Quick simple question, using the Evercoat Vette panel goop and I think that I’m going to run out of the hardener before I run out of the goop. Can I use any type cream hardener IE “Bondo” brand hardener or is the Evercoat hardener specific for the Evercoat goop. I suppose I could mix up a tiny batch and find out but figured that I’m not the first person to run into this situation and it’s easier to ask. Not to mention Wal-Mart is 10 minutes away, Body supply store an hour away and closed on the weekends. Thanks in advance.

It's a polyester filler, so you can use any other cream hardener for other polyester fillers. Been there done that.

Tip: If you're using it on SMC panels, its a good idea to prime the panel before applying the filler.

quote Originally posted by L67: It's a polyester filler, so you can use any other cream hardener for other polyester fillers. Been there done that. Tip: If you're using it on SMC panels, its a good idea to prime the panel before applying the filler.

Seriously? Why would you prime when using a product specifically designed to be used on SMC??? Now, if you want to fill small imperfections using a catalyst-hardened putty, it's best to prime with PPG epoxy primer first (after sanding of course).
I believe it's OK to use other polyester filler hardeners.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: Seriously? Why would you prime when using a product specifically designed to be used on SMC?

Because polyester fillers absorb water. Priming the panel before and after using the filler seals polyester so that it can't swell. And regardless if the filler was designed with SMC or fiberglass in mind, epoxy primers on the whole adhere much better than lightweight fillers. It's one of the pro tips I picked up conversing with a professional. You don't have to, it's just one of those steps towards perfection. Primer should most definitely be laid on top of the filler so that the paint will catalyze with the primer surface, otherwise there will only be a mechanical bond over the filler.

quote Originally posted by L67: Because polyester fillers absorb water. Priming the panel before and after using the filler seals polyester so that it can't swell. And regardless if the filler was designed with SMC or fiberglass in mind, epoxy primers on the whole adhere much better than lightweight fillers. It's one of the pro tips I picked up conversing with a professional. You don't have to, it's just one of those steps towards perfection. Primer should most definitely be laid on top of the filler so that the paint will catalyze with the primer surface, otherwise there will only be a mechanical bond over the filler.

Have you ever used 'Vette Panel Filler? It's not near as porous as bondo. Plus, where would it get moisture from? Through the SMC?
EDIT: If you're going to prime with PPG epoxy primer first, you may as well use bondo instead of 'Vette Panel Filler.
As for whether epoxy primer adheres better than fillers on different surfaces, I've seen no evidence of it. I do suggest using PPG epoxy on bare metal that you plan to fill, but won't have time for the filler for a while.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

[This message has been edited by Tha Driver (edited 11-05-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: Have you ever used 'Vette Panel Filler? It's not near as porous as bondo.

It has talc powder in it. Talc is hygroscopic.

quote Originally posted by L67: It has talc powder in it. Talc is hygroscopic.

I guess you know more about it than I do. I've only been using it since they started making 'Vettes with SMC - in the '70s.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

Thanks for the answer, will grab some regular hardener tonight (sick this weekend)
Not for nothing but on the PPG DP50LF Tec sheet that I got it says to wait 90 minutes dry time before applying body filler. I remember this clearly because I thought, now why would I put filler ON TOP of primer, that’s just stupid!!!
But apparently you can. The Evercoat stuff (as well as the PPG) is so sticky that maybe some on top of the primer would be fine. I prefer to do my body work THEN prime but that’s just me and I really don’t know what I’m doing anyway.
You can put spot putty on top of primer, so I would think a small amount would be fine. I have to imagine teh quality of the evercoat stuff is better than Bondo spot putty.

It's not a bad idea to use the PPG epoxy under filler on bare metal, especially if it's been sandblasted to remove rust (& I highly recommend it if you're not doing the filler for a while). But even then I've seen folks test that theory & in *their* tests it (bondo) doesn't stick as well to the epoxy as it does to bare metal ground with a 24 grit disc. I'll agree it wasn't a scientific test. But to put it on SMC under 'Vette panel filler is just a waste IMO.
EDIT: If the "spot putty" you're talking about is the air-dry type in a tube DON'T USE IT.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts

[This message has been edited by Tha Driver (edited 11-07-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: EDIT: If the "spot putty" you're talking about is the air-dry type in a tube DON'T USE IT. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"

I just grabbed a tube of the 3m/Bondo brand that you can get anywhere... but haven't used it yet. Why not and what should i be using? I saw a 2 part type, also 3M/Bondo brand, is that better? Or just stay away from that all together and get...??

quote Originally posted by DLCLK87GT: I just grabbed a tube of the 3m/Bondo brand that you can get anywhere... but haven't used it yet. Why not and what should i be using? I saw a 2 part type, also 3M/Bondo brand, is that better? Or just stay away from that all together and get...??

The air-dry putty is just extra thick lacquer primer. If you put it on thicker than about 1/32", it won't dry. Then it swells or shrinks after you've painted & ruins your paintjob. I never use anything that isn't catalyst hardened.
http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=469.0
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts