Which Modelling Filler?

[Guest]

I was just wondering what modelling filler people on here use?

I've never went into the filling of gaps and the like before, but looking at my Challenger II, I think I'd like to - there are quite a few gaps could've done with a wee touch up

[PaulTRose]

at the minute Squadron White cos i can get it cheap in a local shop but i quite like Revells as its seems very smooth to apply

[rickoshea52]

Deluxe Materials' Perfect Plastic Putty is quite useful and doesn't smell.

[Guest]

I'm using the Humbrol filler at the mo - as for Paul, it was what there was at the LMS. I suspect there are better out there... it's a bit kludgy to work with, but I suppose it's getting the job done and it wasn't expensive, so I shouldn't be too harsh on it! I'd really like to get my hand on some of that "Mr Surfacer" for finer filling and perfecting seams, too, but am on a 'no-spend' budget right now!

[Guest]

I'm a bit of a ''use what's available type'' so I'll mention what I use just to give alternatives.

I mainly scratch build and do vehicles so sometimes the end results aren't required to be 'glass smooth' and as the models are static there's no stress on the joins to undo it all.

Tippex is good for fine joins and cracks

Super glue and bi-carb make for an extremely strong filler, be prepared to spend time filing and sanding though.

Plasticine is a good packer for large gaps and is able to be scraped into recesses etc

I will add, If I started building aircraft as my main subject then I would be using the fillers made for the job as from what you see on here, they seem to work very well.

[Guest]

Thanks everyone.

How do you apply it? Obviously doing filling work at home on the walls and the like you have spcial tools to help you spread the filler...do you just use fingers, or are there little modelling "trowels" out there?

[Guest]

I think everyone has their favourite method and use all sorts of items.

Plastic spatulas

Cocktail sticks

Lollypop sticks

Artists trowels

Knives

Pins/needles

Scalpels

The list goes on .... I think you end up using what tool fits the job at the time at the end of the day.

[PaulTRose]

are there little modelling "trowels" out there?

sort of.....go to HobbyCraft and look for the tools that people who paint in oils use.....all sorts of 'trowels' and scrapers.....i got a really good one with a wooden handle, angled stem and a little head for about 3 quid

[BarryW]

I use several types depending on the job in hand:

Vallejo plastic putty is good for small gaps in hard to reach places (DeLux Materials Plastic putty is similar but lacks the 'nozzle' applicator)

Mr Surfacer 500 is good for seams

Mr Dissolved Putty is good as a 'finisher' making use of its self-levelling properties.

These are what I use and all are available from John.

[Guest]

I think everyone has their favourite method and use all sorts of items.Plastic spatulas

Cocktail sticks

Lollypop sticks

Artists trowels

Knives

Pins/needles

Scalpels

The list goes on .... I think you end up using what tool fits the job at the time at the end of the day.

Missed one Colin. Fingers. When using Vallejo plastic putty I use fingers most of the time. Moisten & then drag the stuff packed into the joint. Also a wet tissue or rag to smooth the top. A wet paint brush also does the trick.

Note fingers are not stocked by John they come with the package !

Laurie