brodie_83 Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 I have been wanting to find a good filler for model plastics and the only one I've used is Testors spot putty and honestly not a fan. It takes what seems forever to dry. Does anyone have any suggestions? I saw some Tamiya Putty at Hobby Lobby. Would that be a good alternative to the Testors stuff in the big tube? This is a sample of the kinds of stuff I want to fill...I have a rear seat of a 1956 Chrysler 300B and am wanting to fill the horizontal pleats in the rear seat so it's smooth. Would the Tamiya stuff be good for this?
hgbben Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 I use the Tamiya White putty. Way better imo than Testors.
1930fordpickup Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 Ace-Garageguy MCM Ohana Members 8,488 posts Location:Down two, then left. Full Name:Bill Engwer Posted 07 February 2015 - 12:29 AM Yup. Regular "bondo" in the big cans is really too coarse in my opinion. Use 2-part finishing glaze. I used to swear by USC Icing (I build real cars and always have it in stock) but the Bondo Brand stuff shown above is even finer-grained and comes in small packages.
1930fordpickup Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 Brodie the above post is from another question in this section. Local parts store sells it . Makes sure it is two part. You may also want to try and use plastic sprue (stretched with a heat source )to fill in larger spots . I like the bondo two part because it is faster than spot filler and shrinks less.
oldnslow Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 3M red glazing putty, large tube is around $7, at the NAPA store.
brodie_83 Posted February 28, 2015 Author Posted February 28, 2015 The 3M putty is identical to the Testors stuff and I'm not a fan. I'm gonna try the Tamiya stuff tonight hopefully.
Longbox55 Posted February 28, 2015 Posted February 28, 2015 If you get 3m/Bondo, you want to get the Professional glazing and spot putty stock number 801. It's a 2 part putty.
Greg Pugh Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 I use Dolphin Glaze spot putty. It's a 2-part putty that you can order online or get from an auto paint supply store. I like it because it sets up quick, doesn't shrink and it sands easily.
chunkypeanutbutter Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 Tried Bondo once. Took forever to set, slightly warped the body (just a tiny bit, but enough to show on a vent), and was hard to sand. The Tamiya stuff works wonderfully.
Longbox55 Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 One part or two part? The two part Bondo, if mixed properly, should have set up in maybe 20 minutes at the most, and sand out just fine. I've never seen issues with body warpage, but I suppose it could happen if it's put on too heavy. The one part Bondo, which is solvent passed, will take longer to set up, really no different than any of the hobby one part fillers (Bondo one part spot putty is the same as Testors Red putty, btw,. just different packaging). And if put on too heavy, it'll take a long time to set. I can't really see that warping a body either.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 1, 2015 Posted March 1, 2015 (edited) One part or two part? The two part Bondo, if mixed properly, should have set up in maybe 20 minutes at the most, and sand out just fine. I've never seen issues with body warpage, but I suppose it could happen if it's put on too heavy. The one part Bondo, which is solvent passed, will take longer to set up, really no different than any of the hobby one part fillers (Bondo one part spot putty is the same as Testors Red putty, btw,. just different packaging). And if put on too heavy, it'll take a long time to set. I can't really see that warping a body either. Exactly. Bondo 2-part "professional" filler is all I use these days (except for Squadron green for TINY imperfections). Works great every time, if you mix it right. Too little hardener and it takes forever to cure (maybe never). Too much and it will usually kick before you get in on the model. It can also overheat if it's on thick (with too much hardener) and that could possibly be your warp problem. Also can be hard to sand. WAY too much hardener, and it may stay rubbery. This is exactly the same stuff that comes in the smaller package #801 above. Sands beautifully, feather-edges well, adheres well, and doesn't shrink. Most of the surfaces of this model were shaped using the Bondo 2-part "professional" putty. Edited March 1, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy
Tom Geiger Posted March 4, 2015 Posted March 4, 2015 I don't like 2 part anything since I often use 'just a dab' of tube putty to fill in a small imperfection. I don't like the way the Tamiya putty sands, it creates a very fine powder that seems to immediately make my sand paper useless. I use to use Squadron Green Putty and got used to using it. Then I bought Squadron White Putty when the shop was out of green, and I like it very much. The lettering on both tubes is exactly the same, and nobody can tell me the difference, other than I figure the green is for military modelers and the white for car modelers? I think the one part putty like Squadron is fine as long as you put it on in layers or use it for thin spot fixes.
