The Different Types of Putties You Need To Know

What is Putties and How Does it Help with Modeling?

As a modeler, I often use putties in my work. Putties are a versatile material that come in both solid and liquid form, making them ideal for sculpting, modeling, and repairing different types of models. They are made of silicone rubber, which gives them flexibility and durability, and they can range in consistency from dense and heavy to light and airy.

This allows me to achieve a wide range of effects and to be creative in my work. Additionally, some putties can be painted or dyed, providing even more possibilities for customizing my models.

Solvent-Based Putty

This putty is commonly utilized to fill substantial spaces between walls, tiles, or floors. It is applied with a trowel and solidifies within ten minutes. After it has dried, the putty can be sanded to match the texture of the surrounding wall. This type of putty is effective on porous surfaces like concrete or plaster but may not work on non-porous materials like wood or gypsum board as they do not absorb water.

Water-Based Putties

This kind of putty is an alternative to solvent-based types, making it safer for indoor applications as there are no flammable components involved. This putty also dries faster than other types, with a drying time of approximately 45 minutes.

The main disadvantage of this putty is its relatively long drying time, which requires the user to work quickly or have good estimating skills to ensure that the right amount of material is applied in the right place, avoiding gaps in the surface.

Additionally, since water-based putties dry quickly, they may leave porous surfaces like concrete looking rough, but sanding them after application can improve the final result compared to non-porous materials like wood or gypsum board.

Epoxy Putties

These are one of the most versatile types of putties available. They’re used for all kinds of applications, like filling in cracks or significant gaps between two surfaces (like tiles). This filler is applied with a trowel and becomes solid after a certain period, typically an hour or two. Depending on the type of gap filler you are using, you can measure the amount of material you need before applying it to the surface.

Since epoxy putty takes time to dry, we recommend using this kind of putty if you have the patience to wait. This allows you to have more time to work with the putty before it becomes solid, and it dries more slowly than other types of putties.

Plastic Putties

There are a few different plastic putties, but they all share one common property: they can be molded into any shape. This makes them perfect for filling in small gaps and cracks because you don’t need to use a lot of material, and it’s easy to get the right shape. You can also use plastic putties as a sealant around windows or doors.

Like other putties, make sure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the plastic putty. Use a caulking gun to apply the putty, pressing firmly against the gap or crack you’re trying to fill in until it’s flush with the surface. Let it dry completely (it takes about 24 hours) before painting over it or using it as a sealant.

In the following table, we’ll take a closer look at the properties and uses of each type of putty, helping you make an informed decision for your next project.

Putty Type	Characteristics	Best for	Drying Time	Can be Sanded
Solvent-Based	Effective on porous surfaces like concrete or plaster, solidifies quickly	Filling substantial gaps	10 minutes	Yes
Water-Based	Safer for indoor use, dries faster	Filling gaps, quick work required	45 minutes	Yes, after sanding
Epoxy	Versatile, applied with trowel	Filling cracks and significant gaps	1-2 hours	No
Plastic	Moldable, can be used as a sealant	Filling small gaps and cracks, sealant	24 hours	No

How to Use Putties

Based on my experience with various types of putties, I’ve learned that they are versatile and useful for a wide range of applications, from filling gaps and cracks to sealing surfaces and even sculpting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to use putties effectively:

Preparing the Surface

1. Clean the surface: Before applying any putty, make sure the surface is free from dirt, grease, or dust. This ensures better adhesion and a longer-lasting result.
2. Dry the surface: Ensure the surface is completely dry to prevent any issues with the putty’s curing process.

Choosing the Right Tools

As my tests have shown, using the appropriate tool for the type of putty you’re working with can make a significant difference in the quality of the end result. Some common tools include:

1. Caulking gun: Ideal for plastic putties, particularly when working with gaps or cracks in walls or windows.
2. Trowel: Suitable for solvent-based or epoxy putties, typically used for larger surface areas or construction projects.
3. Hands: Best for molding plastic putties or working with small, detailed areas in sculpting or crafting projects.

Applying the Putty

1. Apply putty: Using the selected tool, apply the putty to the gap, crack, or surface, pressing firmly until it’s flush with the surrounding area.
2. Smooth out: Using a spatula, scraper, or your fingers, smooth out the putty to ensure an even and neat finish.
3. Avoid over-application: Be cautious not to apply too much putty, as this will require additional sanding or trimming after it dries.

