kitty hair bondo filler

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#1

I have just made a mold for a sunroof panel. The panel popped out and the mold looked good but I used the green kitty hair bondo as a filler and once the mold was out it delaminated from the resin/csm. I am wondering if there is a way to prevent this?

As well, is there a filler i could likely find in my garage that would work well and be sandable. I have heard of using sand but I have a feeling it would cause problems when sanding. I have tried using sawdust but it just doesn’t work that well.

Yet another…the whole plastacine thing…do you leave the plastacine that you have fitted to the edges of the part in the mold or do you remove it and fill after? what prevents the plsticine from changing shape once molded if poked???

As usual, Werksberg is the place to go for composite learning!!! :smiley:

Thanks guys

#2

I use epoxy filler to deal with small imperfections in moulds. Sticks very well indeed, and doesnt fall out…easily available from marine supply places.

#3

I wouldnt use it in a mold that is to have a vacuumed part pulled from it. But if your using it to shape a plug that is to be molded then OK. Or on hand layed up parts its not a big deal.

Ideally you wouldnt use putty for anything structural. Or as an integral part of a mold that is going to have a lot of parts pulled from it. Thats would be a waste of time/money.

Its ideal for finishing plugs. Or neatening them, making them look clean instead of sloppy, or however you want to say it.

The key to not distorting it is to spray enough gel that minor pressure wont distort it.