How to Mix Bondo / Body Filler + Plastic vs. Metal Spreaders

[@leebarker539]

It's a privilege to learn from an artist who pays close attention to his material. It's even better when the artist is an excellent teacher and narrator. You don't misuse a minute of my time with your concise videos. Perfect combination.

[@LakesideAutobody]

I really appreciate that Lee - that makes my day. I'm glad you enjoy the content and thanks for the support. Have a great week :)

[@davejohnson3037]

Another home run video!!! So many people " stir " the filler, then wonder why they have air pockets. Thanks for teaching the proper technique!!!

[@kkendall9888]

Thank you for the videos Sir! It’s only 800 degrees in Arkansas so I get about 4 seconds to spread the filler!

[@cesiumion]

You ain't lyin. It's worst here in Mississippi.

[@shaynerushton214]

That seems like a long time vs New Mexico lol. I think i used too much hardener

[@edmondpower5722]

Thanks for the tips, on my side of the pond the recommendation is 50 parts of filler to 1 part of hardener or a golf ball to a pea. Putting in extra hardener to speed up the process can have detrimental effect on the top coat of paint, after a few weeks the filled areas can bleed through and ruin the final finish. Sanding filler does give you good strong arms!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Wet sanding a whole car and wheeling it out builds those arms too :)

[@jeremyr7147]

Ahh, I think I've seen this.

[@discreetfire]

I would like you to know that my son and I completed repairing 4 panels on his car. We cut out the rust replaced the metal, used body filler, sanding blocks and primer to shape the panels. Then, painted with gravity gun and SW Dimensions paint and Rustoleum Clear coat. We couldn’t use 2 pack paint because it’s too dangerous for DIY guys like ourselves. No matter the finished job look fabulous. Like a mirror and very much like the original finish. We would like to thank Lakeside Autobody and all of your great videos for giving use an education. We got all the right tools, and right advise thanks to your channel. Now that my son’s car looks fabulous, it’s on to a comparably small job fixing the back corner of my 4 door Jeep. THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

That makes my day Rob - it's good to hear success stories like yours. Hope I can continue to provide good stuff to learn from. You're welcome BTW and have a great week :)

[@bluesman6955]

Another great video Jerry. The way you mixed the bondo in the can was an excellent tip.

[@curtismuma1931]

You're a great guy Jerry! You always reply to everyone ! Love the smell of bondo in the morning! You are a pro !

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks Curtis - I appreciate that. Have a good weekend my friend :)

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

One of the many things i've remembered from watching Wheeler Dealers whose accents I love is "a pea of hahdenah to a golf bawl of fillah"

[@immanutt4442]

I never did understand the term golf ball size golf balls are round body filler flattens out so to use golf ball size reference is absurd

[@Mynextproject_74]

Thanks for this timely video!

[@67fairlane12]

Killer Intro! One of the best Info channels on Auto body out there! Thanks Jerry We appreciate you!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad you like the intro - I appreciate the support my friend :)

[@husky1232]

Thank you for the demo on how to bondo every bit of information help thank y Jerry

[@leighbratcher1998]

After the last video I followed your links and bought the metal spreaders and the Harbor Freight variable speed polisher/sander. I have used the polisher/sander quite a bit the last three days and it has made a big difference over the single speed grinder.

[@LakesideAutobody]

That's good to hear Leigh - try those spreaders on a nice flat surface first to get used to them - I still use the plastic ones every now and then too so bounce back and forth depending on the needs :)

[@CJ-eh9pg]

Thank you for the tips, I’m going to school right now for body work and you’re extremely helpful

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad to hear it - feel free to always ask ?s - even if you think everyone knows it. Sometimes the easiest sounding ?s are the hardest to answer or the hardest skill to master :)

[@805ROADKING]

Good stuff Bud!! It's funny, I bought a set of those Costers last week because of you!! I haven't tried them yet, it's been too hot!! I noticed all the foreign Countries use metal spreaders!!☺

[@LakesideAutobody]

hey RK - that's good to hear. Try them on a nice flat area first - like a ding or something. I hated them at first but my boss kept on me about them 'cause he didn't want to supply plastic ones - I think :)

[@ChipsAndSparksGarage]

Good fundamental information, Jerry. 👍

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks my friend - have a good weekend :)

[@gergemall]

Thank you. Purchased more tools you recommended. Enjoying your lessons. Very hot ( under heatwave warnings for days ) , working little bit at a time. You’re very motivating for me .

