Putty ... Am I doing something wrong?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hello all.

I have been trying to fill gaps and a couple seams on an Italeri LAV-25 that I am working on. I am using Tamiya Putty, and I have thinned it with alcohol. It is taking three aplications to fill any gap bigger than a hair.

I have been using the method detailed here and from Swanny’s site;
http://www.swannysmodels.com/Seams.html
I apply the putty then wipe off excess with acetone based nail polish remover. It looks great when I have finished, then the next day… RETURN OF THE LIVING GAP!!! Argh!!

Have I thinned my putty too much? Am I wiping to much excess away? Is this just something that everyone knows, so nobody bothers to mention?

Thank you as always you have been a great help to me.
Yolev

2

Yolev, you may be doing both, thinning too much and wiping the excess before it sets. I don’t thin mine at all. I will tape off the area that I don’t want any putty on, leaving just enough area to apply the putty. I use the phony credit cards that come in the mail for my applicator. These are cut down into strips as you don’t need to use the entire card. When I apply the putty, I’ll use the card to push the putty into the area the needs filled. Let dry and sand. You will receive more tricks from the other folks, you will just need to use the method that you feel comfy with. Good luck.

3

mm23t is probably correct. The only thing I currently use thinned putty on are sinkholes, hairline cracks and pinholes. Otherwise, I apply the putty as it comes from the tube. I use a small, flexible artists palatte knife. Another thing to remember is if you have a fairly large amont of putty to apply, apply several thin coats of putty (let each dry before applying the next) instead of one thick coat. The thick coat will usully shrink and crack while drying.

4

Thanks bunches.

I figured I was doing something wrong. Now I know.

Yolev

5

hey, kinda off topic, but i think it may help u… i use windscreen wiper bladews to apply putty. i just ca the wiper to the wiper backing, and cut it in2 5cm lenghts… works great on filling gaps,coz u can get off most of the excess!! i usually thin the putty just a little bit so its easier to work with