Sanding Bondo?

[Zephik]

What grit should you start out with when sanding Bondo brand body filler and then what other grits should you use to eventually achieve a smooth finish? I would like to attempt to get a high gloss when painted.

I would also like as few steps as possible too if thats not much of a problem. Just to keep the cost down, so I don't have to go out and buy ten thousand different grits of sand paper. lol

If it helps to know, I plan to use a spreader that is similar to these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JM8NG/ref=s9_sims_c2_s1_p263_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1QPZ11AG4AG5WD7RKYV2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846). So I would imagine that it will already have a fairly smooth surface as it is.

Also, what would be a good brand/type of spray paint to use on both bondo and plastic?

[jdbnsn]

I can't speak to exactly what grit you should use, but I have worked with Bondo on cars years ago and I didn't use many different grits. I started with something coarse like 100 to get the shape fast and finished up with 220 then 400. Just in case you have not worked with Bondo before, you should know that it is very dangerous stuff to the brain. Be sure to wear a respirator to protect your lungs and work in a highly ventilated area. I've heard that if you can smell it, it's already causing harm.

[Zephik]

I have another question that I just thought of. Bondo is a two part mixture right? Does it need to be? Can I just use the Bondo as it is or do I have to have the activator substance as well for it to harden?


I can't speak to exactly what grit you should use, but I have worked with Bondo on cars years ago and I didn't use many different grits. I started with something coarse like 100 to get the shape fast and finished up with 220 then 400. Just in case you have not worked with Bondo before, you should know that it is very dangerous stuff to the brain. Be sure to wear a respirator to protect your lungs and work in a highly ventilated area. I've heard that if you can smell it, it's already causing harm.

Thanks for the tips JD!

[SgtM]

Yes, bondo is 2 parts. You need to use the activator, or else it will just be jelly. I can't echo Jon's statements enough. Safety first.

[Omega]

Oh dear god yes, wear a respirator. Not a dust mask, a full respirator. I swear, I was a few notches stupider after working with Bondo in an open area. I had headaches for a few days after the fact. it was horrid.

As far as sanding goes, 80-100 grit works for shaping and initial sanding, I can't speak for anything past that because I never kept going after the headaches. =p

[nevermind1534]

...Thanks for warning me when I started my server casemod. No respirator, no dust mask, no nothing. At least I don't work with it every day.