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad you like them - thanks for all of your comments and support :)

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Great tips as always Jerry. I like the metal spreaders. Have never used them

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks 👍 Always good to hear from you my friend :)

[@2150dalek]

To the point instructional video. Thanks for the detailed technique.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome and thank you. Happy New Year 🎉

[@discreetfire]

Yay another video!!!!! Thank you guys. My fav TV Show!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks Rob - glad you enjoy the videos. I'll try to stay your favorite show :)

[@timrayburn2461]

Thanks Jerry

[@FIGGY65]

Great tips Jerry! Looks like you’ve mixed up bondo about a million times😎

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks Shawn - glad you enjoyed it. Thanks as always for the support :)

[@garthnovack]

Great video! Perfectly paced, direct and to the point; thanks for making it!

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome Garth - thanks for the support :)

[@johansgarage7500]

I love this channel! Great explanation and great presentation.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad you enjoy it - thanks for the support Johan :)

[@johnsteffen3839]

Your vids are the best! Straight to the point.. Well done. Thanks for sharing with us.. And, the “work” it takes to get it out there. The restoration is just playtime.. :)))

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're very welcome John - have a good weekend :)

[@that_thing_I_do]

You make it look easy

[@keithclark486]

You ever use kleen sheets ? The advantage of plastic spreaders is you can bend them to match the contour of the body panel. Those metal spreaders work great on flat surfaces , Don't see them around much anymore.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're right about the plastic spreaders. I've never used kleen sheets. Thanks for the comments Keith and support - have a good weekend :)

[@jeremyr7147]

Thanks, my filler always drys out super fast.. I usually flatten it a bit before hardener, making it more strip than I need.. Garage Tip, I save thick cardboard boxing with good glossy printing on it. The surface is resistant to filler soak in and no paper lint.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome - good tip Jeremy :)

[@lostjalopygarage8150]

Good to know. I love the smell of bondo. It smells like victory!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Nothin' smells as good as a body shop. Well... maybe a mechanic shop or apple crisp :)

[@immanutt4442]

I can think of one thing that smells better ...

[@Dboyquicks10]

Not much better than a free education. Thanks brother.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome Danny :)

[@UndergroundPaintKing]

Another great informative video Jerry!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks again UPK - hope everything is good with you - hope is cools down soon - been sweating buckets up here :)

[@UndergroundPaintKing]

@@LakesideAutobody this weather is terrible Jerry…stay cool!!!

[@markdrewett149]

Try placing several sheets of white clean new printing paper onto a clip board. Toss the inexpensive plentiful top sheet in the trash when done. scrape excess of blades and wipe clean with a cloth soaked with thinners (i think you guys call it reducer). Your welcome.

[@LakesideAutobody]

👍🔥😊

[@johnniemo]

Watching you mix bondo reminds me of watching Bob Ross as a boy. There is something naturally wholesome about it :)

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad you enjoy it - thanks for watching John - enjoy the rest of the week 😊

[@balvinaolivas5638]

Thank you. You made it so SIMPLE!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome 👍

[@garyburgess3829]

Thanks for the tip Jerry.. I like watching all your videos...

[@LakesideAutobody]

Glad you like them - thanks for watching my friend :)

[@FlakeBoss]

I use lacquer thinner and a small paintbrush to clean my metal spreaders to keep them clean.

[@jamesroe7628]

I use thinner and a blade for a quick cleaning. If cleaned up soon enough just a rag and thinner will do and back to mixing.

[@AndysDogHouse]

Good tips. There is nother worse than a dirty speader. Thanks for sharing.🍁👍👍

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're right - very frustrating when you get an old crumb dragging in the nice smooth filler.

[@immanutt4442]

that's what she said ...

