Help. I am working on my p-51 for the NMF group build. I hear that it has to be a pretty near perfect finish, so I am going through and filling all of the gaps with Squadron white putty. However, I am noticing that the putty is cracking as it is drying. In fact I just spent quite a bit of time on one joint that was pretty bad and thought I had it looking really good, sanded, etc. I even put zap a gap over the putty hoping that would fill the crack, sanded that, etc. then put on some primer and right there easy to see is a nice crack in the putty.
Am I doing something wrong? Is there a trick?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Leon
Don’t know if this is your problem, but the Squadron putties, which are mixed with solvent cement, are not made to fill deep flaws. As you have learned, they crack. If you need to fill a deep hold or seam, you have to do it in layers, letting one dry before adding the next one.
Tom
The problem is the putty shrinks when it dries. For wide gaps use plastic stock, cut and shaped to fit. Glue the plastic in place and sand to match the surrounding area. If needed, putty in any small gaps. The putty has a smaller area to fill so it will crack less.
Thanks guys. I guess I have some reworking to do. Oh well, you always hope for a quick and easy slap it on solution, but I guess it doesn’t always work out that way.
Thanks again for the help.
Leon