet builds or cabinet refinishes that are painted or coated in colored finishes. So easy to use, and easy to sand.

[@thexflexclan]

That’s a great job you guys did it over there I used it today to fill out some trim work and the results are amazing

[@spross1000]

Thx for this video. We installed a board and batten wall and between the drywall dings and miniscule gaps between boards, this stuff worked beautifully. A little vapor odor, but well tolerated to get the great finish. So much better than using wood putty or spackle. Quick dry time was amazing.

[@PaulJacksonOttawa]

Glad to have found your channel. Just watched this video, the first one I’ve watched of yours, and it was a great! Very helpful and great work. Love the way you guys do it. 👍

[@PaintBoss]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that🙏👍 I'm sorry for the delay in getting back a response, we have been going through a crazy parade of homes build. Thanks for tuning in and hope to have some more videos out more consistently! Thanks for the great comment.

[@azstarlink9781]

That’s a lot of work and the odds of anyone doing this right now is very slim to none! Good work

[@PaintBoss]

Thank you so much! I agree, that is how we have made a reputation for us here in the valley, we take the time and steps necessary to truly make our trim packs look as flawless as possible! Thank you so much for saying that and noticing 👊🤝 I really appreciate it 🙏

[@lcmlcm2460]

Looked up this product for my van and found this video. I’m a professional painter and also have a client that wants perfection. I appreciate the prep you guys do. Thanks

[@sparnt117]

This dude is a pro!

[@Michael-ij6kg]

Great ideas with the auto filler. Came over to give a +1 thumb

[@sylvanave3923]

Attention to detail. As it should be. Carry on.

[@katelynbrelsford2441]

Hello! Thanks for a great video. For painted trim I have always done 2 coats of spakle and then paint. Sanding after each spakle. I haven't ventured to Bondo but just got some as I will be doing a few high end homes soon and want everything flawless. I usually work with pre-primed mdf or pre-primed pine. In a prior comment on this video or another of yours I thought I read you have had trouble with it flashing or fish eyeing on that type of wood (both types or just one). What have you done to fix that problem? Do you sparkle, sand, Bondo putty, sand and then prime it all even tho it comes pre-primed and then paint? But you are only having that problem with trim that comes pre-primed? Because in another video of yours you put paint right over the Bondo to show how well it covers in 1 coat, did you prime that trim yourself then and so you didn't have that problem? And finally, if I do run into a fish eye/flashing after I paint it, is the only way to fix it, to do a light sand, prime it on top of my paint and then put another coat of paint? I know a lot of questions, but I need my trim prep to be next level. Thanks for any help!

[@AussieInSeattle]

great video and thanks for responses to comments too which helped me. One question I didn't see is why you bondo after caulking? doesn't that make it harder to clean the bondo dust from caulked areas even when the caulk is cured since the caulk is a bit rubbery?

[@alexcheney6692]

I used spotting and glazing putty over my spackle . I sanded it smooth with 220 and then sprayed it. All of the Bondo spots raised up. I had to go back and wet sand the spots down and shoot another coat. Am I doing something wrong? I didn’t notice this effect when I used MH putty. I’ve also noticed this happen to miters.

[@MrHackedTutorial]

Awesome video!

[@PaintBoss]

Glad you like it! If you have any other suggestions on what you'd like to see on my channel please let me know!

[@PaintBoss]

Thank you so much! we appreciate it very much

[@taskhunters5245]

freaking awesome Man💪 Bondo it is😍

[@PaintBoss]

Thank you so much, yes we love the stuff...i should try to get a sponsorship I use the stuff so much...hahah

[@EvanFrangos]

Are you needing to spot prime over that or just 2 coats paint?

[@SGMSTi06]

I also do a similar process. Spackle, and then red bondo over it since it gives it a nice smooth finish, and drys harder so it doesn't sand out of the holes as easy as spackle. For your miter joints, do you see cracks in the future? I have found that when I try to float out seams, they crack once the seasons/moisture level shifts. Is there a way to prevent this other than just caulking the seams? Or is this the fault of the installation? My theory is the wood needs to be glued and nailed to help prevent movement.

[@t.e.1189]

I'm confused. Why do you do spackle if your going to use the spot putty? Also wouldn't the spackle be softer than the bondo? I've used the spot putty too and love it

[@D84D]

Can you use this product to fill the hardware holes when removing the handles?

[@chancedenton1421]

That great. Very professional, I know that bondo is a chemical and it’s hot. It will make paint curdle up a bit/ bleed thru. Do you prime/ spot prime with oil or just 2 coats of product

[@joel7384]

Great video, really detailed. Do you only do this on new builds or do you always include this for your interior painting?

