The Power of Bondo: A Comprehensive Tutorial
Although Bondo was created for cosmetic repair of dents in cars, the fact that it’s easily malleable and dries rock hard makes it perfect for custom case mods, rock climbing, cement repair, LED Guitar Hero buttons, and much, much more. Learn it all! Want to be notified of more awesome articles like this one Subscribe to stay updated!
Even Wikipedia agrees: “Bondo has widespread usage in Computer Case Modding,
as when properly used, can be sanded smooth and painted, and it will attach and hold, without damage, to metal, plastic, acrylic and perspex surface.”
Bondo Basics: Everything You Need to Know
Before you use bondo to make Mario pop out of your Wii (below), you must first learn the basics of bondo usage. Here and here are a few quick, simple tutorials that demonstrate how to mix Bondo to make custom colors. Here is someone’s first experience with Bondo and a few Do’s and Dont’s. And finally, we have a comprehensive guide from prep work to completion for any Bondo project.
Bondo Use #1: Custom Case Mods
So, you’ve got a Wii, but it’s just so…WHITE. One man took his love for NES’ Super Mario Bros. 3 and customized his Wii based on the game’s internationally recognizable backgrounds. Also, learn to create custom sculptures using Bondo. The tutorial also walks you though adding another USB port and creating portal tubes to hold your Wiimote.
2. Cement and Asphalt Repair
The video above shows a skater repairing a crack in cement that’s hindering his 1337 shredding skill. He shows an incredibly easy and quick way to seal a crack using duct tape, bondo, and a scraper.
3. Fiber Glass Mold Making and Repair
This site is a Bondo lover’s dream. It has hours of mold making projects and guides to help you master the power of bondo. For example, just take a look at this sweet Cobra helicoptper ceiling fan.
4. Translucent Guitar Hero Key Molding
Guitar Hero rocks, but it really needs some lights to liven up the virtual shredding. What to do Cram in some LEDs! For a more Bondo specific tutorial, learn to create the translucent keys. “I recently modded a Guitar Hero controller and I’m going to show you how to create duplicates of your GH Controller keys in frosted clear plastic.”
5. Miscellaneous Uses
As you’ve hopefully figured out by now, Bondo is incredibly versile and its uses are limitless. Take for example how to make custom rock climbing hand holds (left image) or how to fix rust spots on your car (which was Bondo’s original purpose). So whatever power of Bondo you choose to harness, good look on your quest and be sure to send us your projects.
June 15th, 2009
Will Bondo work on leather? I restore vintage purses, and I am always looking for something to use on cracked and otherwise broken purse handles.
June 16th, 2009
Not sure…Probably though, the stuff is basically magical.
September 11th, 2009
How does bondo work with wood?
Is it machineable after it has set? I am making a cutting board from an old bowling lane and need something to fill the cracks that is imprervious to water and oil.
Bill
September 22nd, 2009
Home can I get Bondo to adhere to repair rotted
wood as accomplihed with expoxy? Thank you for any help.