The SAAF Forum

Guy's what do you use for a cosmetic type filler?

I need find an alternative filler for those hard to reach places where you can't sand. So I need something that you apply once without too much fuss that will fill up gaps nicely but still have a fine finish. It does not have to be structurally strong. An example of the application would for cockpit tubs or wheel wells.

In the past I have used white glue, superglue, white card, etc. Are there any better alternatives?

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Depends on the size of the gap, I ahve usually used super thin (like water) cyno on things like tail or wing to fuse joints, it flows well and usually doesnt need sanding if done correctly.
I now im busy with a 1/32 Revell spit mk2 and the inside if the wheelwells have a big gap between the well and the top inner surface of the wing, exactly the issue you have.
Here I used thick cyno.

For the big gap in the one wingroot (same kit) I used stretched sprue and tamiya cement to "weld" a piece in. It is structural aswell as sands as the same rate as the rest of the plastic.

For areas you cant sand, why not try some filler primer applied with a small brush and before it dries, smooth it in with an earbud dipped in turps or thinners.

T

Thanks T

I have never worked with filler primer, it sounds like a solution.

Currently I am experimenting using baking soda & baking powder with superglue. Its a old modelling technique that I just found out about.

Baking powder is finer than baking soda and seems to act as a good filler. It can be compressed into the gaps, a layer of superglue is then applied over the baking powder. Unfortunately I only have normal super glue in stock but I would imagine that thin superglue would work better.

The original technique was lay the bead of super glue first then blow the baking soda on with a puffer or alternatively sprinkle it on. The problem is that it leave a finish that is too coarse, and would have to be sanded down.

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I would be carefull with that trick, the stuff can set way harder than the plastic and when you sand it will eat away the plastic quicker....

Filler primer , nice and thin applied into the area you want to do sands well, it will just take some time to build up as the primer is thin.

T

Try Perfect Plastic Putty. Smear it on and then use an earbud dipped in water to remove excess.

Where do you get that Malcom?
I have used (where the gap is large) revell putty als shaped with a thinners dipped earbud.

T

This is what Mistral is talking about. Excellent putty

You can get at any of the local hobby shops like Jix.

Malcom, if you go past Jix before the MOY will you please get me some of that filler and I will give you the loot at MOY?

T

Okay thanks Mistral & Drifter for the recommendation.

I have been meaning to visit Jix, now I have an excuse.

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I'll do so if I visit Jix before MOY. I'm in slaapstad till 23rd...

spank you very much

Luckily I came back for a few days before going to CT Next week. Mr. T, I got your Perfect Plastic Putty from Jix. See y'all at MOY. Oh yes, and I bought another 32nd IIIE/R

How much do they go for Mistral?

Got me some of this stuff, But at R3.60 per ml , it is rather expensive. The local distributors , Redipack, have no stock, and they dont know when they will get again. Managed to track some down at East Coast Hobbies at R144.00 a tube.