[@UnitedWeBrap]

Very good info. Thank you.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks Materialism - I appreciate the support - you're welcome BTW :)

[@curtismuma1931]

Your a pro with those. Nice work!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks 👍 Have a good week Curtis :)

[@darrenlub]

Great video jerry.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks Darren - have a great weekend :)

[@v8man350]

Great straight to the point information as usual Jerry, thanks again for your advice always appreciated 👍🏻

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome V8man - sorry about the late reply :)

[@v8man350]

@@LakesideAutobody no worries 👍🏻

[@robertmccully2792]

Using the wax paper type rip off sheets is so much easier for me personally.

[@donh3711]

Thanks for taking the extra time posting all your videos I’m learning a lot. Does Eastwood make good quality products and what is your go to paint supplier? Thanks

[@LakesideAutobody]

Eastwood makes good quality products. My go to paint supplier right now is the local Auto Value Auto parts store. They carry Auto Body Master auto body supplies and they also carry Nason paints - they are both decent products but not top of the line. Middle of the road paint supplies are just fine for DIY projects - I wouldn't be afraid to try inexpensive auto body supplies and paints - Hope that helps answer your ?

[@donh3711]

Thanks again and I will keep learning from you and will post a picture of my 73 Challenger when I’m done. BTW your 73 Charger looked awesome!

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@donh3711 You're welcome - feel free to ask questions. I love every one of those old MOPAR's who ever was designing those things was awesome - throw some fat tires on the back - instant hot rod!

[@jeremyr7147]

Not to be rude, but after years of learning the autobody scene.. Eastwood is a bunch of overkill baloney, & kinda overpriced. They have their place I guess. Their training videos are terrible too, basically all about buying as many products as possible with poor techniques imo.. Much better learning with a few real body and paint guys here on YT.

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@jeremyr7147 It is about selling products and I don't agree with some stuff they try to push but they are there to make $ after all - good points Jeremy :)

[@lschneider6109]

Thanks for the tips Jerry. Without climate control in a shop in Fl you can only use about 1/4 of the hardner. You can hardly get it mixed before it pops, unless you use a lot less filler.

[@LakesideAutobody]

It's blistering hot up here in Michigan right now 90-100 - I can't imagine what it's like in Florida or Arizona. We need a giant umbrella for the earth :)

[@newriver8940]

Get some Evercoat plastic honey for your filler when it appears to be to dry add a little at a time in the can and mix it in until you get it in to the consistency you want.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Thanks my friend - good tip - have a good week :)

[@PnwOnTour]

Or a gallon of fiberglass resin same stuff 4x more product.

[@jasonbeightol3620]

Thanks for the info Jerry!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome Jason

[@vicshonebethel9934]

I love this video 👍

[@curtcooper9447]

Thanks I really enjoy the information 😊

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome Curt - have a good weekend :)

[@jonathanf.saldivar6216]

Thank you for the information ⚡💪

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome Jonathan :)

[@mr.lowslow7702]

Do you have a video of how to do a two tone paint job? I have some paint experience but never down a two tone. I’m gonna be painting a 93 Cummins and it’s got grey going down the center of a white truck.

[@LakesideAutobody]

This video may help as you would do it the same way kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIC3eXuhfteFjs0. What ever you door jambs and engine bay color is would be the first to go on. Then mask and prep using the method seen in the above video - Let me know if you have any more ?s - Jerry

[@mr.lowslow7702]

@@LakesideAutobody thanks wasn’t expecting a reply thanks for the help.

[@patswayze2493]

I've got several screw holes to patch from a old set of fender flares. How would you repair that without a welder? Thanks

[@LakesideAutobody]

Prep then with 36 grit on a small 5" sander/grinder. Tap them down and fill with either regular filler or fiberglass reinforced filler. Try to clean up the back side and undercoat with 3M rubberized undercoat to seal. Don't worry if you can't get to the back side though - it'll last longer than you keep it probably :)

[@gtrdrejugfde288]

I wrap my bondo board with aluminum foil when your don’e spreading your filler just change your foil. 👍

[@LakesideAutobody]

Hey - good thinking :) thanks for the input :)

[@rakkassan2187]

Egg beater / cake batter mixer attachment on a power drill...

[@michaelmarusic8499]

👍🏻Thanks for the tips… good to know I’ve been doing it right!!!!