[@PaintBoss]

so yes, we have made it a habit to do this for every job we take on! However...on repaints or remodels the bondo usually isn't as extensive because usually most of the nails have already been patched, but we really do try our best to cover all imperfections in the trim work

[@joel7384]

Thanks for the reply! I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[@granthmeek]

QUESTION: I’m repainting/resurfacing some 60 year old cabinets, and there are several 1/4” deep by 2-3” wide “gouges”. Would you recommend this product or something else? Live your videos!!

[@PaintBoss]

Hello there, thank you so much, we really appreciate it! Yes, for sure! If they are that deep, you may need to do 2 or 3 applications, let them dry in between each application. The good news is that this product dries very quickly. It's normal to see it shrink the first time or 2 so a lot of times we will over-fill then sand it smooth. Thanks again for the comment!

[@heatherwaye6792]

Could this be used to fill fluted trim and sanded flat? Would it take multiple applications to build up to a thickness like fluted trim on a large column would have? Thanks!

[@PaintBoss]

Hello there, yes it absolutely could. if the hole or imperfection is any deeper than 3/16ths or the length of an eraser i would put some spackle first to fill it, and then 2 coats of bondo would work great 👍 if it is superficial and not too deep than 1 or 2 coats of bondo will do! the nice thing is it sands out really easy, so we usually over fill, and then sand and shape it to match fluting. Thanks so much for the comment and let me know how it works out

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

buy the tubs and add drywall mud tint. personally I like the blue and you can make it as light or dark as you want. way less chance of bleed through.

[@GopherzHockey]

We were amazed at how much effort our painters went through doing this in our new home. I'm quite sure it added a few weeks to the job but well worth it, the trim is so smooth. Problem I have is sometimes edges crack between winter/summer and while I use this red bondo it takes 4-5 coats of spray at least to cover due to its dark red color. (trim is super white). Do you recommend primer or is there a white colored putty for doing post touch up? Or better yet does anyone make a compound that won't crack so easily.

[@yomomma1924]

I work in a cabinet shop, we use 3m glazing putty and it’s white.

[@spross1000]

Thx for this video. We installed a board and batten wall and between the drywall dings and miniscule gaps between boards, this stuff worked beautifully. A little vapor odor, but well tolerated to get the great finish. So much better than using wood putty or spackle. Quick dry time was amazing.

[@SuperHowyalikemenow]

this is great, about to use this product and looking for tips. thanks!

[@PaintBoss]

Awesome! Great to hear! Let me know what u think of it and if you have any questions just let me know. A good tip is make sure what your going to bondo is clean so the red bondo spreads evenly

[@SuperHowyalikemenow]

@@PaintBoss Thank you, (am waiting until the weekend for better weather), the project is my old wooden garage doors. I fixed them with bondo but still not good enough, so I am trying this on top... I have primed and re-sanded the areas, should I clean with TSP, or what? thanks so much for replying...:)

[@SuperHowyalikemenow]

@@PaintBoss PS: I did call Bondo after the straight bondo didnt look good and they told me to try this...but I like seeing it used before I try it and the box is lacking guidance....;)

[@PaintBoss]

yes, if you used "automotive" bondo or gray bondo, that stuff is tuff to get to lay down flat...but, I think you will love the red bondo, after a coat or two you should have it super smooth!

[@SuperHowyalikemenow]

Paint Boss I actually used the bondo for wood- but still looks okay- not great- Thansk again

[@Artie6937]

I generally just get two different colour tints and add a little yellow or amber to my deep filler one for first coat then I add little red to my fine filler, if I’m filling timber grain I add little yellow or amber for first then red for second,

[@PaintBoss]

Nice work 💪You definitely sound like you are doing it exactly right. Thanks for the comment and I like the idea of the 2 colors👊🤝🙏

[@Artie6937]

@Paint Boss I haven’t used spot putty ,might try it

[@handydandyhomes]

Nice 👍

[@darlingdinnersready3939]

In your opinion what is the best product to use in filling corners on crown moldings made of Polyurethane? that can be sanded

[@PaintBoss]

Thanks for the question. I'm not sure I understand...The crown is made from polyurethane?

[@joseangel4821]

Do you prime that bondo before paint?

[@evancombs1091]

What is the different stages? I've seen stage 2 and 3. What are the differences?

[@pablospanishtutor7048]

It is hard to cover? How u cover the red?

