Working Windows: A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows by Terry Meany

Author:Terry Meany [Meany, Terry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780762765768
Publisher: Lyons Press
Published: 2008-04-14T22:00:00+00:00

Automotive Body Filler

Bondo is the most recognized name here and it has a host of products for home, auto, industrial, and marine. Basic automotive body filler or compound consists of a polyester filler material and a hardening agent. It is quick drying, sands easily, and is an excellent choice for interior wood repair. For exterior repairs and repairs requiring structural properties, marine or waterproof automotive body filler with added fiberglass is a better choice. Bondo does manufacture a fiberglass jelly and other weatherproof products appropriate for this work.

For a more liquid filler, fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin can be thinned 25 percent with acetone allowing it to soak into weakened or deteriorated wood to strengthen the fibers, according to Robert J. Albrecht (Old House journal, May/June 1993). He notes it is similar to soaking the wood with consolidant (see Liquid Wood below) and yields excellent results. Polyester resin, which comes in liquid form, is available at automotive supply stores along with automotive body compound. It is also available at marine supply stores.

When used properly, these materials are suitable for many window repairs. Proper use includes using the material on dry wood, thoroughly packing the cavity or area to be repaired with the filler so you do not leave any gaps or voids, and allowing sufficient time for it to harden in a dry, preferably warm, area. You might have to apply the material several times to complete your repair if the cavity is deep.

Some repairers and restorers shun automotive body fillers and claim they are inadequate and eventually loosen and separate from the wood they are repairing. There is some truth to this, particularly if a corner of a sash has some flex to it (the stile working against the rail due to warping, for instance) and the material isn’t properly applied or maintained. For the most part, I haven’t found this to be a problem, but would always advocate waterproof material for your repairs.

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