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Bondo Plastic Metal vs Spot Putty: What Are The Key Differences? We Ask Chat GPT

Ok so you need to repair your car because some bad luck has hit it recently. You can take it into the shop and pay out the nose, or you can attempt to fix it yourself and save a whole bunch of money. Well there are some options out there, more specifically from a brand called Bondo. They have two products . Plastic metal and spot putty. They both service similar purposes but still have some key differences. Chat GPT gets us a good analysis, but before we get there let's take a look at the two products in question.


First we have the Bondo Plastic Metal. Currently on Amazon for $11.67 and it has a 4.5 star score on over 600 ratings.


Bondo Plastic Metal, Seals & Fills Almost Any Metal Surface for Durability & Longevity, 5 oz.

Then have Bondo Spot Putty. Currently on Amazon for $12.78 and it has a 4.6 star score on over 1,400 ratings.


Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty, Fills Pinholes, Scratches, Minor Dings & Hairline Cracks, 16 oz, 1 Tube

Now let's kick it to Chat GPT to see what it has to say on the differences between the two...


"Bondo Plastic Metal and spot putty are both automotive repair products used to fill and smooth imperfections in vehicle surfaces, but they serve different purposes and are applied in different stages of the repair process.


  1. Bondo Plastic Metal:

  • Purpose: Bondo Plastic Metal is a type of body filler designed for more substantial repairs. It is ideal for filling dents, rust holes, and other larger imperfections in metal surfaces.

  • Composition: It typically contains a mixture of polyester resin and metal particles, making it durable and suitable for repairing metal surfaces.

  • Application: Bondo Plastic Metal is applied over the damaged area, where it adheres well to metal surfaces and provides a strong, sturdy base for further refinishing.

  1. Spot Putty:

  • Purpose: Spot putty, on the other hand, is a finishing product used for smaller imperfections, pinholes, scratches, or minor dings in the bodywork. It is not intended for large or structural repairs.

  • Composition: Spot putty is usually a fine-grain filler that may contain ingredients like nitrocellulose or other polymers. It is formulated to be smoother and finer than body filler.

  • Application: Spot putty is applied over the sanded and primed surface, filling in tiny imperfections. It is meant to provide a smooth, even surface for painting.

Choosing Between the Two:


  • Use Bondo Plastic Metal for larger repairs where structural integrity is important.

  • Use spot putty for smaller, more cosmetic imperfections, and as a final step before painting.

  • It's common to use both products in sequence during the repair process, starting with Bondo Plastic Metal for major repairs and finishing with spot putty for fine-tuning the surface before painting.

Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by the product manufacturer for proper application, drying times, and sanding techniques to achieve the best results."

There you have it! Now that you know whats what, grab the right product (or both) and fix those dents!


NOTE: All price and review info is based on the time of posting. The numbers may have changed since the creation of this article. Don't forget to always research everything yourself before you buy it, don't just take our word for it. All links to Amazon on this page are part of the Associates program which gives us commissions, thanks for your support!


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