Bondo will take about 15 minutes to dry without hardener. However, for a stronger bond and quicker drying time, we recommend using the hardener.
If you’re in a rush and need your Bondo to dry quickly, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process. However, Bondo will take longer to fully cure without hardener. Depending on the temperature and humidity, it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for the Bondo to reach full hardness.
So if you can afford to wait, it’s best to let the Bondo cure naturally.
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What Do I Do If I Didn’T Put Enough Hardener in Bondo?
If you didn’t put enough hardener in your Bondo, the best thing to do is to start over. If you try to add more hardener, it will be difficult to get the right ratio and the Bondo will not cure properly.
Do You Have to Use Hardener in Bondo?
Bondo is a two-part putty that is used to fill in dents and holes in automotive bodies. The putty itself is made of polyester resin, while the hardener is usually mekp, or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. While it is possible to use Bondo without the hardener, doing so will result in a much weaker repair that will not last nearly as long.
For this reason, it is always best to use Bondo with the hardener included.
How Long Should You Let Bondo Dry?
Most people think that they can just apply Bondo, let it dry and then start sanding. This is not the case. You need to let the Bondo cure for at least 24 hours before you start sanding.
The reason for this is that if you start sanding too soon, the Bondo will just come off in pieces and it will be a big mess. It’s better to wait a day or two and let the Bondo cure properly before you start sanding.
Does Bondo Dry Faster With Heat?
Bondo is a type of body filler, typically used to repair automotive bodies. The main ingredient in Bondo is polyester resin, which is activated by a hardener. When mixed together, the two ingredients create a putty-like substance that can be molded and shaped to fill in dents and other damaged areas on a car body.
Once applied, Bondo must be left to dry before it can be sanded and painted. The drying time for Bondo can vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels of the environment. In general, though, Bondo dries faster when exposed to heat.
If you’re trying to speed up the drying process for your Bondo repair job, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun to apply gentle heat to the area. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much heat can cause the Bondo to shrink and crack. If you have access to an infrared lamp, that can also help speed up the drying process by evenly distributing warmth over the entire surface of the repair area.
How to remove Bondo that you didn't put enough hardener in
How to Harden Bondo Without Hardener
Bondo is a popular brand of putty used to fill holes, cracks, and other imperfections in auto body panels. The main ingredient in Bondo is polyester resin, which is mixed with a hardener to make it set.
While the hardener is what makes Bondo set, it can also make it brittle.
If you want to use Bondo but don’t want it to be as brittle, you can harden it without the hardener. All you need is some heat.
To harden Bondo without the hardener, first mix up a small amount of putty.
Then, using a heat gun or hair dryer, apply heat to the putty until it becomes soft and pliable. Once it’s soft, shape it into place and allow it to cool. The heat will cause the putty to cure without the need for a hardener.
This method works best on small areas; if you’re trying to repair a large area with Bondo, you’ll probably still need to use the hardener in order to get a good hold. But for smaller jobs, heating up your Bondo will give you a stronger repair that won’t be as prone to cracking or breaking over time.
Conclusion
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the bondo drying process without compromising the quality of the repair. However, if you have the time, it’s best to let bondo dry naturally. Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours for bondo to fully cure.