[@LakesideAutobody]

Nice - good to hear from you Michael - have a good weekend :)

[@wheelright1409]

I’m getting ready to replace the cab corners and rockers on my 82 Chevy. I’ve never done anything like this and was wondering is it better to do rockers or cab corners first? Or doesn’t it matter? Any other advice or possible issues I might encounter? Thanks for your help.

[@LakesideAutobody]

I believe on that truck the rockers slide under the cab corners so it would be better to do the rockers first. Just my thinking though. Check to see which one is welded on to the other and that will answer your question - hope that helps a bit :)

[@MrRockydee07]

Why does some Bondo that was applied shrink and crack so fast, is there any such thing of a filler that doesn't do that . Thanks

[@LakesideAutobody]

Not one brand of body filler shrinks or crack. If applied correctly you'll never know it's there. Promise. Here's a 5 year follow up on a serious bondo buggy - it will look like this for the rest of our lives. When in doubt use BONDO brand filler - you can't go wrong - can get it at WALMART too :)

[@petar443]

👍 🍺

[@duckhunter8387]

Nice. Cant wait for glue on wheel arch replacements.

[@LakesideAutobody]

I'm getting there - it'll be in September some time - I have one more job ahead of that one - Jerry

[@duckhunter8387]

@@LakesideAutobody I know! Im just picking on you. I've purchased my replacements and don't want to ruin them with my welding skills.

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@duckhunter8387 Cool... looking forward to doing the video actually - just gotta get there. Nice talking to you my friend :)

[@allanday7309]

If you don't know how to mix body filler you should watch some One first because to much hardener will set the putty to quick not enough it will not go hard because there's more to just mixing the body filler it's how you apply the filler and to know how long before sanding leave it to long and it takes a long time to sand back how to no when to sand the filler when the putty is just flashed of from being tacky is best time to sand makes it easy to mould your curves and corners and groves us 40 grit sandpaper around edges first to feather the edges with a flat blook then start sanding the high areas. then use 120 sandpaper to sand out most of the scratches remember if you need more filler put more on first make sure better with more than not enough remember before applying the putty scratch the surface with a angle grinder or a screwdriver so the putty has something to bond to

[@aurktman1106]

I always end up using too much hardener.

[@firstgenerationgarage2803]

Hi Jerry another great video How do that body filler sand I mentioned you on my last 69 Firebird video And I need a big help from you so I'm in love with the classic compressor that I bought on Facebook marketplace which is belt driven But the last time I spray some paint I notice the tank is a little dirty inside what's the best way I can clean it up thank you

[@LakesideAutobody]

Well.... you can actually take those compressors apart pretty easily. If you remove the tank and unthread the parts that attach to the tank you can fill that thing with some cleaning solution to get the old crud out of it. Or you can just try draining it a lot. I think you gave me a good idea for a video - "How to clean a compressor tank" I drain my compressor at the end of every day so it doesn't give me any problems. Hope that helps a bit. Thanks for the support and comments Luis - Jerry

[@firstgenerationgarage2803]

@@LakesideAutobody thanks I also drain my tank after every use it will be a great video thanks for your help God bless you enjoy your weekend

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@firstgenerationgarage2803 God bless you too Luis :)

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

@@firstgenerationgarage2803 If the tank is old and hasn't been drained regularly... the tank may have severe rust that may be a safety hazard. If you decide to dismantle the compressor down to a bare tank .. after cleaning tank interior Inspect it with a borescope to reveal any severe damage due to corrosion. Better yet replace the tank with a new one. Having a defective tank in your shop is like having an unexploded WWII land mine in your shop or work area. Search "Air compressor explosions" to see what I am talking about.

[@firstgenerationgarage2803]

@@RaysLaughsAndLyrics thanks the tank is in very good shape just a little dirty inside and no rust thank you for the feedback

[@Sage-qd6tf]

According to my autobody teacher, you’re not supposed to use cardboard since it’s porous Also you can clean plastic spreaders really fast with wax and grease remover if you clean it while you’re waiting for your filler to harden enough to cheese grate

[@LakesideAutobody]

That's funny - I used cardboard in a few shop s that I worked at - never had a problem. Ask him what the porosity would do to the filler if mixed on it - curious.... :)

[@hermantom4292]

Can I put bondo r spot putty.over high build primer

[@LakesideAutobody]

Yes but generally you want to try to get all of your bodywork nearly perfect first, then prime with primer surfacer, block sand, prime again, finish sand then paint. Any imperfections or minor low spots can be hit with the spot putty but again it's something you aim to avoid :)

[@georgesand4629]

I know this sounds dumb but what if I apply filler without the resin?