[@josegarza5840]

Awesome video! Can the bondo be applied prior to the first coat or you would recommend spraying one coat first? TIA

[@PaintBoss]

hello Jose, yes absolutely, I prefer before the first coat, its less likely to flash or give you problems if u get 2 coats on it, but after its sanded and cleaned or wiped it can cover in one. I always like 2 but we usually do some bondo after first coat as part of our prep check before final, and it works great 👍 thanks for the comment, let me know what you think of it

[@Avital4414]

@@PaintBoss do you prime before spackling?

[@jimmypickett9912]

Do you prime the bondo again then paint or just paint? Sand the Bondo with 220 grit? Jimmy

[@PaintBoss]

Hello Jimmy, no once we sand and clean off the surface we just go ahead and shoot right over the top of it. It works just fine, it should cover mostly in 1 but we always shoot 2 coats. thanks for the comment and sorry for the delay in getting back to you

[@benjaminrodriguez9968]

Hi what number sand paper are you using.

[@Avital4414]

Why do you need spackle under the Bondo?

[@debrajones156]

Will the house heat release pollutants in the air?

[@Matasky2010]

Alex the 'Bondo Master'...obviously not in a rush LMAO...

[@petergriffin1546]

What does the bondo master clean the bondo tools with? Very nice work.

[@PaintBoss]

Thank you so much🤝🙏 So we usually wipe off the excess onto our tape and paper and then to get the rest off we use a fine or extra fine sanding sponge to get it super clean. This also breaks in the putty knife and makes it even better to use in the future 👊🤝💪

[@mikes5311]

Interesting. Every had a problem where it cures too hard and over time cracks away around the void? Thats been my experience with all bondo products but never used this. I just use minwax wood filler but takes a long time to cure and need to overfill a lot to sand down and get a clean finish

[@amylesage7905]

Hey, Do you use the Bondo after you prime? Also what products are you using on top of it to ensure it doesn’t chip off?

[@spross1000]

Good question...I hope they reply.

[@joseangel4821]

I heard they just paint over after nice clean up, by my self i like to may sure paint wont peel off, so i use spray can primer bin shellac dry very fast

[@paulerskine848]

Hi. First; thanks for the video. Great tip(s). I noticed in the video that there was spot putty used on the miters of the window casings. I was curious in your experiences with this product do you ever have any issues with shrinkage or cracking when applied over a long joint like on the casing miters ? I have used wood filler on some of those joints in the past and have had to go back in and do some touch ups due to filler slightly "shrinking" .

[@PaintBoss]

Hello Paul, thanks so much for the comment 🙏 so great question! That is a great call, so in actuality you are right, we do use spot putty in the miters to get the transition really smooth, but...before we do that, either the carpenter glues the miters and or puts a really strong wood filler in before we get there, and we fill over that. If it's a new carpenter or company and they don't use wood glue, we will fill some in prior to us doing bondo and or we will put some Crawfords putty in the seem first, sand it smooth, and then do our spot putty over the top for strength and smoothness. Great question, and let me know if you have anymore questions about our process. 💪🙏

[@paulerskine848]

@@PaintBoss Thanks. That makes sense. Makes me appreciate a good carpenter.

[@solarmaxz2412]

BTW What brand of spackle do you recommend as the backer?

[@willmurphy6996]

I came from the autobody industry. I got into residential painting because its way less over head and better money. DO NOT use this shit. Its 100% garbage. Even in autobody we wouldnt use it. Big box stores dont sell other autobody products that are used in actual autobody shops but they sell this garbage because only a DIY'er is stupid enough to buy it.

[@willmurphy6996]

For trim use MH ready Patch or Dynamic Dyna Patch. For drywall use drydex.

[@johnp82]

@@willmurphy6996 how is it garbage? It's a solvent based filler that cures hard and sands easily. Pros use it all the time.

[@dylank7234]

What do you do when the trim doesn't perfectly line up? Like if one piece meets another and one is a little higher than the other? Do you just inform the home owner about it? I'm a knowledge sponge that's why I ask

[@PaintBoss]

Hello Dylan, thanks for the question. So, yes,, I always try to notify the client if the trim work is really far out of whack and I can't guarantee a perfect product. If it's a flat surface like base seam, then we will spackle and then powersand first to try and minimize the highs and lows...after that is evened out then we spackle to fill gab, and after that is done we will do bondo, and take it out wide a couple of inches so we can try and hide the highs and lows, this gives you a little more working room to blend and hide the uneven seams. 💪👊 Let me know how it goes👍

[@abarli]

What home builder does this quality? I have a home that rhymes with Trees and I can see every single nail in all my floor, door, and window trim and every finger joint in the door trim. Paid $850k for horrible carpentry and paint in Texas.

