Perfect Plastic Putty Question

[oldcarfan]

I just bought this putty at a hobby shop last weekend. I just opened it and that's where the question comes in. First, the putty is extremely thick and hard to get out of the tube. Second, it doesn't stick to plastic at all. I tried emailing the address on the package, but it comes back not in service. That may be because Hant's is going out of business.

It says it is water soluble, but I tried to dilute it and it made no difference.

My thought is I got a bad tube. Has anyone tried this and had good results?

[Swamp Dog]

what you need to do is throw it away and get you some Bondo Glazing & spot putty. dries fast (overnight) and easy to sand. been using this for many years. Walmart  and any home center will carry it..

[DJMar]

I'm pretty sure you got a bad tube. My past experience with this stuff is that is was very easy to work and cleaned up with water. But, water cleanup meant you couldn't wet sand it or paint over it with water based finishes without a solvent primer over the top. I relegated it to use on scale figures, where where it worked well smoothing out tiny gaps between arms and legs, etc..

It did dry out in the tube rather quickly; I think I had it less than a year.

IMO, solvent based (like the Bondo spot putty) or catalyzed putties (like Evercoat) are the way to go for plastic models.

Edited April 23 by DJMar

[oldcarfan]

I use Bondo spot putty, I just noticed this stuff on the shelf and thought I'd give it a try.  Probably got a bad tube. I tried emailing the address on the package and it bounced back.

[bobss396]

Is there an expiration/manufacture date on the box or tube? See if the hobby store will take it back.

I use Bondo brand too. I'm down to the end of a tube I've used for years. It would be nice if it was made in lighter colors.

I used to use Nitrostan, aka red lead. That also comes in colors. Downsides, the tube is huge and has a crappy shallow cap. I have had a tube go bad on me and the stuff is nor cheap.

[DJMar]

3 hours ago, bobss396 said:

Is there an expiration/manufacture date on the box or tube? See if the hobby store will take it back.

Agreed.

[1930fordpickup]

Not many epoxy type products last more than a year. Hey all have an expiration date early on the package.

Keeping 2 part bondo in a colder place than normal will extend the life of the tube. I was told this by an employee of bondo brand. He did not say yes I could put it in the fridge when asked, verbally. 

[NOBLNG]

7 hours ago, 1930fordpickup said:

Not many epoxy type products last more than a year. Hey all have an expiration date early on the package.

Keeping 2 part bondo in a colder place than normal will extend the life of the tube. I was told this by an employee of bondo brand. He did not say yes I could put it in the fridge when asked, verbally. 

I would recommend Milliput fine white for a two part putty. I’ve had some on my desk for a few years now and it is still fine. It comes in two sticks that you mix together. I cut a chunk off of each, roll them into separate balls to compare the amounts then knead them together (wearing latex or nitrile gloves).

[Mark W]

The three recommendations above are the best choice.

I’ve used two part Bondo body putty, Bondo spot putty and Milliput. All with excellent results.

I will add Mr Hobby Surfacer. It comes in three grades 500, 1000 and 1500. But I only use the 500  and 1000.

They are great for pin holes and scratches. Just brush it on.

[Straightliner59]

On 4/24/2025 at 5:44 AM, bobss396 said:

Is there an expiration/manufacture date on the box or tube? See if the hobby store will take it back.

I use Bondo brand too. I'm down to the end of a tube I've used for years. It would be nice if it was made in lighter colors.

I used to use Nitrostan, aka red lead. That also comes in colors. Downsides, the tube is huge and has a crappy shallow cap. I have had a tube go bad on me and the stuff is nor cheap.

I used to use Acryl-Blue. Same cap! 

[oldcarfan]

No expiration date that I could find and the seal was intact with no holes in the tube. Guess I just got a bad tube. I am thinking of trying to dilute it with maybe some water or something, but I have my doubts.

[DJMar]

On 4/25/2025 at 6:35 PM, oldcarfan said:

No expiration date that I could find and the seal was intact with no holes in the tube. Guess I just got a bad tube. I am thinking of trying to dilute it with maybe some water or something, but I have my doubts.

I think you could "rehydrate" it with some water, but based on my past experience with the stuff, I'd be worried that it would shrink back down when it dried.