Absolutely the most complete and thorough DIY instructional video ever.Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience in this very helpful video and posting it on RUclips.
There is a far easier faster less messy and more accurate way to do this. Do everything he suggests in this video except one step. When you are filling the void with bondo just plop it in the void and be sure that you rubbed it in to make sure it bonds to the surface. For extremely Absorbent areas prime first. After you have the area over filled place a piece of aluminum backed heavy duty electrical tape over the bondo and surrounding wood. Then use a firm flat edge like the 6 inch putty knife he uses in the video and work the electrical tape flat. Work the tape so that is flat over your void like it is flat over the existing good wood. Once the bondo allows a finger nail imprint but doesn’t stick then remove the tape and shave it with a razor blade. Rarely do I even have to sand!
I've been a paint contractor for 25 yrs. Bondo is the best. Price, easy preparation cant beat the price. Great job. You can ask 100 contractors and get 50 different answers. I like your common sense. Thumbs 👍
Wow, dude. What a video. I enjoyed that more than most Netflix shows. The detail from what it is, through the chemistry involved, all the way to what it can possibly be used for. 13/10 would watch again.
Craig, great video with lots of in-depth info. I've used Bondo myself for decades for all sorts of things during my time as a residential builder. Another suggestion for anchoring the Bondo, if screws aren't practical with the task at hand, is to use a slightly larger bit (varies, but around 1/4" usually works fine) and drill anchor holes around the area of repair at varying angles like you do with the screws. You can quickly push a small blob of Bondo in each of the holes with your finger before applying the main amount of filler on top. The filled holes act as embedded 'legs' that do a fair job at holding the Bondo in place. I also rough the wood up with a heavy grit sandpaper to add more 'tooth' to the bond. One other tip is to use a Stanley Surform (the small hand size works well for most small repairs) to knock the bulk of the Bondo down, about 2 to 3 minutes after it 'kicks off'. Then let it harden more after that, so sandpaper can be used without gumming it up. The Surform does a really nice job of creating a flat surface, too. I do like the screw anchors, too. I'll be trying those out next time for sure. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. ;)
you saved me a lot time on a ladder and cutting pieces to fit in place, at 80 its no fun to repair high up using electric tools . will be following your instructions when the weather cools down to the 70s. Saved some $$$ ,thanks !!!
I have watched 30 or 40 videos on how to repair wood and OMG, I thought i was back in college with one of my professor's giving a lecture! Craig your knowledge and delivery of it amazed me and has allowed me to stop my search for repair videos. You are extremely talented and professional! You should consider becoming a professional instructor! Thank you!!!
Thank you Rob! You made my day. I really appreciate that. I am working towards doing this full time. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. There will be more vids in the future
I'm a retired body man, this is a great instructional video as I have been doing this on all kinds of things for years, Plus if u need more structurally sound repairs use Bondo Glass, which is stronger, it has glass fibers in it and it is water proof. Great Video
Craig, for the small amount of time it took for you to explain this to the world, this rocked. I landed on this idea about the early '90s when I had to repair some T-111 exterior siding on the north west side of my house that hadn't been painted on the reverse side and started to rot out by the edge of a deck. I cut the rotted part off and a little bit of the good part. I put plywood that was well sealed into the hole but had to replicate the T-111 grain. At the time I had bought a gallon of Bondo to fix up rot on an old Dodge truck. So I went and experimented with the Bondo to replicate the exact pattern of the siding in that spot. I picked a dry day to do this job, mixed the adhesive a tad thin so it took a bit longer to dry but of course, worked as fast as I could. I got the Bondo in place and ran a matched piece of T-111 through the damp Bondo and let it dry over night after shaving off the rough spots. I stained it the next day with an oil based stain. It took three stainings but I got an exact match for color and texture and my carpenter relatives were very impressed at this new way to deal with T-111 and rot issues. That held for years, even under snowpack. I am a bit uneasy about screws and nails being put where normally they wouldn't be because if in the future someone goes in there to repair it again, they might hit the nail with a power tool and wack out an eye or something? Of course such repairs can be listed in the disclosure when selling the house but I wish there was a better way to warn people to be careful. The other comment I have is if something rots out, first figure why it rotted before any fixing and don't trust Bondo to hold a humans weight on a door sill. Of course, you didn't but I just thought I would go there anyway before somebody gets hurt. This is one of the best instructional videos on YT!
Great video! Well done Craig. One thing I might mention is use of a Sureform (?) file, AKA "Cheese Grater Rasp" for the initial smoothing. They're non-clogging, and much easier for us clumsy folks than freehanding with a chisel. You can take the putty down to a near-finished surface in no time.
This is one of a few videos that gave me the information and confidence to cut away rotten wood at the bottom of a door frame and replace with body putty. I'm not sure what I would do without this. A real difference maker. Thank you.
This type of wood repair is a lost Art. Glad to see you showing others how to work with this product. My brother has been doing this type of wood repair for about 25 years whenever needed, to help people out and save them money. I assume you have been working with Finish carpentry work for many years. Excellent informative video.
Thank you for this video! We had a wooden screen door with extensive wood rot on the back of our house. My husband thought we would have to pay someone to build a new door But I used the techniques shown in this video to fix it. This was my first big DIY project and it worked out great! Thanks!
Million thanks, Craig. Explaining the workability of Bondo Wood Putty with screw anchors almost eliminates the need for Rotten Wood Restorer pre-app, the mfr requires. Neat concepts and chockful of practical ideas in making repairs in wood helped me immensely.
Had an old and worn out strike plate hole, aka mortise, in my front door frame and was installing a new smart lock. It was impossible to screw in a new strike plate with the crumbling wood and worn out screw holes. I tried cheap wood filler but that failed and crumbled. I finally bumped into your video, got some Bondo, followed your instructions (including the red mixing tube), and voila! Worked like a charm and my new lock is installed! Thank you SO much! Nothing like the feeling of finally fixing something you once felt helpess to mend!
