CA as a seam filler - preferred applicators

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

I’m fixing to try this method again. My first attempt was years ago, with not good results. I waited too long to sand and used too much with predicable results. This time I’m going to use accelerator and start sanding quickly. I’m curious about the best or preferred applicator for the CA itself. What works well for you? Toothpick, superfine micro-brush, or something else entirely?

Thanks

2

Tom, I’ve been using a toothpick here lately to put just a small amount where I need it. Of course the areas I’ve been applying it to have been pretty small as well. I have actually applied it straight from the nozzle on the bottle in some cases but that is usually when I’m trying to fill a long seam.

Using CA as a gap filler takes some practice. It’s the only thing I use now for filling seams and gaps…I haven’t used putty in years…and I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered it yet. Hopefully you’ll begin to see satisfactory results.

3

Something else to consider is Wite-Out and Mr. Surfacer 500. If you are really feeling different, there is a hot wax device available. I can hook you up to the info and one who has used that!

4

Thanks, I’d planned on staring out with a toothpick, and on the underside (Hobby Boss A-6A), and going slow. Should be interesting.

Thanks again,

Tom

5

The Wite Out sounds interesting. Do you apply it and then wipe it down with alcohol like with Mr. Surfacer?

Thanks,

Tom

6

That’s funny. I’m working on a Hobby Boss F9F-2 Panther and I was in the process of applying some CA to some seams when this thread popped up. How’s that for coincidence.

Tom, going slow is the key. I’ve even found that when filling a long seam I prefer to go in baby steps and fill a small section and sand or file it down before proceeding on to the rest of the seam. I just feel like I have more control over it and I’m less likely to be overwhelmed. It’s really more of a comfort issue for me.

7

Duh…I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve usually let it dry and then sanded. It can take a while, though.

8

Tom, let it dry and then sand it. It usually sands really well, feathering just fine. Good luck with it!

Gary

9

Mix it with talc powder. It makes it much easier to sand and see where the glue is going.

10

Cool! Thanks everybody for the info. I’d planned on going slow and doing a little at a time ( I’m definitely into being comfortable) and learning as I go. I will give the Wite-Out a try also. Sounds very useful.

Thanks again,

Tom

11

I think I’ll try the Wite-Out as well. That’s a new one for me.

12

I’ve read that only the old formula White-Out works (as in the black and white bottle), and if you don’t have any of that still lying around then you’re pretty much SOL as far as using White-Out as a filler. Can anyone confirm or debunk?

13

I haven’t seen any difference. It still works the same for me. ymmv…[:)]

Gary

14

My preferred CA applicator is a modified sewing needle. I cut off part of the eye of the needle leaving two small prongs in a ‘Y’ shape. The capillary action will hold a small amount of glue; the smaller the “Y” the smaller the amount of glue it will hold. Also works for applying small amounts of Future or accelerator (or decal solvent, etc).

By the way, I use thin CA glue, even to fill gaps. I fill most of the gap with putty or styrene, then top it off with the thin CA. The thin stuff flows into small gaps and levels itself better than thicker glues. Medium, thick, and gap-filling CA glues contain fillers, such as PMMA (the same polymer that makes plexiglass). I often wonder if these fillers account for CA’s tendency to become harder than plastic. I don’t experience that with the thin CA glue.

Chris

15

Bearcat,

The Wite-Out brand of product seems to be okay, as Gary has said.

16

I’ve heard of the modified sewing needle before, but haven’t tried it. I’ll have to give it a whirl. Thanks to everyone for the good ideas.

Tom

17

Thanks for the replies concerning the Wite-Out, Gary and Geezer…I shall give the stuff a try!

18

I thought I would provide a progress update. I’m very pleased with how well the CA works as a seam filler when used properly. I’m using small runs, applied with a toothpick. I hit it with liquid accelerator and sand immediately. It really works great! The thing that truly amazes me though is Wite Out. I had no idea it could be used to fill seams, or anything besides correcting typing errors! I’m applying it with a micro-brush, letting it dry and sanding it down. It really works well! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Tom