Filling gaps between base and building

Get yourself a small tub of Spackle, (used to fill cracks in wallboard, etc.) at the hardware store. It is easy to work with, smooths out nicely, dries quickly and takes paint well. I don't think I could build a diorama without the stuff. It's great for making mud too.

Will Spackle fill a gap this large?  Is there any special surface preparation before application or fnishing before painting?  I've used  this to filll tiny nailholes but never on a diorama.

Thanks!

Leddy

Leddy wrote:

Will Spackle fill a gap this large?

Don't use Spackle!!!!

It will take forever to dry!!!

Just use a few applications of white glue, impregnated over with whatever snow material you used.

Uh.....ya didn't use Baking Soda for the snow I hope?!?!..............

I beg to differ, but what would I know, it's not like I used to build dioramas for a living.....

And is it really necessary to shout down my suggestion with 36 point type, or is etiquette out of fashion too?

How is the "sheet rock mud" of joint fixing compound used?  Will it  fill a gap this size?  How long does it take to dry.  Can Woodland snow and white glue be used to finish it?

Thanks!

Leddy

Kykeon wrote:

I beg to differ, but what would I know, it's not like I used to build dioramas for a living..... And is it really necessary to shout down my suggestion with 36 point type, or is etiquette out of fashion too?

I tried using Spackle in a similar fashion to fill a hole in a dio, and after 4 days it was still goopy. It hadn't dried at all. It was like tapioca pudding. And it was an awful mess to dig out of the hole.

Apologies to you if you feel I was shouting you down or questioning your expertise; that was the farthest thing from my mind. Just didn't want to see the guy make a mistake and then have to waste time waiting...there are times when I still do see guys recommending stuff like Baking Soda for rusting effects and snow on different modeling forums--and I will make as emphatic a post to those replies too, based on my personal experience. No need to take umbrage, friend! 

Leddy wrote:

How is the "sheet rock mud" of joint fixing compound used?  Will it  fill a gap this size?  How long does it take to dry.  Can Woodland snow and white glue be used to finish it? Thanks! Leddy

I use it outta the tub, but it can be thinned with water.  To fill a gap like you described, I'd just cut down some "popsicle" sticks into various applicator shapes and pack the mud into the gap, then smooth it off after the gap is filled.  It's drying time varies on how thick you apply it.  Thinner applications dry fast, allowing you build up layers quickly, maybe 10 minutes between applications. If you apply it too thick, it will shrink, but I see no problems with filling gaps you're describing.  It's designed to do just that, fill gaps in sheetrock walls...    Just about any ground material you can think of will work on it with white glue...