This is the BEST EVER DYI wood filling process. I recently bought a home that had alot of hidden termite damage. I've popped moldings off removed 25 years of latex paint with a heat gun. I have been mulling around ideas to fix these areas without digging to much farther into uncharted territories. The house is going to be a rental. But, I want it to look good. I can't wait to start filling!!!
FYI, for outside rot, I use a product called "Wood Hardener". Once you clear out all the rot, dry it out, and put the screws or staples in, then you can use the wood hardener and it hardens any soft wood left over and gives a much better base. Really good for huge rot problems in windows and doors. One other thing, I saw a product called wood putty at Home Depot, but it's actually Bondo and produced by the same company that makes Bondo. It's in the same can with different labeling with the plastic and separate tube for the hardener. But this is the best video I've ever seen on it, and even though I've been using it for several years, I learned a lot of cool tricks. I have some outside wood window rot fixes that have lasted 5 or more years and you cant tell at all - And the repaired parts will never rot again!!!
GREAT video presented by the knowledgeable, practical and very detail Craig Shotwell. It was a pleasure to watch and to apply all Craig's instructions to my woodwork repair job.
Looks amazing! Very helpful advice for measuring the condo/hardener mixture, golf ball size for bondo, and dime size for hardener. Anchoring with screws, and staples is genius. This is the best tutorial I've seen. Thank you!
One of the best videos I’ve seen. Excellent descriptions and I enjoyed the alternate uses part. I’ve used body putty on a lot of cars and know how durable it is. While the rest of the cars would rust away the body filler parts would look like new. It was useful to know about how temperature variations can impact the bond between wood & body filler. Btw, I used to make my own surfboard designs and that’s where I discovered how useful mixing resin with catalyst was. I still have two surfboards I made when I was 17. Now I’m off to use body filler all over my house! Thanks!
Wow! You just sawed me so much time and money! I got into many issues during window replacement in old house in 95f hot weather. I will try your tricks tomorrow instead of replacing siding. And I already got ideas for inside of my house too... thanks! I just don’t like that I need respirator, but in time of Covid even that is acceptable. The quality of your teaching video is amazing! I am taking it as great example for my videos teaching math.
Dude… this video was so helpful! I tried bondo wood filler before watching your video and as you know that stuff dries super quick and never wanted to use it again. The bondo all purpose filler was much more pliable and easier to shape. A moving company destroyed the my buddies front door and your video was a game changer. Thank you thank you thank you.
Dude. I too am a painter for nearly 45 years. I have no problem critiquing many of the videos I see with blunt honesty. This video is 100% correct. Great job. This is near exactly the same method I have developed for and used myself for both interior and exterior applications. Slight different is in finishing particularly exterior rot or the little honeycomb or pinholes you sometimes get left with. The great stuff about the bondo like products is when it dries its really really hard. The bad thing about the bondo like products is when it dries its really really hard. LOL this also means added sanding. So finish off those very minor little holes I'll sometimes just use Spackle. On the exterior I will sometimes intentionally use the bondo to fill into just a hair below the surface. then finish it off with an exterior Spackle that goes by the name of "Synko Exterior Spackling Paste". Its not available everywhere but it is the best exterior Spackle I have found. It goes on just like regular spackle and more importantly sands just as easily and literally like regular spackle and when it dries. Even if it rains on it without any primer or paint on it it wont flake or wash out. Ive tried other brands but have found this to be the best. I too buy the extra hardener as I find that the small tube included runs out before the rest of the can. Again. Nice job
This helped me with a large hole in T-111 (exterior) siding. The basic problem was to fill the gap evenly, so the putty would not sag. As the video makes clear, letting the putty harden layer-on-layer avoids the problem with applying a huge blob of putty, hoping it somehow stablizes in-place. Craig's warnings about sanding a resin and fiberglas product cannot be stressed enough-- people with lung disease include those who refused to wear a respirator, or believed a light industrial dust mask would be enough. This video is extremely well-produced, with good lighting, appropriate camera angles and distance, and a well-planned narrative.
I totally agree with Steve Hammond's comment. Most informative wood/body putty tutorial on the web. Nice job Craig & thanks for the huge amount of time that you've saved me.
This is great! My house is 100 years old and I have alot of tiny repairs to do on it. I will be doing this to some of my window sills. Thanks so much!!
Sorry I am a little late to the game. I just had to let you know you have given me some great insight on a repair to some rotted wood on my front door frame. I was thinking Wood filler at first but watching videos on it and then this I think this will fit my needs a lot better. Thank you for this very instructional video.
I got some bondo for a project that I haven’t done yet, and your video has given me a ton of tips on how to do it the right way, thank you and appreciated! 💪🏻💥👍🏻
Thank you so much! That means a lot. That is my goal in one way or another, to be a teacher. I do teach children in small private classes and of course my own children. I’m so glad you liked it. Please keep watching and subscribe if you haven’t already.
Thanks Craig...I've used this technique with limited success in the past.....now, with your input, I'm headed to NAPA with two projects in mind....great video.
Thank you Rhonda! I try very hard to take a simple approach towards things. Step-by-step. I think that’s the best way to learn. Please keep watching there will be more videos as time and money allows.
Your a freaking hero in my book. I don't usually like watching tutorial videos that is 20 min long but this one was worth it. I will definitely be using this stuff in the future for my deck. Thank you sir!
I am wondering if you couldn't basically put a light coat on the whole deck. Leaving room for expansion and contraction. You essentially would be mimicking the artificial decking. Very expensive. I'm thinking the side of rusted metal sheds..this would keep out little critters and pest I would prepare it first. I am a wannabe woodworker, mechanic and musician..50 years guitar and piano Picked up five string banjo..a few years ago .That is one fun instrument. Great video here.
