PC Woody vs Bondo: Which is Better? (2024 Guide)
There are so many great wood fillers available, but two of my favorites are PC Woody and Bondo.
Both of these fillers are excellent and are some of the best epoxy wood fillers you can buy, but which is better? Let’s dig in!
- Overall, I prefer PC Woody because it’s slightly stronger and has a better appearance.
- However, Bondo can be cheaper and still does a great job on many jobs.
PC Woody vs Bondo Wood Fillers
Strength
When working on wood repair projects, it’s important to select a filler with sufficient strength.
PC Woody is an epoxy-based filler that offers unmatched strength and durability. It bonds well to wood, ensuring adequate support for filling cracks, holes, and gouges.
On the other hand, Bondo also provides strong adhesion to wood but isn’t quite as strong as PC Woody.
If you need maximum strength – go with PC Woody.
Appearance
Another key differentiator between these two fillers is the overall appearance when they dry.
PC Woody, being an epoxy product, tends to better mimic the look of real wood once cured and can be easily stained or painted to match surrounding wood grain.
Bondo also takes paints well, but doesn’t provide a finish as close to real wood as PC Woody, making the repaired area more noticeable.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is an essential factor when repairing wood that’s exposed to moisture. Both of these wood fillers are tremendous exterior wood fillers, however PC Woody does slightly better of locking out moisture.
It provides a long-lasting and water-resistant seal, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Bondo also does a great job in terms of water resistance, but I found that PC Woody did slightly better – but not by much!
Ease of Use
Both PC Woody and Bondo are relatively easy to use, even for DIY enthusiasts.
Each product comes as a two-part system, requiring mixing a resin and hardener at a specific ratio before applying.
You can easily apply these fillers using a putty knife, and they sand smoothly once cured.
However, keep in mind that the drying time and sanding qualities may vary by product.
In general, it might take longer for PC Woody to cure, while Bondo cures faster, allowing you to start sanding sooner.
Price
Budget is always a consideration for me, and Bondo certainly tends to be a more cost-effective option compared to PC Woody.
While PC Woody offers some advantages in terms of strength, appearance, and water resistance, Bondo’s affordability might make it a more attractive choice, especially for simple DIY projects that don’t require the higher performance offered by PC Woody.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between PC-Woody and Bondo?
PC-Woody and Bondo are both wood fillers, but they have some differences in terms of composition and usage. PC-Woody is an epoxy-based filler that provides excellent strength and durability for wood repairs. It works best for filling in large gaps, cracks, and holes. Similarly, Bondo is an epoxy-based filler that is more flexible and versatile. It can be used to repair wood as well as other materials, such as metal and fiberglass. Bondo tends to be more suitable for smaller repairs and is known for its fast-drying time.
Do PC-Woody and Bondo have different drying times?
Yes, drying times of PC-Woody and Bondo do vary. PC-Woody usually takes a longer time to dry compared to Bondo. While Bondo can sometimes be sanded in around 15 minutes and painted in about 25 minutes, PC-Woody requires a longer drying period before you can sand or paint it. The specific drying time of PC-Woody may vary depending on the area repaired and the environmental conditions, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.
Can both PC-Woody and Bondo be painted over?
Yes, both PC-Woody and Bondo can be painted over once they are dry and properly sanded. However, it is essential to note that the final appearance may vary between the two products. PC-Woody, being epoxy-based, might not absorb paint as consistently as the surrounding wood, potentially leading to slight differences in color or texture. Bondo Wood Filler, on the other hand, can be stained but may not absorb the stain in the same way as the surrounding wood, leading to subtle differences in appearance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m a huge fan of PC Woody wood filler over Bondo. Unless you’re looking for a budget filler that doesn’t need to be extremely strong, I’d recommend PC Woody.