I’m getting back into HO from many years away. Way back when I remember a green filler type product that I used on styrene to fill imperfections or fair edges. It was a bit thick, maybe the consistency of toothpaste out of the tube. What are all of you modellers using these days?
I used Squadron Green plastic putty for years then switched to white. I’ve had pretty good luck recently with Testors Contour Putty. Testors is more gooey and melts the Styrene. Works pretty good using .01” or .02” Styrene rod for a welding rod for filling gaps.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps
I use Squadron White. I haven’t tried the Testors stuff.
I’ve found much better results using Bondo’s Glazing & Spot Putty, and at a better price than the hobby stuff.
It comes in a tube, and because, for the most part, I use it only to cover minor imperfections, I simply open the tube, and dip a small screwdriver into it, scooping out a small amount of the putty, along with some of the solvent that’s at the top of the tube. I mix that on a piece of plastic or aluminum, then use an X-Acto chisel blade to apply it to the area I wish to tidy-up.
It dries quickly, and sands very easily, and is immediately ready for further applications if needed.
If you need to have thicker applications, I’d suggest either kneading the tube to mix the solvent thoroughly into the filler, or perhaps use a small screwdriver to stir the contents of the tube. The product is intended for fairly thin applications on minor imperfections. If the imperfections are deeper, it works better to do successive applications rather that one heavy one.
I thought that I had more photos of the application and results, but this is all that I could find…
…and after painting…
If you wish to fill actual holes in styrene, use either a suitably-sized drill bit or a needle file to enlarge the hole - the drill bit for creating round holes, the file for creating square or rectangular holes.
Then, for the round holes, select a piece of styrene rod that’s about .004" bigger in diameter than the hole. Apply solvent-type cement to the rod, then to the hole, then a second application to the rod, and then force the rod into the hole. Let the joint harden, then trim off the excess and, if nece
Just going to start a project, plan on using Bondo spot putty.
Thanks for that. I will give both the Squadron and the Bondo a try. Thanks for the info!
Sorry, but it’s likely that I was editing my original response when you replied, so theres a little more info there than there was originally.
Wayne
I too make extensive use of Bondo putty.
It works great, is relatively cheap, and easily obtainable in the automotive section of your local hardward store.
The automotive section is also where you can get good sandpaper in fine grades all the way to 2000 grit finishing paper.
It sure sounds like you are descibing Squadron Green putty.
I don’t like it, it shrinks too much for me, and skins over too quickly.
I like the Bondo spot putty for very small jobs, and Milliput for larger fills. For anything larger than 1/8", I opt for the Kneadatite.
-Kevin
You can make your own styrene putty by saving used model kit sprues, cutting them up, and putting them in a glass jar with some acetone (make sure you only use the same color sprues in each jar so you have a variety of colors at your disposal). The acetone will melt the plastic into a stringy goo, which you can use to fill any holes or gaps (using the appropriate color). When it’s dry, just sand and paint!