Bondo Resin

Trek 1701 · Post by **Trek 1701** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:27 am

I want to build, scratchbuild, and make pieces out of resin. I don't want to spend lots of money on the expensive stuff. Will Bondo 2-part resin, that I see at Wal-mart, work for these projects? Any problems with it?

modelnutz · Post by **modelnutz** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:43 am

One word.....shrinkage.

If you make a massive part..the stuff gets real hot...and the more mass you have, the more it shrinks.

Don't let me stop you from using it though...it's a great modeling material.

Just build up to your shape slowly in thin layers and it should work fine.

Modelnutz 8)

Trek 1701 · Post by **Trek 1701** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:50 am

How massive of a piece? I mainly want to replicate parts of AMT/Ertl models.

Darkov · Post by **Darkov** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:22 am

I had similar thoughts of using Bondo Fiberglass resin. I bought a pint of it and used it to cast a few parts.....they came out sticky.....not sure if I mixed the stuff right. Also It shrank ALOT. Smelled awful. And once it had cured for a few days the stuff is VERY brittle. I may use it for very small parts that have simple shapes..but I'll just have to suck it up and pay the higher prices for the real deal.

Pete

modelnutz · Post by **modelnutz** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:03 pm

Trek...if the parts are thin, it should work OK....Bondo's kinda' brittle though. You may end up with a fragile pc. Give it a try though..I don't want to stop the joy of experimental learning !

Darkov...If I understand you correctly....you used automotive fiberglass resin without the fiberglass ? Yes ?
That type of resin really needs the addition of wax to make a dry sandable plastic....next time you might try a finishing resin called gel coat in the industry.....it still shrinks though. And stinks (and will eventually kill you

)

Why don't you guys get in touch with Smooth-on and get a trial kit of some resin....small parts..I'd recommend SC-300
It's a fast kick resin that sets up hard in the mold. A slower resin would be SC-320
They also have trial kits of silicone.
Not too tough to use if you remember to stir the silicone slowly ( You don't want to trap too much air ) and pour over your part in a very thin stream.

In my experiance..that's the way to go.

I have a couple of more cents worth......but that's for later

Modelnutz 8)
"the name sez it all"