Roadrunner Posted March 4, 2015 Posted March 4, 2015 The Tamiya putties are great, and so is 3M Acryl Blue, if you can find any.
restoman Posted March 6, 2015 Posted March 6, 2015 I'm a real-life body man and love the Evercoat 446 two part putty. I find the Tamiya putty kind of gummy and not the easiest to sand or feather edge.
hedotwo Posted March 6, 2015 Posted March 6, 2015 I use Evercoat 445 and love it. Same as the 446 Evercoat but costs less as it's only a 20oz can vs 64. Costs less, but still not cheap
Hawk312 Posted March 7, 2015 Posted March 7, 2015 If you get 3m/Bondo, you want to get the Professional glazing and spot putty stock number 801. It's a 2 part putty. Is that the hardener hiding behind the tube of putty? Or do you have to buy the hardener separately? I have been looking into two part putties. I am assuming this doesn`t have the shrinking issues of the one part putties? It is frustrating to get something "perfect" only to come back a couple days later and see a divot where there was once a smooth surface.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 7, 2015 Posted March 7, 2015 Is that the hardener hiding behind the tube of putty? Or do you have to buy the hardener separately? Yes, it's hiding in the package. I have been looking into two part putties. I am assuming this doesn`t have the shrinking issues of the one part putties? It is frustrating to get something "perfect" only to come back a couple days later and see a divot where there was once a smooth surface. And no, it doesn't have the shrink problems of the one-part stuff...especially if you put it on thick to do heavy mods quickly. When it's fresh and somewhat runny (great self-leveling!) it will only hold its shape without running up to about 1/8 inch thickness, but as it dries out a little in the tube, you can pile it on 1/4 inch thick. You do a 1/8 inch fill with one-part putty, it will crack...almost guaranteed. There IS a small learning curve to mixing it right, but it's really easy easy easy to master.
Hawk312 Posted March 7, 2015 Posted March 7, 2015 Is that the hardener hiding behind the tube of putty? Or do you have to buy the hardener separately? Yes, it's hiding in the package. I have been looking into two part putties. I am assuming this doesn`t have the shrinking issues of the one part putties? It is frustrating to get something "perfect" only to come back a couple days later and see a divot where there was once a smooth surface. And no, it doesn't have the shrink problems of the one-part stuff...especially if you put it on thick to do heavy mods quickly. When it's fresh and somewhat runny (great self-leveling!) it will only hold its shape without running up to about 1/8 inch thickness, but as it dries out a little in the tube, you can pile it on 1/4 inch thick. You do a 1/8 inch fill with one-part putty, it will crack...almost guaranteed. There IS a small learning curve to mixing it right, but it's really easy easy easy to master. Thanks Bill. You have me sold! I am going to have to run out and get some of this stuff.
hooknladderno1 Posted March 8, 2015 Posted March 8, 2015 My new favorite putty is Perfect Plastic Putty by Deluxe Materials. It is a very fine grained white putty which is unique in that it is NOT solvent based! What does that mean - no damage to surrounding plastic, loss of fine details, no noxious odors, and it dries quickly. It sands like a dream! A great feature is that because it it water soluble, as it sets up, you can smooth it with a finger dipped in water. There are some great video reviews on Youtube. Google Perfect Plastic Putty and you will find nothing but positive reviews. I have no interest in this product or company other than being a happy customer. A 40 ml tube costs $7-8.00. Any hobby shop that deals with distributor Horizon Hobby can get it for you. Check it out! David
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