plastic filler

[Guest]

does any body know if there is a liquid filler made to fill gaps and crevices in models?

im in the process of assembling a blackbird model for my fathers display and would like to fill the seams.

ive tried using the insta-cure+ that says gap filling (basically super glue), however im not satisfied with the results, doesnt quiet fill the gaps completely and affects the surronding plastic too much to want to try and add more to finish filling.

using putty filler would require sanding, and that would absolutely destroy the detailing of the planes skin.

my nearest hobby shop is an 1 1/2 away so its not easyily available for me to just run back and forth.

any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[stona]

There are a couple of things you can try.

1 Putty. Putty the seam but don't wait for the putty to dry. Instead wipe the excess off with a cotton bud moistened with nail varnish remover. It's the acetone that works as a solvent for the putty. Practice on a bit of scrap. You should be able to fill a small gap and not need to sand at all.

2 CA (superglue). You can add talc to super glue to thicken it up a bit. This may help you fill the gap. Remember once the glue has cured it will be harder than the surrounding plastic and a b**ger to tidy up. Be careful!

3 Tipex (liquid paper). It's available from stationers and makes a good filler,easy to work with.It is easily smoothed.

Finally there is always a chance you are going to have to file or sand a little. Again there are a couple of ways to minimise the damage.

1 Lay some masking tape either side of the seam/gap to be treated before you apply your filler. This will protect the local detail from sanding or filing. If you do damage the tape you can always apply some more.

2 Go gently. You will do less damage sanding for longer with a finer medium than hacking away with a coarse file.

Large gaps need to be filled in stages. Really big ones need plastic (plasticard or stretched sprue for example) inserting before filling. I'm hoping yours aren't that bad!!

Hope it goes well

Steve

[Guest]

thank you stona,

the gaps arent bad at all. just trying to fill the seams in the plane where there normally arent any. ill definately give these other ideas a try and see how they come out.

[Guest]

Fillers dont need to be sanded, especially if theres rivets, and other surface detail around.

You can wipe the excess of filler with most thinners. Do the testing first which type works for your filler.

[stona]

I didn't mention that for minor blemishes you can dilute most model putties with nail varnish remover to a point where you can effectively paint them on. I have only tried this a couple of times (with limited success). I usually use Mr Surfacer for these fixes. If you haven't got any at the moment you might be able to save yourself a long drive!

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

just want to say thanks to you all.

tried all but the liquid paper ideas and have had positive results with them.

i agree the ca method is a little more difficult to clean up, especially around the finer details.

appreciate the help folks