Drying and Finishing

1. Allow to dry: Let the putty dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Drying times can vary depending on the type of putty and environmental conditions.
2. Sand or trim: After the putty has dried, sand or trim any excess material to create a smooth, even surface.
3. Paint or seal: Once the putty is fully cured and the surface is prepared, you can paint or apply a sealant as needed.

Using this product, my team found that following these steps results in a professional and durable finish. Remember, always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using any type of putty, as specific guidelines may vary depending on the product.

After I put it to the test, I can confidently say that understanding how to use putties properly will help you achieve the best results for your project, whether it’s for repairs, construction, or crafting purposes.

How to Use a Putty Knife

A putty knife is a perfect tool for smoothing out a putty application. You can also use it to remove excess material or to scrape off any dried bits of putty from the surface you’re working on. Just make sure that the blade is sharp, so it doesn’t damage the feeling you’re trying to work on.

When using a putty knife, hold it slightly and apply pressure while pulling towards you. This will help you achieve a smooth, even finish without ridges or bumps. If you need to remove dried bits of putty, use short strokes and avoid damaging the surface underneath.

Tips on Using Putties Effectively

Using putties can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and some practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Here are some tips on how to use putties effectively:

1. Prepare the surface: Before applying putty, make sure that the surface you’re working on is clean and dry. Any dirt, grease, or moisture can affect the putty’s ability to bond properly.
2. Choose the right putty: Depending on the task at hand, you’ll need to choose the right type of putty. Solvent-based putty is great for filling large gaps between walls, tiles, or floors. Water-based putties are safe for indoor use and dry faster. Epoxy putties are versatile and perfect for filling cracks and gaps, while plastic putties are great for molding into any shape.
3. Apply putty: Apply the putty using a trowel, caulking gun, or your hands. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
4. Smooth out putty: Use a putty knife to smooth out the putty and remove any excess material. Hold the putty knife at a slight angle and apply pressure while pulling towards you to achieve a smooth finish.
5. Let putty dry: Allow the putty to dry completely before sanding or painting. The drying time will vary depending on the type of putty you’re using, so make sure to follow the instructions.
6. Sand or paint: If desired, you can sand the putty to match the texture of the surrounding surface or paint over it to finish the job.

Common Mistakes When Using Putties

• Using too much pressure when smoothing putty with a putty knife, which can cause the surface to crack.
• Not waiting long enough for epoxy or polymer-based putties to dry before starting to work on the surface. This can result in weaker bonds after drying.
• Sanding down PVA glue residues before they’re completely dry, which can cause the sandpaper to scratch off paint on the surface.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can maximize the effectiveness of your putty applications.

In this comparative table, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common types of putties used for model making.

Note: These are just general pros and cons, and some may not apply to all brands or types of putty. It’s always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and do some research before selecting a putty for your specific project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, putty is an essential tool for model-making enthusiasts, particularly those working with plastic models. With its versatility and ability to fill gaps and cracks, putty can be used in various ways to enhance the look and durability of your models. Whether you choose to use a solvent-based, water-based, epoxy, or plastic putty, remember to always prepare the surface, choose the right putty for the job, apply it properly, smooth out the putty, let it dry completely, and sand or paint it as needed. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning models that are sure to impress.

FAQs

How do you use putty on plastic models?

There are a few different ways to use putty on plastic models. One way is to knead the putty until it’s soft, and then spread it over the surface of the model. Another way is to press the putty onto the model using a toothpick or other sharp object. You can also use putty to fill in small gaps or cracks in the model. After the putty has dried, you can sand it down until it’s smooth.

How do you fill plastic model gaps?

There are a few ways to fill the gaps in plastic model kits. One way is to use a liquid model cement. This type of cement is thin and will flow into the gaps between the pieces of the kit. Another way to fill the gaps is to use a putty-like material. This type of material can be molded into desired shapes and then used to fill in the gaps. Finally, you can also use scraps of plastic from other parts of the kit to fill in the gaps.

What is the best filler for plastic?

Answer: The best filler for plastic is a material that is inert, low-cost, and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. A good choice for a filler would be glass microspheres because they meet all of these criteria. Glass microspheres are made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is chemically inert and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, glass microspheres are relatively low in cost and are available in a variety of sizes.