[@PaintBoss]

Oh no Anthony, that is so sad to hear!! I totally get it and your right....its a shame that more builders won't pay a little extra to make sure the quality reflects a 850k home! It is like that here now as well. Fortunately, we work with some of the best and last builders to be still willing to pay for quality! Truthfully, I think if more builders would ask clients if they want to upgrade paint and paint budget...95percent of clients would opt up for this. When I meet with clients, and ask if they want to upgrade to better materials ect..I don't think anyone has ever said no...Thanks so much for the comment, and hopefully when it's time to do a repaint you can find a quality company to fix

[@timallen3496]

We use different terminology in Australia, is bondo a two part filler,Which 3m bondo says it is but saw your guy using straight out of tube, also what is the brand your using

[@jerrybillings4720]

Bondo is the name brand. This stuff is a lacquer putty. The bondo you are thinking about is a 2 part with hardener.

[@rolandomota8140]

Great job, do you primer that putty or straight to paint?

[@PaintBoss]

Thanks Rolando, so we spackle first, then we prime all the woodwork, then we bondo, sand, and shoot 2 coats right over the top of the bondo. Thanks for the comment and let me know how it goes💪🙏

[@rolandomota8140]

@@PaintBoss thank you for responding! 😁

[@jimmypickett9912]

It dissolves Kilz latex primer. Is that okay? Jimmy

[@PaintBoss]

I'm not sure...I haven't ever experienced that....Maybe the primer wasn't quite cured yet? let me know if you are still having problems, I'll help if I can💪🤝👊

[@williambryan6006]

What type of spackle do you like to use first?

[@PaintBoss]

Hello William, so we like using Crawford light weight spackle. Very easy to use, and dries pretty quick💪👊

[@williambryan6006]

@@PaintBoss Thanks. Love the channel!

[@PaintBoss]

@@williambryan6006 Thank you so much 👍we really appreciate it 🙏

[@jimmypickett9912]

Will Bondo 801 work as well?

[@PaintBoss]

Hey Jimmy, sorry for the delay. I actually don't know that product..or maybe I just haven't heard of it referred to that way. Can you send a pic? thanks for the comment

[@michaellll24]

Hey so you go through with spackle and wipe is clean/smooth through the entire house, and then bondo!? Haha

[@robingresenz749]

Do you sparkle before the bondo?

[@PaintBoss]

Yes we always spackle first, then bondo and priming. The spackle is used to fill the hole and then we use bondo to smooth everything out💪👊 thanks for the comment

[@buschcraft2696]

@@PaintBoss Can you show a video of the Spackling before?

[@PaintBoss]

@@buschcraft2696 Yes I will do! Dang we just shot primer on a massive one today, but ill check if we still have some to do on the one I start Friday. No worries. thanks for the request

[@dbarnes192]

U go to auburn?

[@neilmalcolm6265]

Is that putty labeled automotive?

[@robertpanetta7912]

I know this is a video just on this bondo putty . It would be nice if at least you showed a small piece of some trim that you painted to show the complete look you rave about

[@rogelioybarra4068]

Show the bondo finish woth oaint nxt time plz

[@jamiedorsey4167]

"Everybody's got different ways, and none of them are wrong. But this is how we do it." Lets be honest... Some of them are wrong. I just thought that was funny. I get your point though, its probably more that there are lots of ways to do it right.

[@poulsen2006]

Why do you do spackle first? Why not just use the bondo to begin with?

[@PaintBoss]

so I have found that spackle serves as a better backer and stops the shrinking of the bondo. When we do just bondo in a nail hole, it will require 3 sometimes 4 coats to make the hole flush with the surface due to shrinking! Spackling first gives the bondo a good backer, so we can make the imperfection go away with usually 1 or 2 coats of bondo to make it perfect! thanks for the comment

[@alienproductions9948]

@@PaintBoss Thank you for the thoroughness of this video. Do you sand the spackle backing prior to the Bondo?

[@PaintBoss]

Yes we do👍 its kind of a quick spackle and sand, but it sets the trim up nice for the bondo, then it all lays out flat. thanks for the comment 🙏

[@mattnadolecki6233]

it's hard to hear what you are saying with all that music playing in the background

[@TheBasedUchiha]

Alex moving like a baby turtle coming out the egg

[@habibimaya]

I find this product shrinks too much. Also Alex is using a metal sparkling knife, which can gouge the wood. Plastic sparkling knives are designed to be used on wood so that it doesn't gouge.

[@TheGarret243]

T r

[@chrissweat4107]

My god the orange peel is real! Alex should quit spraying.

[@t-rocket6381]

Music very distracting

[@TheCureThatKillz]

Instafam? Good hell man really?

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

The worst advice you can give

[@johnp82]

Why