Best filler for skim coating plastic?

I use Bondo Auto Glazing Putty - this is not the two-part filler that you mix (I use that, too, for bigger/tougher jobs, but not nearly as often).  This flows freely, holds to raw plastic, primer, or paint, hardens nicely, sands smooth and fine, and seems to tolerate all primers and paint.  I buy mine on Amazon - good discount, free shipping with Prime, etc. 

 

Kenn,

Go to the Westlake Publishing Forums and search on: filler, putty...etc.

Lots of good info there.

Matt

I use the Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty too.  This is a nice filler for what you want to do.  You should be able to pick it up at Auto Zone, Advance Auto or other automotive stores.

The glazing putty will work (it used to be known as "red lead", though it is plastic..I suspect because they used to use molten lead many years ago to do what you do with this stuff), it goes on pretty easily and is easily sanded. If you need a really smooth surface sand it with regular sandpaper to the contour you need, then use progressive sanding with wet/dry sandpaper using finer and finer grits, it will create a very smooth surface.

Bondo stuff is available at most auto supply places and can be applied in a very thin layer and can be sanded/polished down with wet sanding 1000/2000 grit film.  If you want an even smoother finish you can buff with old blue jean denim.

Can this also be used to fill a hole and re-drill? Despite my best efforts, I drilled the holes for markers on a passenger car a bit askew.

Holes would have to be pretty small to just use the bondo.  I would recommend plugging the hole with a piece of sprue, trim the sprue and sand that down and use the filler for final surface prep.  Alternative is to put a piece of sheet styrene on back side so filler has something to grab onto.

The above mentioned will work. But what I use is plain old Testors model glue and a old razor blade for a spreader. Never had a problem and flows alot better than bondo or putty as it's thinner, less messy too. Good Luck

Glazing putty they are talking about is too soft for that kind of thing, for that, use bondo or two part expoxy to fill the hole, then drill and tap. They sell small size two part expoxy (some of it comes as a ribbon, where you meld the two halves together), or auto parts stores have gas tank mend that is similar, or marine stores. The glazing putty is fairly soft, which is why it is easier to work with. (On cars I don't use glazing putty, I work with the regular bondo and get that smooth..pain in the butt, but for a car finish it is more durable I found)