How to Fix Skate Spots with Bondo
A seemingly perfect ledge or set can easily be ruined by a crack or hole in the run-up or landing. Oftentimes street spots require some elbow grease and time to make them ready to skate. Learning how to work with bondo allows you to provide a quick fix and get a session going in no time.
Here is a list of supplies you will need to get started:
- Body Filler and Hardner (Bondo)
- Spreader
- Broom
- Duct Tape or Masking Tape
- Mixing Palette (cardboard, paint tray, back sheet of grip, etc.)
- Mixing Stick
- Sand Paper
- Gloves
- Optional: Bucket with some water
- Optional: Coloring Paste
- Optional: Clear Lacquer (for ledges)
Also, please keep in mind to use bondo at your discretion. It is not recommended for private property and other high-bust areas.
STEP 1:
Sweep out the crack you want to fill. If there is dirt or debris left in the crack the bondo won’t set right and it can potentially peel up easier.
STEP 2:
Create a border of tape around the area you are going to fill. Duct tape works best because it is wide and allows a bit of spillover when filling the crack with the bondo mixture.
STEP 3:
Pour bondo onto mixing surface and add the hardener. Keep in mind the mixture will require much more bondo than hardener. Be sure to see the instructions on the can for the proper ratio. The more hardener you add, the quicker the bondo will harden. And if you add too much it will become unworkable before you can apply it.
STEP 4:
Once the mixture is evenly mixed you can begin to apply it to the crack or surface you are using it on. Wipe it with the spreader to make it as even as possible. Also, try to keep it within your tape border so you don’t overflow around the edges.
STEP 5:
Once you have finished applying the bondo, put your spreaders in the bucket of water to clean them. Let the bondo set for 10-15 minutes.
STEP 6:
If the bondo is rubbery, let it set a bit longer to fully harden. Once it is completely set you can start pulling up the duct tape. Be careful not to pull up the bondo with the tape.
STEP 7:
Rub sandpaper on the edges of the bondo where the tape was to make a more smooth and seamless transition from the riding surface onto the bondo.
STEP 8:
Test it out!
Another factor to consider is keeping your bondo job as clean as possible. If it looks professionally done it has a better chance of blending in and being undetected. You can also add coloring paste to the mixture to match the surface you are applying it to. This method of applying bondo can also be used on ledges and pool coping, although a tougher anchoring adhesive may work best since the surface will be subject to more wear. You can also spray on some clear coat lacquer after the adhesive is applied to help further preserve the ledge or coping.
We hope you found this tutorial on fixing skate spots with bondo useful. If you like this type of content sure to check out our other DIY guides such as How to make Concrete Ledges Skateable.