All the glowing accolades are all correct. I have watched a fair number of DIY home repair since my house is old and tired. Craig's is the most comprehensive video I ever saw, without wasting any time on nonsense or tangents. All content was useful, especially the opening explanation of the product. I feel prepared to tackle the rotted sill. I hope you make as much on your videos, as you do on your day job. 41 people are wrong at the time of this comment. (hope this Shotwell is not the same shot dead in Maryland in May 2019. if so, hope his boys have some income from his great video (videos))
Thanks for the video. The vernier started to bubble up and peel on portions of my exterior side door. I used a utility knife to cut out the bad parts and then used Bondo to fill in the gaps. Worked perfect! Also had a little rot at the bottom of the door. I used some TiteBond glue brushed on liberally to seal up and harden the rot, then Bondo.
When I was a residential general contractor my painter used Bondo to fill all the nail holes from the trim carpenters. I loved this as at warranty time in one year there were NEVER nail pops or sink ins from using regular putty other painters used. I instantly become a fan of Bondo, esp because it also has sooooo many uses.
Not really sure how I ended up here but glad I did. Well explained, clear and concise and, most importantly, has given me loads of practical ideas. I’m in the uk so need to find our version of it. Thanks 👍
Wow... What a great video Craig! Very informative, complete and helpful. I wish I knew about this 50 years ago. I never thought of these applications. I learned a lot of new tricks from your video. Thanks for sharing Craig!
Years ago I was moving and getting my house ready to sell. I had completed all the projects, paint and repair, and was doing a last walk through. I opened the back storm door and a big gust of wind ripped the door out of my hands and ripped screws out of the casing. Now I had another repair to do and i am no carpenter. A good carpenter lived across the street from me and he and his son had just opened a custom hardwood shop. I measured the broken piece and asked the son if he could make me a new piece of casing with these exact dimensions. He made that piece and it was perfect. However, when I installed my new repair piece there were still two horizontal slice marks where I had sawn the broken piece out of the casing. I had heard of using Bondo but had never done it. I was running low on time so I decided to try it. I smeared the bondo into the slice kerfs and let it dry then painted it. I came by the next day to inspect my repair and I couldn't tell where I had made that repair. It looked like one piece of wood, it was that good.
My .02 worth Seems could be filled. Should stop moisture and pest intrusion Of course probably best to experiment with similar pieces at the bench let it dry etc I mostly build children's furniture.
Thanks! I bought some cabinets that I had to run longer screws into a lazy Susan base and grind the screws off leaving unsightly marks in the lazy Susan trays. This will fill those gouges perfectly. I subbed!
Great video. I have used Bondo several times to fix exterior wood rot, but your way of using painters tape to shape the line after apply Bondo is brilliant. Wish I had thought of it and it'd saved me hours. And use staples as rebar, and many other applications of Bondo. Learned a lot. Thanks.
What a great video Mr. Shotwell and you place a lot of emphasis on safety . I've mixed Bondo in used / clean margarine or other plastic containers with a plastic lid and put the excess in a fridge to slow down cure time until needed . Thanks again for an excellent video .
Thanks...I've got a quarter size divot in the door frame of a $1200 front door with beveled glass from minor termite damage. I dug it out six months ago to continue to monitor for termites--which were killed off a couple of years ago and haven't returned, so I'll be filling that in and repainting. Years ago I worked in the remodel/new home biz as a floor installer and saw many contractors using Bondo instead of a regular floor filler for some minor floor plywood or OSB repairs before laying carpet. They also used it with great success on older wood frame windows on the exterior parts.
I have also used bondo in several wood rot situations. For outside, once I clear out the rot, I use a product called "wood hardener". I never used the staples or screws before, so this is a real handy tip. Thank you very much.
Check that out! Wood hardener. I’ll have to look that up. Yeah you really need to anchor it well, esp if it’s ext or movement nearby. Thanks for watching and for the tip.
Thank you so much for explaining how to make simple repairs indoors and outdoors. I am looking to repair outdoor patio furniture both wood and metal. 😊❤️
Great Job! I have been preaching the wonders of Bondo for years. Learned a few new tips like the screws & staples reinforcing and shaping with the masking tape. Thanks for posting!
Wow Craig you just solved a massive problem for me. this is one of the best most useful and informative lessons ever on making bondo work to fix many issues. I hope to use it on some rotted wood area on a fascia. Thanks so much
This is on another level, been researching for years on how to fix my banged up doors, finally hit the jackpot!! Wish I hadn't bought all those wood fillers and thrown away the receipts though 😅
Thank you so much for a thorough, comprehensive video to repair rotted/damaged wood. Saved me the cost of hiring a professional. I will tackle this job myself for outdoor rotted framing around a garage door.
Just got an out door wrought iron railing that was in desperate need of repairing and repainting. It was rusted and pitted. I wire brushed the rusty spots and used Bondo Automotive body filler, sanded and painted. Beats cutting and welding . It came out like new and the owner was happy.
This is the first time I tried Bondo. I was a bit unesy to use it, but with your great instructions I feel confident to give it a try. Again thank you.
Great Video tutorial. I just bought a product call Home Fix (Super Strength) Universal repair filler, made by Evercoat. Evrcoat offers very little in the way of decent information on how to properly prep, mix and apply this product Other than whats in the tiniest print I've ever seen on the can). It's basically a body putty with some fiberglass fibers in it and works just like the Bondo brand you demonstrate in your video, but I've never done this type of repair. Now i have the confidence to do it right. This is for an exterior facia repair. I've already prepped it and discovered that part of the wood was damp so I'm going to give it a day or two to dry out. I like your screw, staple, or finishing nail tip for something extra to grab onto, totally makes sense. Oh, and the painters tape tip also genius. Thanks
Outside application on rotted wood. Clean and remove the spongy rot. let it become dry. My preference apply an epoxy wood rot conditioner and let it soak in and harden. One it stops further rotting and kills any bug in that area. Now bondo and finish.
This is great! Answers so many questions I have about using body putty for wood projects. Thanks for making this video - one of most helpful videos for DIYers I've seen.
