Putty

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Here’s a stupid and probably frequently asked question, what’s the best type of putty to use on plastic models? I don’t want anything to thick just something to fill small gaps and any marks I may leave from sanding.

2

I got a tube of Bondo autobody spot putty from the auto parts store. Works and sands a lot better than the Testors junk I bought.

3

I use Tamiya putty bought at my local hobby shop. It comes in a small tube but a tube lasts a long time, I used to use regular red auto body putty from Canadian Tire but I like working with the Tamiya better, it dries harder and has finer particles (or whatever putty is made of) which work better for filling small holes and scratches.

I am sure others have different preferences, just my two cents.

Andrew

4

This stuff works really well. It sands very smooth and easy and you can scrape it smooth over a gough or hole without sanding.

5

I like spackle. You can remove the excess with a damp papertowel before it sets up.

Sue

6

If it’s a small crack that doesn’t require support I use some RoseArt modeling clay, otherwise I use Testor’s contour putty.

7

I have a great recipe for styrene patch. I cut up leftover sprue into tiny pieces in a small sealable jar, like a baby food jar until it’s about 1/4 full. Then I pour in some Testors liquid cement…not enough to cover the pieces and put the lid on. The cement works on the pieces, and after a bit of stirring, I’ve got a patch material that’s made of the same thing as the rest of the project.

As far as putty goes, Testors Contour Putty has been a favorite of mine since my AMT 1/24 Scale car kit days [(-D]

8

I like Squadron Green Putty. Got it at my LHS for about $5. Micro Mark sells it, too.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=60915

9

I prefer Squadron White, but use Squadron Green in a pinch.

Nick

10

I have a 20 year old tube of “red lead” spot putty that works even better than the squadron (which is quite decent).

Karl

11

I agree. I used Testors and Squadron Green until I found that Bondo works much better on models than either of those. Cheaper, too.