Sofia Martinez
There are many types of plastic fillers available for use in plastic modelling. Some popular options include Mr Surfacer 500, a thick primer that can be thinned with lacquer thinner and IPA; a sprue and glue mix, which involves mixing liquid glue and sprue to create a paste; and sheet plastic plus liquid filler, which is good for filling large gaps. Other options include a superglue and baking soda mix, which dries quickly and is easy to sand, and Perfect Plastic Putty, which can be used to soften deep or wide panel lines. Ultimately, the best plastic filler depends on factors such as availability, experience, and the size of the gaps or scratches that need to be filled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Thick primer, sprue and glue mix, sheet plastic plus liquid filler, superglue and baking soda, epoxy putties, epoxy adhesives, modelling putty, drywall spackle, plumbers putty, green stuff or white stuff |
| Application | Can be thinned with a mix of lacquer thinner and IPA, needs to be sanded, takes a while to cure fully (1-2 days), dries quickly and ready to sand, does not shrink, easy to cut new panel lines into |
| Best used for | Filling scratches, filling large gaps, filling small gaps |
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What You'll Learn
Mr Surfacer 500
Mr. Surfacer 500 is a plastic filler used for light filling and surface preparation on plastic models. It is a thick primer that can be thinned with a mix of lacquer thinner and IPA. It is ideal for filling scratches and hiding small imperfections before painting.
Mr. Surfacer 500 is a product of Mr. Hobby, a company that offers a range of painting products for model kits. It is available in a 40ml bottle and is recommended for ages 14 and up.
The product is described as being thick and ideal for light filling, with a strong odour. It dries very fast and needs to be applied quickly. The bottle should be closed as soon as possible after use.
To use Mr. Surfacer 500, you can brush it on in light coats, let it dry, and build it up until you are happy with the surface. It can also be sanded to create a smooth finish.
Overall, Mr. Surfacer 500 is a useful product for filling and preparing plastic surfaces before painting. It offers a thick consistency and fast drying time, making it a convenient option for those looking to achieve a smooth and professional-looking finish on their model kits.
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Sprue and glue mix
To make the sprue and glue mix, start by cutting up the sprue into small pieces. Then, take a bottle of liquid glue and add the sprue pieces until a paste is formed. The consistency of the mixture can be adjusted by adding more or less sprue, with less sprue resulting in a thinner mixture and more sprue creating a thicker one.
Once the mixture is ready, it can be applied to the desired areas on the model. It is important to note that the curing time will depend on the thickness of the application, with larger amounts taking up to 24 hours to cure completely. After curing, the mixture will have the same properties as plastic, providing a strong and seamless bond.
One advantage of using a sprue and glue mix is that it creates a natural blend with the surrounding plastic surfaces. This makes it ideal for filling gaps and joining lines, especially on organic or intricate shapes where traditional putties may not provide a smooth finish. Additionally, the use of plastic glue helps to smooth the area, resulting in an almost invisible repair.
For best results, it is recommended to use bare plastic when applying the sprue and glue mix. This is because the glue can cause paint to soften and create a mess. Additionally, using a thin plastic glue, such as Tamiya Extra Thin, can help speed up the curing process.
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Sheet plastic plus liquid filler
When it comes to filling gaps in plastic model kits, there are various options available, including putties, epoxies, and liquid fillers. One good option for larger gaps is sheet plastic plus liquid filler. This method involves cutting up sprues and dissolving them in a solvent such as acetone or Tamiya Extra Thin cement to create a filler. This technique is especially useful when modelling supplies are not readily available locally, as it allows modellers to create their own filler using leftover plastic pieces from the model kit.
To create this type of filler, small pieces of leftover plastic from the model kit are cut up and dissolved in a solvent. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will dissolve due to the increased surface area. Once dissolved, the mixture can be applied to gaps in the model. It is important to note that this method may not yield a smooth finish, and additional sanding or smoothing with chemicals may be required.
When compared to other fillers, such as epoxy putties or modelling putties, sheet plastic plus liquid filler may not yield the same fine results. However, it is a viable option when access to modelling supplies is limited. It is always recommended to test any filler on an inconspicuous area of the model before applying it to more visible areas.
Overall, sheet plastic plus liquid filler is a useful technique for modellers who may not have access to a wide range of modelling supplies. It provides a flexible solution for filling larger gaps in plastic model kits and can be easily created using leftover plastic pieces and a suitable solvent.
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Superglue and baking soda
A mixture of baking soda and superglue is a great plastic filler. It is a handyman's or DIYer's dream come true. The baking soda acts as a filler material and also increases the surface area of the bond, helping it dry faster. The mixture can be used to fill in thin cracks on white porcelain tiles. It can also be used to repair the nut on a guitar neck as the combo is super strong and hard when dry.
To use this mixture as a filler, pack the crack or gap with dry baking soda first and then use drops of superglue afterward to lock it in place and harden it. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the glue before it dries or put the glue on the baking soda itself. This mixture can be sanded smooth after it has dried.
When working with this mixture, it is important to take precautions as the fumes can be irritating. Wear gloves and a respirator and ensure that none of the superglue comes in contact with your skin.
This mixture of superglue and baking soda is a great alternative to other plastic fillers and can be used to fill in small gaps and cracks. It dries quickly and is ready to be sanded. However, it is important to note that it should not be left to cure for 24 hours as it becomes much harder than plastic and is less sandable.
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Epoxy adhesives
One popular option for epoxy adhesive is Loctite Plastic Bonder, which provides high-impact resistance and is water-resistant. It is suitable for most plastics on the market, including ABS, PVC, acrylic, and polycarbonate. With a fast cure time of only 25 minutes, it is a convenient choice for quick repairs. To speed up the curing process, you can use a blow dryer set on warm to lightly heat the area.
Another option is PlasticWeld, a hand-mixable, fast-setting epoxy putty that forms a durable bond with most major plastic types. After mixing, it forms a polymer compound that can be moulded or used to repair plastic items. When cured, it can be sawed, drilled, carved, sanded, and painted. PlasticWeld has a 20-25 minute work life and a functional cure time of 2-3 hours. It is important to note that PlasticWeld does not adhere to polyethylene, polypropylene, or some other plastics, so it is recommended to test for adhesion first.
Epoxies come in different formulas, so it is important to read the manufacturer's label before making your selection. With the right epoxy adhesive, you can repair plastic items and fill in gaps with a strong and durable bond.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for plastic fillers, including:
- Mr Surfacer 500, which is essentially a thick primer that can be thinned with lacquer thinner and IPA.
- A sprue and glue mix, where you take half a bottle of liquid glue and add sprue until a paste is formed.
- Sheet plastic plus liquid filler, which is good for large gaps.
The best type of plastic filler to use will depend on the size of the gap you are trying to fill. For smaller gaps, a mixture of superglue (CA) and baking soda is recommended, as it dries quickly, is easy to sand, and can be used to cut new panel lines. For larger gaps, a sheet plastic plus liquid filler or a sprue and glue mix is recommended.
Plastic fillers can be purchased at local hardware stores or online. If you are looking for a specific type of plastic filler, such as modelling putty, you may need to order it from a specialty store or online retailer.