Thanks TW!!! What a nice thing to say. Which vid did you watch. It doesn’t say on my end. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. There will be many more.
I worked in an auto body shop when I was in high school, so I am used to using "Bondo." I really like the idea of using a screw or a staple to help it it adhere. I have a spot where a woodpecker made a large hole on a piece of wooden corner trim on the second floor of my house, that this should be a perfect solution for. Thanks for laying it all out so completely. FYI, I found some 'Bondo' brand auto body putty with the red hardener included.
Outstanding presentation. Step by step in clear language. The networks and home stores could use some pointers from Craig. Love the additional uses for the process and product at the end of the video. Keep em coming, Craig!
Hi again, Craig. I just completed my project and I could not be more pleased! A friend gave me an antique Singer sewing machine with a treadle and cabinet she picked up at a local yard sale. A lot of the veneer was badly damaged from years of neglect. I repaired the veneer as you demonstrated, then chalk painted it white, changed out the knobs and gave it a bit of bling for a shabby chic look. It now looks just beautiful and I have received many compliments on how nicely it turned out! Thanks again for giving me the knowledge (and courage) to tackle this project and move out of my comfort zone.
I have used Iospon P38 in the UK for over 40 years on near everything. Wardrobes, doors, skirting, even to repair laminate floors. Great stuff and the P38 1 Gallon tin lasted me all that time without failing!
i have been dealing with a couple of these issues and would have never thought to try this on wood, ive been using wood glues and stuff, i repaired a rusty steel door with fiber glass kit and putty. the vid is very helpful and very informative. thank you
Hey Craig, Thank you for this video, you saved me a time and money. I had a beam in my bathroom that got rotten, had to replace my floor but really didn't want to replace the beam. So I Dremel tool and like a dentist removing a cavity I removed the rotten wood from the beam. Repaired the beam with your method and it worked great. Thanks again.
Great video and good explanation. I have used polyester body filler many times for wood repairs. I found one method of ensuring the wood and the filler do stay together and not separate is to remove all the rotten wood so you have clean solid wood remaining and then use a sharp chisel to open up some holes at angles at various points ensuring there are no loose bits and then apply the filler making sure it is thoroughly pushed in the holes left by the chisel. These give the filler good anchor points so that it stays put. If you are going to replace any ironmongery using screws or staples as anchors may get in the way, so prefer to use no metalware. Where you have to put a lot of filler in I tend to do it in stages and build it up gradually, as you say it bonds to itself very well.
I've been doing repairs for many years and never thought of taping to to mold...I guess I always figured it would get stuck and be a pain to remove. I'm definitely going to try this next time.
Excellent video, Craig. Lots of creative uses here and I really like the idea of adding metal fasteners to act like "rebar" for the putty! I've used body filler on wood and mdf (it works great for finishing mdf speaker cabinets before paint) but got a lot of great ideas watching this!
Great Video. On larger wood repairs I like to use two part fiberglass resin first, painting it onto the wood. This absorbs into the wood and increases the bond of the body putty to the wood. Again it only takes minutes for it to harden and reduces the likely hood of the two materials separating, which can happen in an exterior wood repair application.
I did fixed a piece of soffit with body Bondo about 10 yrs ago Everybody was looking at me crazy . I love work with that stuff . It's so easy to work with
Great video dude. I've been using wood filler for years and always hated the way it doesn't work on large areas. It's weak and often I have to mix sawdust to make it usable. I'm off to the store to get some body putty to fix some wood rot and door repairs. Thanks for the excellent how to...
Absolutely the most complete and thorough DIY instructional video ever.Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience in this very helpful video and posting it on RUclips.
Thank you Steve! I'm flattered. Please subscribe. There will be many more videos to come.
TOTALLY AGREE - VERBATIM. THANK YOU CRAIG.
21 minutes, its a doctorate degree
Well done
There is a far easier faster less messy and more accurate way to do this. Do everything he suggests in this video except one step.
When you are filling the void with bondo just plop it in the void and be sure that you rubbed it in to make sure it bonds to the surface. For extremely Absorbent areas prime first.
After you have the area over filled place a piece of aluminum backed heavy duty electrical tape over the bondo and surrounding wood. Then use a firm flat edge like the 6 inch putty knife he uses in the video and work the electrical tape flat. Work the tape so that is flat over your void like it is flat over the existing good wood.
Once the bondo allows a finger nail imprint but doesn’t stick then remove the tape and shave it with a razor blade.
Rarely do I even have to sand!
I've been a paint contractor for 25 yrs. Bondo is the best. Price, easy preparation cant beat the price. Great job. You can ask 100 contractors and get 50 different answers. I like your common sense. Thumbs 👍
Wow, dude. What a video. I enjoyed that more than most Netflix shows. The detail from what it is, through the chemistry involved, all the way to what it can possibly be used for. 13/10 would watch again.
Too funny...Netflix isn't real, this man is. Thanks for the laugh!
Craig, great video with lots of in-depth info. I've used Bondo myself for decades for all sorts of things during my time as a residential builder. Another suggestion for anchoring the Bondo, if screws aren't practical with the task at hand, is to use a slightly larger bit (varies, but around 1/4" usually works fine) and drill anchor holes around the area of repair at varying angles like you do with the screws. You can quickly push a small blob of Bondo in each of the holes with your finger before applying the main amount of filler on top. The filled holes act as embedded 'legs' that do a fair job at holding the Bondo in place. I also rough the wood up with a heavy grit sandpaper to add more 'tooth' to the bond.
One other tip is to use a Stanley Surform (the small hand size works well for most small repairs) to knock the bulk of the Bondo down, about 2 to 3 minutes after it 'kicks off'. Then let it harden more after that, so sandpaper can be used without gumming it up. The Surform does a really nice job of creating a flat surface, too.
I do like the screw anchors, too. I'll be trying those out next time for sure. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. ;)
you saved me a lot time on a ladder and cutting pieces to fit in place, at 80 its no fun to repair high up using electric tools . will be following your instructions when the weather cools down to the 70s. Saved some $$$ ,thanks !!!
I have watched 30 or 40 videos on how to repair wood and OMG, I thought i was back in college with one of my professor's giving a lecture!
Craig your knowledge and delivery of it amazed me and has allowed me to stop my search for repair videos. You are extremely talented and professional! You should consider becoming a professional instructor!
Thank you!!!
Thank you Rob! You made my day. I really appreciate that. I am working towards doing this full time. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. There will be more vids in the future
Very down to earth instructions but full of useful technical details. I am your fan for life.
I'm a retired body man, this is a great instructional video as I have been doing this on all kinds of things for years, Plus if u need more structurally sound repairs use Bondo Glass, which is stronger, it has glass fibers in it and it is water proof. Great Video
that's what I use.
Harder to work with but the stuff is solid. and waterproof even without painting
Craig, for the small amount of time it took for you to explain this to the world, this rocked. I landed on this idea about the early '90s when I had to repair some T-111 exterior siding on the north west side of my house that hadn't been painted on the reverse side and started to rot out by the edge of a deck. I cut the rotted part off and a little bit of the good part. I put plywood that was well sealed into the hole but had to replicate the T-111 grain. At the time I had bought a gallon of Bondo to fix up rot on an old Dodge truck. So I went and experimented with the Bondo to replicate the exact pattern of the siding in that spot. I picked a dry day to do this job, mixed the adhesive a tad thin so it took a bit longer to dry but of course, worked as fast as I could. I got the Bondo in place and ran a matched piece of T-111 through the damp Bondo and let it dry over night after shaving off the rough spots. I stained it the next day with an oil based stain. It took three stainings but I got an exact match for color and texture and my carpenter relatives were very impressed at this new way to deal with T-111 and rot issues. That held for years, even under snowpack.
I am a bit uneasy about screws and nails being put where normally they wouldn't be because if in the future someone goes in there to repair it again, they might hit the nail with a power tool and wack out an eye or something? Of course such repairs can be listed in the disclosure when selling the house but I wish there was a better way to warn people to be careful. The other comment I have is if something rots out, first figure why it rotted before any fixing and don't trust Bondo to hold a humans weight on a door sill. Of course, you didn't but I just thought I would go there anyway before somebody gets hurt. This is one of the best instructional videos on YT!
Thank you for the comment. I'm repairing cedar siding. This will help immensely.
Great video! Well done Craig.
One thing I might mention is use of a Sureform (?) file, AKA "Cheese Grater Rasp" for the initial smoothing.
They're non-clogging, and much easier for us clumsy folks than freehanding with a chisel. You can take the putty down to a near-finished surface in no time.
This is one of a few videos that gave me the information and confidence to cut away rotten wood at the bottom of a door frame and replace with body putty. I'm not sure what I would do without this. A real difference maker. Thank you.
This type of wood repair is a lost Art. Glad to see you showing others how to work with this product. My brother has been doing this type of wood repair for about 25 years whenever needed, to help people out and save them money. I assume you have been working with Finish carpentry work for many years. Excellent informative video.
I've been decorating for 45 years and found this brilliant, I'm going to share this
thanks for the support man
I have watched about two dozen videos about using epoxy putties. All have been helpful for a newbie like me. This is the best. Thank yoiu.
Just used this yesterday to fix my buddy's entry door. It worked great. Thank you for sharing this great idea. I never would have thought to use Bondo
Thank you for this video! We had a wooden screen door with extensive wood rot on the back of our house. My husband thought we would have to pay someone to build a new door But I used the techniques shown in this video to fix it. This was my first big DIY project and it worked out great! Thanks!
Million thanks, Craig. Explaining the workability of Bondo Wood Putty with screw anchors almost eliminates the need for Rotten Wood Restorer pre-app, the mfr requires. Neat concepts and chockful of practical ideas in making repairs in wood helped me immensely.
Had an old and worn out strike plate hole, aka mortise, in my front door frame and was installing a new smart lock. It was impossible to screw in a new strike plate with the crumbling wood and worn out screw holes. I tried cheap wood filler but that failed and crumbled. I finally bumped into your video, got some Bondo, followed your instructions (including the red mixing tube), and voila! Worked like a charm and my new lock is installed! Thank you SO much! Nothing like the feeling of finally fixing something you once felt helpess to mend!
This is the BEST EVER DYI wood filling process. I recently bought a home that had alot of hidden termite damage. I've popped moldings off removed 25 years of latex paint with a heat gun. I have been mulling around ideas to fix these areas without digging to much farther into uncharted territories. The house is going to be a rental. But, I want it to look good. I can't wait to start filling!!!
FYI, for outside rot, I use a product called "Wood Hardener". Once you clear out all the rot, dry it out, and put the screws or staples in, then you can use the wood hardener and it hardens any soft wood left over and gives a much better base. Really good for huge rot problems in windows and doors. One other thing, I saw a product called wood putty at Home Depot, but it's actually Bondo and produced by the same company that makes Bondo. It's in the same can with different labeling with the plastic and separate tube for the hardener. But this is the best video I've ever seen on it, and even though I've been using it for several years, I learned a lot of cool tricks. I have some outside wood window rot fixes that have lasted 5 or more years and you cant tell at all - And the repaired parts will never rot again!!!
I have 2 wood projects to fix! I do autobody on cars have lots of body filler! So happy I can do it on wood too!! Thank you very much!!!!!
That's more than an thumbs up, worth at least two or three. Never thought of using auto body putty, another tool for the tool box, Thank you
Former auto body guy now a carpenter love the use of bondo !!!
GREAT video presented by the knowledgeable, practical and very detail Craig Shotwell. It was a pleasure to watch and to apply all Craig's instructions to my woodwork repair job.
