Thinning filler.

[mossiepilot]

I've been using squadron filler straight from the tube, but recently I've seen posts where people are using filler thinned with acetone. Is there a ratio of filler to acetone or should it just be added til it looks right.

Any advice please.

Tony

[homechild]

I tried a little bit of Tamiya paimt thinner and it worked just fine. As for ratio, I couldn't really say I have some in a little Tamiya paint pot but I don't remember how little I put in, I know I didn't put much in though.

The best I can say is it shouldn't be runny.

Unless anyone else can give you a better answer it'll just be trial and error (but try with a little bit first).

[stona]

I do it occasionally. You don't need much acetone(acetone based nail varnish remover in my case). I just mix to the consistency I want.

Cheers

Steve

[papa 695]

Just like Steve I put the filler in a jar ( with lid old Tamiya paint pots are just about right then you can keep it longer ) then with cellulose thinners just mix to the consistency you want

[BarryW]

I use three types of filler for different jobs.

1/ Vallejo Plastic Putty. This produces a good hard surface that is great for building up in layers. IPA can remove it from the surface when rubbed with a soaked cotton bud. It reduces the amount of sanding this way and preserves detail. No thinning of it needed.

2/ Mr Surfacer 500 - in a jar, for smallish gaps and joins. It can be brushed on and then surplus removed using a cotton bud and Mr Colour Thinners. This can be thinned when needed using the Mr Colour Thinners.

3/ Mr Dissolved Putty - for very small gaps and those in difficult places. I usually apply this with a cocktail stick in small amounts. This is self-levelling and again can be thinned in the same way as above. I have sometimes used it to fill unwanted panel lines and to level/smooth rough surface detail when necessary (finger marks from clumsy use of extra thin cement.......)

These save all the trouble of mixing etc or making up your own with dissolved plastic. I am a bit lazy like that!

[Guest]

I've been using squadron filler straight from the tube, but recently I've seen posts where people are using filler thinned with acetone. Is there a ratio of filler to acetone or should it just be added til it looks right.Any advice please.

Tony

Hi Tony, use Ladies nail varnish remover containing Acetone, use it neat. Mr Color Thinner also works great neat. Cheers Derek

[mossiepilot]

Thanks for the replies fellows. Still a bit of a novice at this lark.

Tony.

[Guest]

I use three types of filler for different jobs.1/ Vallejo Plastic Putty. This produces a good hard surface that is great for building up in layers. IPA can remove it from the surface when rubbed with a soaked cotton bud. It reduces the amount of sanding this way and preserves detail. No thinning of it needed.

2/ Mr Surfacer 500 - in a jar, for smallish gaps and joins. It can be brushed on and then surplus removed using a cotton bud and Mr Colour Thinners. This can be thinned when needed using the Mr Colour Thinners.

3/ Mr Dissolved Putty - for very small gaps and those in difficult places. I usually apply this with a cocktail stick in small amounts. This is self-levelling and again can be thinned in the same way as above. I have sometimes used it to fill unwanted panel lines and to level/smooth rough surface detail when necessary (finger marks from clumsy use of extra thin cement.......)

These save all the trouble of mixing etc or making up your own with dissolved plastic. I am a bit lazy like that!

Exactly my method. The Vallejo Plastic Putty is good I find for filling in small cracks which are not going to move. I use a damp finger to pull over the putty (daft name it is filler like polyfilla but superior) which gives a nice smooth finish. Found that the 500 Surfacer is really good. I build in layers as necessary. Great advantage is that it has the same characteristics as the plastic, does not break away, also comes to a good surface just as the plastic. On Fuselage joints found it works perfectly & I am now getting really smooth joints which are lost altogether as it sands just as if it was the plastic. I use mainly an old fine paint brush but it needs cellulose thinners to clean it.

Laurie