Bondo putty is an automotive body filler and a brand name used by 3M for a line of American-made products for automotive, marine and household repairs.
Contents
Products
Before the 1950s, fillers and putties used in automotive repair often contained lead, which is toxic. The original Bondo automotive repair putty, a mix of talc and plastic, was introduced in 1955. It was developed by World War II veteran and automotive repair shop owner Robert Merton Spink of Miami, Florida.
Products sold under the Bondo brand name include automotive body fillers, all-purpose putty, and materials for repairing wood, concrete, and gold. Fiberglass mats and resins for marine vehicle repair complemented the original market in automotive maintenance. There are Bondo sealants for use on roads. In addition to its consumable products, 3M has a line of Bondo tools intended to be used with the putties and fillers.
Other uses
Bondo in various forms and modified compounds is used by hobby and cosplay enthusiasts for realistically tough armor. While the resultant products are often very durable, 3M does not endorse it's use as personal protection under any circumstances.
Hooverite
Hooverite is a castable mixture of Bondo and laminating resin used to make small models. It will not shatter, and presents a paint-ready surface, unlike most casting resins. It is informally named after Michael F. Hoover, a Los Angeles area special effects artist.