Looks amazing! Very helpful advice for measuring the condo/hardener mixture, golf ball size for bondo, and dime size for hardener. Anchoring with screws, and staples is genius. This is the best tutorial I've seen. Thank you!
One of the best videos I’ve seen. Excellent descriptions and I enjoyed the alternate uses part. I’ve used body putty on a lot of cars and know how durable it is. While the rest of the cars would rust away the body filler parts would look like new. It was useful to know about how temperature variations can impact the bond between wood & body filler.
Btw, I used to make my own surfboard designs and that’s where I discovered how useful mixing resin with catalyst was. I still have two surfboards I made when I was 17. Now I’m off to use body filler all over my house!
Thanks!
Wow! You just sawed me so much time and money! I got into many issues during window replacement in old house in 95f hot weather. I will try your tricks tomorrow instead of replacing siding. And I already got ideas for inside of my house too... thanks! I just don’t like that I need respirator, but in time of Covid even that is acceptable. The quality of your teaching video is amazing! I am taking it as great example for my videos teaching math.
Dude… this video was so helpful! I tried bondo wood filler before watching your video and as you know that stuff dries super quick and never wanted to use it again. The bondo all purpose filler was much more pliable and easier to shape. A moving company destroyed the my buddies front door and your video was a game changer. Thank you thank you thank you.
Dude. I too am a painter for nearly 45 years. I have no problem critiquing many of the videos I see with blunt honesty. This video is 100% correct. Great job. This is near exactly the same method I have developed for and used myself for both interior and exterior applications.
Slight different is in finishing particularly exterior rot or the little honeycomb or pinholes you sometimes get left with. The great stuff about the bondo like products is when it dries its really really hard. The bad thing about the bondo like products is when it dries its really really hard. LOL this also means added sanding. So finish off those very minor little holes I'll sometimes just use Spackle.
On the exterior I will sometimes intentionally use the bondo to fill into just a hair below the surface. then finish it off with an exterior Spackle that goes by the name of "Synko Exterior Spackling Paste". Its not available everywhere but it is the best exterior Spackle I have found. It goes on just like regular spackle and more importantly sands just as easily and literally like regular spackle and when it dries. Even if it rains on it without any primer or paint on it it wont flake or wash out. Ive tried other brands but have found this to be the best.
I too buy the extra hardener as I find that the small tube included runs out before the rest of the can.
Again. Nice job
This helped me with a large hole in T-111 (exterior) siding. The basic problem was to fill the gap evenly, so the putty would not sag. As the video makes clear, letting the putty harden layer-on-layer avoids the problem with applying a huge blob of putty, hoping it somehow stablizes in-place.
Craig's warnings about sanding a resin and fiberglas product cannot be stressed enough-- people with lung disease include those who refused to wear a respirator, or believed a light industrial dust mask would be enough.
This video is extremely well-produced, with good lighting, appropriate camera angles and distance, and a well-planned narrative.
This is the most valuable DIY I've seen this year! Thank you Craig.
I totally agree with Steve Hammond's comment. Most informative wood/body putty tutorial on the web. Nice job Craig & thanks for the huge amount of time that you've saved me.
This is great! My house is 100 years old and I have alot of tiny repairs to do on it. I will be doing this to some of my window sills. Thanks so much!!
Sorry I am a little late to the game. I just had to let you know you have given me some great insight on a repair to some rotted wood on my front door frame. I was thinking Wood filler at first but watching videos on it and then this I think this will fit my needs a lot better. Thank you for this very instructional video.
I got some bondo for a project that I haven’t done yet, and your video has given me a ton of tips on how to do it the right way, thank you and appreciated! 💪🏻💥👍🏻
Excellent Video! I'm learning how to use Bondo for general repairs and this video was a Godsend! Thanks, Craig!
Thanks a million! I just realized I can fix my rotted window sill myself and I'm looking forward to it! This was super complete.
the best diy informational and instructional video ever. super job! thank you.
Great video Craig, very thorough and easily understood. You would make a terrific teacher.
Thank you so much! That means a lot. That is my goal in one way or another, to be a teacher. I do teach children in small private classes and of course my own children. I’m so glad you liked it. Please keep watching and subscribe if you haven’t already.
Thanks Craig...I've used this technique with limited success in the past.....now, with your input, I'm headed to NAPA with two projects in mind....great video.
Fabulous common sense approach to fixing many problems! Lots of great tips! Thank you!
Thank you Rhonda! I try very hard to take a simple approach towards things. Step-by-step. I think that’s the best way to learn. Please keep watching there will be more videos as time and money allows.
Your a freaking hero in my book. I don't usually like watching tutorial videos that is 20 min long but this one was worth it. I will definitely be using this stuff in the future for my deck. Thank you sir!
I am wondering if you couldn't basically put a light coat on the whole deck. Leaving room for expansion and contraction. You essentially would be mimicking the artificial decking. Very expensive. I'm thinking the side of rusted metal sheds..this would keep out little critters and pest I would prepare it first. I am a wannabe woodworker, mechanic and musician..50 years guitar and piano Picked up five string banjo..a few years ago .That is one fun instrument. Great video here.
All the glowing accolades are all correct. I have watched a fair number of DIY home repair since my house is old and tired.
Craig's is the most comprehensive video I ever saw, without wasting any time on nonsense or tangents. All content was useful, especially the opening explanation of the product.
I feel prepared to tackle the rotted sill.
I hope you make as much on your videos, as you do on your day job. 41 people are wrong at the time of this comment.
(hope this Shotwell is not the same shot dead in Maryland in May 2019. if so, hope his boys have some income from his great video (videos))
Thanks for the video. The vernier started to bubble up and peel on portions of my exterior side door. I used a utility knife to cut out the bad parts and then used Bondo to fill in the gaps. Worked perfect! Also had a little rot at the bottom of the door. I used some TiteBond glue brushed on liberally to seal up and harden the rot, then Bondo.
When I was a residential general contractor my painter used Bondo to fill all the nail holes from the trim carpenters. I loved this as at warranty time in one year there were NEVER nail pops or sink ins from using regular putty other painters used. I instantly become a fan of Bondo, esp because it also has sooooo many uses.
Something satisfying about watching these repairs. Thank you!!! I will use all of this information for my home repairs.
Not really sure how I ended up here but glad I did. Well explained, clear and concise and, most importantly, has given me loads of practical ideas. I’m in the uk so need to find our version of it. Thanks 👍
Wow... What a great video Craig! Very informative, complete and helpful. I wish I knew about this 50 years ago. I never thought of these applications. I learned a lot of new tricks from your video. Thanks for sharing Craig!
Thank you for making this video. Spoken like a true professional and very pleasant voice and delivery. My compliments.
Years ago I was moving and getting my house ready to sell. I had completed all the projects, paint and repair, and was doing a last walk through. I opened the back storm door and a big gust of wind ripped the door out of my hands and ripped screws out of the casing. Now I had another repair to do and i am no carpenter. A good carpenter lived across the street from me and he and his son had just opened a custom hardwood shop. I measured the broken piece and asked the son if he could make me a new piece of casing with these exact dimensions. He made that piece and it was perfect. However, when I installed my new repair piece there were still two horizontal slice marks where I had sawn the broken piece out of the casing. I had heard of using Bondo but had never done it. I was running low on time so I decided to try it. I smeared the bondo into the slice kerfs and let it dry then painted it. I came by the next day to inspect my repair and I couldn't tell where I had made that repair. It looked like one piece of wood, it was that good.
My .02 worth Seems could be filled. Should stop moisture and pest intrusion Of course probably best to experiment with similar pieces at the bench let it dry etc I mostly build children's furniture.
Thanks! I bought some cabinets that I had to run longer screws into a lazy Susan base and grind the screws off leaving unsightly marks in the lazy Susan trays. This will fill those gouges perfectly. I subbed!
Great video. I have used Bondo several times to fix exterior wood rot, but your way of using painters tape to shape the line after apply Bondo is brilliant. Wish I had thought of it and it'd saved me hours. And use staples as rebar, and many other applications of Bondo. Learned a lot. Thanks.
What a great video Mr. Shotwell and you place a lot of emphasis on safety . I've mixed Bondo in used / clean margarine or other plastic containers with a plastic lid and put the excess in a fridge to slow down cure time until needed . Thanks again for an excellent video .
Thanks...I've got a quarter size divot in the door frame of a $1200 front door with beveled glass from minor termite damage. I dug it out six months ago to continue to monitor for termites--which were killed off a couple of years ago and haven't returned, so I'll be filling that in and repainting. Years ago I worked in the remodel/new home biz as a floor installer and saw many contractors using Bondo instead of a regular floor filler for some minor floor plywood or OSB repairs before laying carpet. They also used it with great success on older wood frame windows on the exterior parts.
I have also used bondo in several wood rot situations. For outside, once I clear out the rot, I use a product called "wood hardener". I never used the staples or screws before, so this is a real handy tip. Thank you very much.
Check that out! Wood hardener. I’ll have to look that up.
Yeah you really need to anchor it well, esp if it’s ext or movement nearby.
Thanks for watching and for the tip.
Thank you so much for explaining how to make simple repairs indoors and outdoors. I am looking to repair outdoor patio furniture both wood and metal. 😊❤️
Great Job! I have been preaching the wonders of Bondo for years. Learned a few new tips like the screws & staples reinforcing and shaping with the masking tape. Thanks for posting!
Wow Craig you just solved a massive problem for me. this is one of the best most useful and informative lessons ever on making bondo work to fix many issues. I hope to use it on some rotted wood area on a fascia. Thanks so much
Wow thank you so much!! I’ve been repairing houses for over 35 years and this is better than the ways I’ve been doing.
This is the most comprehensive explanation on how to use Bondo. The man is very professional.
This is on another level, been researching for years on how to fix my banged up doors, finally hit the jackpot!! Wish I hadn't bought all those wood fillers and thrown away the receipts though 😅
Thank you so much for a thorough, comprehensive video to repair rotted/damaged wood. Saved me the cost of hiring a professional. I will tackle this job myself for outdoor rotted framing around a garage door.
Love to hear it. So happy it helped you. Keep going and you'll only get better. All the best.
Just got an out door wrought iron railing that was in desperate need of repairing and repainting. It was rusted and pitted. I wire brushed the rusty spots and used Bondo Automotive body filler, sanded and painted. Beats cutting and welding . It came out like new and the owner was happy.
This is the first time I tried Bondo. I was a bit unesy to use it, but with your great instructions I feel confident to give it a try. Again thank you.
Well cool Skip. I'm so happy you got confidence from my vid. Check back for more vids. Thanks!
Excellent video. Organized, clear, concise, and very informative. Thank you.
Awesome! So happy I happened upon your video. Gives me the solution to exactly what I needed. Blessings❣️
Great Video tutorial. I just bought a product call Home Fix (Super Strength) Universal repair filler, made by Evercoat. Evrcoat offers very little in the way of decent information on how to properly prep, mix and apply this product Other than whats in the tiniest print I've ever seen on the can). It's basically a body putty with some fiberglass fibers in it and works just like the Bondo brand you demonstrate in your video, but I've never done this type of repair. Now i have the confidence to do it right. This is for an exterior facia repair. I've already prepped it and discovered that part of the wood was damp so I'm going to give it a day or two to dry out. I like your screw, staple, or finishing nail tip for something extra to grab onto, totally makes sense. Oh, and the painters tape tip also genius. Thanks
Excellent video, wish all other RUclips videos were like this. Thank you
Thanks for the video. You convinced me that I'll be just fine buying a dinged-up 80-year-old house.
One of the best how-to videos I've seen in a long time. Thank you!
