Filler Question...

Hi all,

Since coming back into the hobby I have been using the white Squadron filler for small bits and P38 car filler/bondo for larger bits (I used it on my Bel Air trailer), anyway, when using the Squadron filler I find it tends to dry a little too quick, is there another slower drying filler out there or if someone knows a way of slowing down the Squadron stuff please...

Many thanks...

Andy...

i always liked the revell stuff as i found it smoother and more spreadable and a bit slower to go off, not seen any for ages tho

Andy
I use vallejo model filler/putty but have just bought a two part epoxy to try because I intend to
Alter some figures and will need to fill and sculpt.
I'll let you know what it's like
http://www.snmstuff.co.uk/aves-fixit-1-4-lb-ceramic-white/

Used to use Squadron Green and auto glazing putty years ago. Dried very hard and sanded down a little too coarse/grainy. Tamiya putty is now my preference. Also dries a little faster than both of those did.

Hi Andy,

I too mostly use Isopon P38 but for small applications I also use Squadron White.

I don't know of a way to slow down the drying time, as like all single part fillers, Squadron is 'air' drying.

Why do you want to slow it down? Is is so that it lasts longer on the pallete? Or do you want to slow it down once applied?

Temperature probably has an effect on drying time, so if it's the latter, you could try putting the filled parts in the fridge!!

I used to use a Bondo filler putty that wasn't activated with a hardener. It was easy to work with but did dry kinda fast. Thought that was a benefit tho. They don't have it on the market anymore. Just offer the one with a hardener, which is, to all appearances, merely just Bondo filler.
I picked up a tube of Kombi at my auto paint store. It's good, but gets kinda hard for easy sanding.

Would using less of the catalyst slow the cure time?

I'm not familiar with the stuff, just wondering.

Chris

I think using less catalyst or hardener could cause the filler not to set Properly Webby.
I could be wrong but that's what I've read. The filler and hardener should be used in equal
quantities.

G

I use Squadron Green for small areas. For larger areas I use regular Bondo with hardener. I also mix a lot of my own filler using Plastic spruce and MEK. I find that filing the area with styrene leaves no ghost line and then it's all plastic and easy to sand and shape.

Skid wrote:Why do you want to slow it down? Is is so that it lasts longer on the pallete? Or do you want to slow it down once applied?

Hi Al,

I don't mind it drying quick, I'd just like it to not dry so darn fast, instead of drying in a few seconds of leaving the tube, I'd like it to take say a minute of two, to give me enough time to work it into all the area (hope that makes sense)...

I found a tube of Humbrol filler that I forgot I had, now that dries just about the right amount of time, the only problem is trying to get the stuff out of the tube, do you think it would be ok if I transfered it to a small mixing type of bottle with a lid...

Thanks again everyone for your input...

Andy...

I understand now Andy.

I think transferring any air drying filler to another container would only serve to make the filler harden prematurely. It's already in an air tight container and transferring to another would make no difference IMO.

Other than finding a filler that does dry slower, the only thing I can suggest, is squeezing out smaller amounts. That way you are always working with freshly squeezed filler.

This says it has a setting time of 20 minutes but other than that, ah kna nowt aboot it hinny!!

http://www.towsure.com/product/Gelcoat_Filler_Plastic_Padding_165gm_Tube

Hi Al,

Many thanks for the link, I think that's the P38 version for caravans and boats...

Many thanks to everyone...

Andy...