Putty?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Looking at some putty to fill some nasty seams. Have never used it before and have a few questions. Can you apply it with your fingers? Is it safe to do this? Do I need any special tools? Best kind to buy? Help?
Steve

2

Swanny has a good article on puttying seams on his web site at:
http://www.swannysmodels.com/Seams.html

I use a palette spatula I got at an artist’s supply store. I wouldn’t recommend using your fingers, nor if you use any of the toluene based putties would I recommend breathing the fumes.

There are several threads about puttying seams in here, and one recommendation I saw but haven’t tried is for porcelain sealer. Here is a link to that one:
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=19822

I’ve also heard ot people using auto body filler, and other non-modeling types of filler.

Squadron putty works pretty well, I use it quite a bit. It will adhere to styrene but not to resin. It is also a bit grainy. If you let it dry thoroughly it polishes pretty smooth but if you try and sand it before it’s dry it doesn’t finish very smooth.

Milliput is a 2-part epoxy putty. I’ve only used it once and that was just to add some internal support. I don’t think it is really suited to seam repair since it is very stiff and won’t form into the seams that well.

3

Misuccity;
Thanks lots.
Steve

4

Tamiya putty is not bad but it shrinks a fair bit and will keep shrinking for days but it does sand well. I’ve never used any of the others though. To apply the stuff I just use a toothpick and I mask either side of the seam to keep it a bit cleaner. I wouldn’t suggest using your fingers to apply it, it tends to stick to your skin pretty well.

Gap filling super glue does a good job too. I get a couple of drops out and let it go off slightly, then just apply with a toothpick. You can mix it with tamiya putty and get avery quick drying putty that doesn’t shrink much. The only problem is that you have tho work quickly.

hope this helps

5

Don’t go crazy on Squadron Putty. You’ll find yourself spending twice the amount of time wet sanding it. Squadron’s my last resort

6

Thanks mcity, fokkerpilot and pingtang.
Steve

7

What about Humbrol Model Filler. Does anyone ever use it. I’d like to have your comment if so.

Thanks
Spawney