Quick Fact
Most wood fillers dry as solvents evaporate, but Builders Bog is different. It's a two-part polyester filler that cures through a chemical reaction. Honestly, this is the best part: it means there's no discernible shrinkage while it hardens, giving you a stable and durable repair every time.
Geographic Context
You won't find Builders Bog on a map, but its development is linked to the global building materials trade. The formula tackles a common construction headache everywhere: materials that shrink and crack as they dry. A stable filler becomes pretty crucial when you've got big swings in temperature and humidity—think damp UK coastlines or the dry Australian outback, where this stuff is really popular.
Key Details
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Timber repair filler for windowsills, doors, and rot |
| Also Adheres To | Concrete, masonry, metal, brick, many plastics, fibreglass |
| Working Time | 3-8 minutes after mixing (varies with temperature) |
| Initial Set | Gels to a cheese-like consistency for shaping |
| Full Cure Time | Approximately 30-60 minutes |
| Post-Cure Workability | Can be sanded, drilled, nailed, and screwed |
| Colouring Method | Can be tinted with dry concrete oxides |
Interesting Background
Here's the thing: the word "bog" is slang from Australian and New Zealand builders for a thick, gooey filler. The tech actually comes from mid-20th century automotive body fillers, which were also polyester-based. By tweaking that chemistry for building work, they made a product that cures from a heat-producing reaction between resin and hardener—it doesn't just dry out. That reaction creates a network of polymer chains, which is what stops any shrinkage and gives you a hard material that acts a lot like real wood. Some folks even call it "wood in a can."
Practical Information
To use it properly, the mix ratio is key. You'll want a 2.5cm length of hardener for every 20g (that's a heaped tablespoon) of the filler base. Mix it until the color is totally even. If your workshop is cold, use a bit more hardener to speed things up. Once it's fully cured, you can treat it just like timber. Now, for color: skip the standard paint tints. They can mess with the chemical cure. Instead, grab some dry pigment oxides made for concrete—that's what makers like Selleys suggest. Always check the manufacturer's official website for the latest tech sheets and safety info.
How long does builders bog take to harden?
First, it'll gel up to a consistency like cheese. At that stage you can cut or shape it. Then, you wait about 30 – 60 minutes for a full cure.
What is builders bog used for?
Turbo Builders BogTM is a pro-grade timber repair filler for builders and painters. Depending on your mix, this high-quality stuff acts like wood and can be set fast or slow for the job. It spreads smoothly to fill gaps, holes, and dents.
Can you use builders bog on concrete?
Yep, it's a great fix for masonry repairs. It sets as hard as concrete in just minutes. Filling holes and cracks in concrete used to mean messy mixes or softer fillers. This is a much neater, quicker solution with concrete-like strength.
Can you screw into builders bog?
Once it's fully cured, Builders Bog gets about as hard as timber. So, can be nailed , drilled and screwed.
Will builders bog stick to plastic?
Selleys Plastibond Heavy Duty Bog is a high-strength filler made for heavy loads. It fills holes and cracks in lots of surfaces, including metal, timber, brick, fibre cement, fibreglass, concrete, plaster, and many plastics.
Can I use builders bog on fibreglass?
Our Turbo Metal Builders Bog works best for rusts, dents, cracks, holes & tears in broken & shattered fibreglass, wood, stone, concrete & aluminium. It moulds like putty and can set hard in just minutes.
Can you Colour builders bog?
Hey Greg, you can color Builder’s Bog with dry oxides, like the ones used for concrete. Paint tinters might work sometimes, but they often interfere with the chemical cure—so I never risk it.
Where do I use the Builders bog?
Turbo Builder’s Bog is a two-part polyester filler that's perfect for big flaws in timber. Think window sills, doors, or spots with rot that are tough to fix.
How do you color bog builders?
Use a 2.5cm length of hardener to every 20g (heaped tablespoon) of bog. Mix it together thoroughly until the color is uniform. You'll have 3 to 8 minutes to work with it, depending on the temperature. For a faster cure, or in cold weather, just use more hardener.
What’s the best body filler to use?
- 3M Bondo 261 Lightweight Car Body Filler. This lightweight product is a two-part body filler. ...
- Permatex 25909 Liquid Metal Filler. Unlike the Bondo filler, the Permatex product is ready to use, it does not need any mixing. ...
- Evercoat 156 Lightweight Car Body Filler.
What is bog filler?
Turbo Builders Bog is a trade quality timber repair filler made for builders and painters (though DIYers love it too—it's like wood in a can!). This high-grade stuff mimics how wood behaves.
