Questions about using Putty

[Jrunco83]

Im new at the puttying aspect of modeling so I have many questions, like. What is the best putty to use? whats the best way to spread it in tight and open areas? whats the best way to sand it? with a very small block? or dremel tool?

Thanks John

[les]

I use Bondo, available at Wal-Mart. Before that, I used Tamiya. Before that, Squadron Green & White puttys. And way back when, before there were puttys, I used wax (not recommended as it takes a lot of paint to cover it),

I like the Bondo as it dries fast, has little shrinkage and sands easily. The only downside I've found is it's red. That's not a problem for me as I prime everything before painting.

Tamiya putty dries pretty fast and also is easy to sand. It's a light grey color which makes it easy to cover if you don't prime.

Squadron Green Putty takes longer to dry and has some shrinkage problems. Sometimes you need to use more than one coat. On the upside, it can be thinned and smoothed with Testors Liquid Cement. The Squadron White Putty dries quicker, but it's consistancy is thicker and is harder to spread. Both sand fairly easily.

I use whatever is needed to get the surface I wish. I rely heavily on sanding sticks of a variety of sizes, from the ones that are in the cosmetics section of the store, Squadron Sanding Sticks and the narrow Twigs. I also use files when the need arises. When sanding be careful not to use too much pressure as you'll be refilling the spot.

For spreading I use spatulas and sometimes an knife blade to get into tight places.

This is one way of doing it. Others have had good results with other techniques. It's just a matter of developing your own technique and finding what works for you through practice. Remember, if you put the putty on wrong, you can get it off and do it over again. Hope this helps.