[@LakesideAutobody]

If you mean applying it w/o the hardener (blue stuff), it would just sit there and never harden at all.

[@JO-rh7io]

I like to save the leftover filler each time and sculpt something cool out of it.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Hey that's a cool idea - might start something like that - it could be my mascot - "Bondo Betty" or something :)

[@JO-rh7io]

@@LakesideAutobody I had a pillar of bondo about 3 feet high that started with a single piece of cardboard, took about 6 years to get that high 😆

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@JO-rh7io That's funny as heck - I love it - I wish I would have thought of that years ago :)

[@pentiuman]

I forgot. What button was I supposed to hit?

[@stanleylosh1899]

How many batches of filler have you mixed on that stool?

[@LakesideAutobody]

A lot. Sometimes the stool gets in the way but I can never toss it out. I use it for a ton of stuff. It's an old woodshop stool from a high school :)

[@iHustleChicago]

Awesome thanks man

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're welcome iH :)

[@jasonknight219]

Hate to bug you but I have a question hoping you can help me out. Ive done some repairs on my van and I painted the panels but I wasn’t able to clear coat right away and now it’s sat for 7 days and I have hard tape lines so how would I proceed with getting rid of the hard line and finish the clear coat process? Thanks in advance

[@LakesideAutobody]

Where are the hard tape lines? Are they hidden or out in the open?

[@jasonknight219]

Out in the open right on the sliding door and the rear quarter panel

[@LakesideAutobody]

@@jasonknight219 Here's your options: 1) Try to wet sand that line out w/o messing up the paint then clear - probably won't work. 2) DA sand it flat, prime, block, paint again 3) Scuff lightly with scotch brite pad and clear right over the top of the hard line and try to bury it. Then when it's dry wet sand the clear to "level" the clear and buff - probably will still see it a bit. Unfortunately the right way is to sand it out and paint again - sorry. Let me know what you do - Jerry

[@jasonknight219]

Alrighty thanks for the info I’ll give it the old college try and let you know what happens

[@jasonknight219]

Got it to work. sanded the hard line flat with 400 grit then I sanded the whole panel down with 600 grit the put a fresh coat of paint on it and cleared it and the lines were gone. I’m knew to blending so I must not have spread it out far enough or something because it almost seems like it’s the wrong color it’s a 14 white town and country van I got the right paint code but it’s like white on cream.

[@terrydolbow4299]

Is that the trick to keep it hard ing so fast?

[@immanutt4442]

using the blue or yellow pills

[@PnwOnTour]

I’ve joined the anti cardboard gang, glass board for me.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Yes - it's sort of boring cutting up cardboard all the time :)

[@toycoma98]

I thought its not good to use cardboard because it soaks it up.

[@LakesideAutobody]

It will soak up a bit of resin but nothing that will affect the quality of the filler.

[@MrSoarman]

Just like cooking, there are as many ways of mixing as there are mixers, the results are the same. I could never stand those plastic spreaders, my weapon is a flexible puddy knife, fast clean and fingers stay out of the mix.

[@LakesideAutobody]

You're right on my friend. You can't argue with a good result :)

[@Elpipiton]

C'mon guys...what do you think happens to the solvents and little chemicals in the Bondo? It gets absorbed by the cardboard. Use glass or non porous surface. Yea cardboard is easier. But that's the shadestree way. This guy's not a pro. Yea he does it a lot, but that's not the best pro example.

[@LakesideAutobody]

Lots of professional shops mix filler on cardboard - you'll never have a problem 👍✌😊

[@immanutt4442]

so weigh body filler then weigh it with correct ratio of hardener/catalyst on onion paper ... is this the pro way of doing it ,? so many bitchers that have nothing to backup what they say -