Thread: Body Filler

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Is there a way to increase the working time for body filler? I seem to have about 3 minutes. It could be the heat (120deg).

How thick can I put on each layer? I've heard 1/16 to 1/8th inch.

Thanks,

Not much a person can do other then cooling the bondo in a refridgerator ( DO NOT FREEZE ) to help cool it down for a little longer application .
That will help the bondo from being the same temp as the out side 120* as each 10 * increase speeds up dry time .
Using less of the hardner will help , and by adding some bondo honey , that will help with the spreading smoothness.
Hope this will help
Spray

I've also noticed that some of the newer fillers set up quicker than old line products. I wouls guess that it is to speed up the process for the pros, but will be frustrating for amateur bodymen.

Other tips would be to have everything absolutely ready before you start mixing, mix smaller batches, and use the largest spreader possible for the area you are filling.

It sets up more quickly for environmental reasons. You see the same thing with paints. Paint and filler companies had to reduce the amount of volitile solvents in their products and drying is effectivly the evaporation of solvents. Less solvents means less evaporation time.

true , but the products are also designed for perfect conditions , 78 deg. with 0% humidity

adding heat just increases dry times .
they still dont dry/kick fast under 60 degs. its not in the chemical make up .

Some of the new stuff cures by moisture in the air so high humidity will make it set of faster.

Because Isocyanates go to moisture , if you wear glasses and spray an iso product , check the inside of the lenses they will have more overspray then the out sides , I wear glasses and have to clean them after every job in my booth .
Its trying to get to the moisture in your eyes .
not all Iso products dry faster with humidity , because the moisture is trapped and has to evaporate too . slows the process down instead of speeds it up .

Thanks for the help. I guess there's not much I can do but live with it.

Thanks,

Less hardener is about the only thing you can do. I've had filler set up 30 seconds after I mixed it on occasion.