How worried should I be?

[SuperStockAndy]

Lately I've been really worried about my cheap Testors putty shrinking due to it being one-part.

How big of an issue is this?

Will letting it dry a long time before primering help?

[Mr. Moparman]

I used Testors putty on this build. I finished it about three months ago and as far as i know the putty has not shrunk one bit.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41567&st=0&p=432950&hl=+1970%20+dodge%20+charger&fromsearch=1&#entry432950

[SuperStockAndy]

Nice build Brandon, and thanks for the link!

[charlie8575]

I haven't used Testors putty in years. I always found it too thin and hard to work.

I like Squadron. The problem, as you noted, Andy, is one-part putty does shrink. The best thing to do is to slightly overfill the area to be filled, and allow it to cure for a few days. Then sand/cut/file to contour.

Barring that, I would recommend (as I plan to do at some point,) switching to the two-part product like Bondo Professional or Evercoat.

I know it's not kid-budget friendly, but it'll be a major improvement. In the meantime, move up to Squadron, Miliput or Tamiya.

Charlie Larkin

[SuperStockAndy]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

So Squadron and Tamiya are all one-part then?

[charlie8575]

Yes, Andy. Most hobby putties are.

Dave is more right than not. All one-part putties will shrink eventually, but the quality of the putty, along with the application techniques, will in part, dictate how much.

Charlie Larkin

[Harry P.]

Go to almost any auto parts store (maybe even Walmart) and get Bondo Professional Glazing & Spot putty. It's a two-part system (resin+hardener). It's about 7 bucks.

Do yourself a favor and stop using one-part putties.

[SuperStockAndy]

7 bucks for that?

Anyhow, thanks for the replies everyone, I never knew putty shrinking was such a big deal.

[Harry P.]

7 bucks for that?

Anyhow, thanks for the replies everyone, I never knew putty shrinking was such a big deal.

Ounce for ounce it's cheaper than "hobby" putties. And it works much better. Plus, a tube that size will actually last you a long time.

[SuperStockAndy]

Ounce for ounce it's cheaper than "hobby" putties. And it works much better. Plus, a tube that size will actually last you a long time.

I guess, I hardly ever use putty anyway haha

[Wagoneer81]

Ounce for ounce it's cheaper than "hobby" putties. And it works much better. Plus, a tube that size will actually last you a long time.

I agree with Harry on this. I use this putty for filling large areas and it works great. It's worth the price and a tube of it will last you a long time... And there's not so much there that it'll go bad before you get a chance to use it like a larger tub of Bondo or Evercoat would do... I only use the Bondo one-part scratch putty for just that, light filling, skim coats and scratch filling. Try it, you'll be pleased.

Edited June 20, 2011 by Wagoneer81

[Mark]

Go to almost any auto parts store and get Bondo Professional Glazing & Spot putty. It's a two-part system (resin+hardener).

Somehow "Bondo" and "Professional" just don't go together, at least not for me...