Outside application on rotted wood. Clean and remove the spongy rot. let it become dry. My preference apply an epoxy wood rot conditioner and let it soak in and harden. One it stops further rotting and kills any bug in that area. Now bondo and finish.
Yup
This is great! Answers so many questions I have about using body putty for wood projects. Thanks for making this video - one of most helpful videos for DIYers I've seen.
Wow, big compliment! Thanks so much. Please subscribe if you haven't already. There will be many more videos.
I MUST MAKE THIS CLEAR. BY FAR, ONE THE BEST VIDEO PRESENTATIONS - EVER.
Thanks TW!!! What a nice thing to say. Which vid did you watch. It doesn’t say on my end. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. There will be many more.
A thorough and clearly explained video. As an educational administrator, I would happily welcome Craig to our staff.
I worked in an auto body shop when I was in high school, so I am used to using "Bondo." I really like the idea of using a screw or a staple to help it it adhere. I have a spot where a woodpecker made a large hole on a piece of wooden corner trim on the second floor of my house, that this should be a perfect solution for. Thanks for laying it all out so completely.
FYI, I found some 'Bondo' brand auto body putty with the red hardener included.
Outstanding presentation. Step by step in clear language. The networks and home stores could use some pointers from Craig. Love the additional uses for the process and product at the end of the video. Keep em coming, Craig!
Thanks Dzedo. I put everything into my work. I am improving production quality moving forward. Stay tuned. Many more to come.
You are the Man ! Just watched and was amazed at the difference in how we used to do it and the new ways of now. Great video !
Hi again, Craig. I just completed my project and I could not be more pleased! A friend gave me an antique Singer sewing machine with a treadle and cabinet she picked up at a local yard sale. A lot of the veneer was badly damaged from years of neglect. I repaired the veneer as you demonstrated, then chalk painted it white, changed out the knobs and gave it a bit of bling for a shabby chic look. It now looks just beautiful and I have received many compliments on how nicely it turned out! Thanks again for giving me the knowledge (and courage) to tackle this project and move out of my comfort zone.
Great. Did you stain the putty after shaping it? If so how'd that go?
Thanks for the good info, Craig. You've given me the confidence to tackle a rotted 4x4 on our pergola.
Why not take that rotten 4x4 out and replace with new?
I have used Iospon P38 in the UK for over 40 years on near everything. Wardrobes, doors, skirting, even to repair laminate floors. Great stuff and the P38 1 Gallon tin lasted me all that time without failing!
Great instruction on how to use body filler & its many applications (& advantages). Thanks for sharing.
Outstanding application of body putty. Thanks for such a thorough and professional video ... extremely useful.
Thanks Jaz! I appreciate that. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. There will be many more vids.
Outstanding video. Thank you for your time. Safety First. Great job.
i have been dealing with a couple of these issues and would have never thought to try this on wood, ive been using wood glues and stuff, i repaired a rusty steel door with fiber glass kit and putty. the vid is very helpful and very informative. thank you
Hey Craig, Thank you for this video, you saved me a time and money. I had a beam in my bathroom that got rotten, had to replace my floor but really didn't want to replace the beam. So I Dremel tool and like a dentist removing a cavity I removed the rotten wood from the beam. Repaired the beam with your method and it worked great. Thanks again.
Well look at that! Thanks for sharing your results. That is my aim.
@Videouploadsoyoucansee did you get a good fix?
Great video and good explanation. I have used polyester body filler many times for wood repairs. I found one method of ensuring the wood and the filler do stay together and not separate is to remove all the rotten wood so you have clean solid wood remaining and then use a sharp chisel to open up some
holes at angles at various points ensuring there are no loose bits and then apply the filler making sure it is thoroughly pushed in the holes left by the chisel. These give the filler good anchor points so that it stays put. If you are going to replace any ironmongery using screws or staples as anchors may get in the way, so prefer to use no metalware. Where you have to put a lot of filler in I tend to do it in stages and build it up gradually, as you say it bonds to itself very well.
Holy CRAP!!!!
THIS VIDEO IS STRAIGHT UP AWESOME!!!!!!
THANK YOU
I've been doing repairs for many years and never thought of taping to to mold...I guess I always figured it would get stuck and be a pain to remove. I'm definitely going to try this next time.
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Excellent video, Craig. Lots of creative uses here and I really like the idea of adding metal fasteners to act like "rebar" for the putty! I've used body filler on wood and mdf (it works great for finishing mdf speaker cabinets before paint) but got a lot of great ideas watching this!
Thanks Jamie! I appreciate the feed back. So happy it worked out for you. Keep posted or subscribed. Many more to come.
Thank you! Really appreciate the thorough and detailed tutorial!
Excellent video. I've used body putty for years both on cars/trucks and around the house. great stuff super how to video. Thanks!
Really thorough presentation. Great examples and well demonstrated. Thanks.
The world needs more people like you. Thank you.
This video is terrific. Not needless information included. Great demonstrations. Super helpful! Great job and video!
Great Video. On larger wood repairs I like to use two part fiberglass resin first, painting it onto the wood. This absorbs into the wood and increases the bond of the body putty to the wood. Again it only takes minutes for it to harden and reduces the likely hood of the two materials separating, which can happen in an exterior wood repair application.
One of the best Home Improvement videos I've seen on RUclips. Well done.
Thank you Rose. That means a lot to me. Have you seen my other videos? I have seven others. I'll be posting more.
Best DIY video I'd seen for a long time. Thank you!!!!
ill say your welcome for him he died 2 years ago thanks for the support though
I did fixed a piece of soffit with body Bondo about 10 yrs ago
Everybody was looking at me crazy . I love work with that stuff . It's so easy to work with
Great tutorial, and excellent ideas and uses of Bondo. Thank you for sharing
Great video dude. I've been using wood filler for years and always hated the way it doesn't work on large areas. It's weak and often I have to mix sawdust to make it usable.
I'm off to the store to get some body putty to fix some wood rot and door repairs. Thanks for the excellent how to...