Wood Putty

[crokett]

I want something that performs like Bondo - exterior rated, won't shrink, rot, crack, you can drill/sand/paint/etc but I want something with a longer open time. I am prepping a wood door for painting and I think I wasted about 40% of what I mixed because I only have a few minutes working time with it.

I have some Durham's Rock Hard but don't like it. PITA to mix for small amounts (normally what I do) and I don't like the way it works.

Any suggestions?

[gwyneth]

What kind of size, area, depth are you trying to fill?

A boat-builders' supply place, such as www.defender.com, has all kinds of resins, hardeners, fillers that can be mixed up to do almost anything. Fillers can include wood flour, fiberglass strands, dog hair, etc. The hardener can be varied to slow or speed working time, too.

[grits]

PL Fix. I use it on all the cabinets I build. I get it at Lowes. Sands and takes a stain real good.

Heres a link...... http://www.stickwithpl.com/

[cabinetman]

You can slow down Bondo some by reducing the amount of hardner. Even if you think you haven't got enough in the mix it will dry. I think there is a line of distinction between the recommended mix and not having enough (when it won't ever dry).
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[crokett]

What kind of size, area, depth are you trying to fill?

All kinds. Bondo is the best 1 size fits all that I've found except for the open time. A few weeks ago when I hung a new door I had to move the striker plate and latch so I used it to fill the hole in the doorframe where the old one went. This door I am working on I am filling some cracks, old nail holes, etc. I am also using it to build up a munged up corner along the hinge edge.

[gwyneth]

Easiest way to extend Bondo open time is cooling it down. Some people put the unmixed stuff in the fridge for a few hours before stirring it up; back in the old road racing days some would rig up an ice chest or cooler.

If you have one of those freeze-core plastic mugs, it makes a great holder for a container of mixed Bondo.

[crokett]

Easiest way to extend Bondo open time is cooling it down.

Hmm... well then part of my problem is working outside on a 90+ degree day.

[gwyneth]

Hmm... well then part of my problem is working outside on a 90+ degree day.

Yep, all you've got to do is...chill.