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Problems Using Silly Putty for Masking

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  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Problems Using Silly Putty for Masking
Posted by Johnny Reb on Sunday, March 20, 2016 5:14 PM

Hello everyone.

I am brand new to this Forum and I am pleased that I was able to discover it.

I was wondering if anyone can help me with an issue that I am experiencing with masking with Silly Putty.

The problem is this: I masked the wings (with Silly Putty) of an ME 109 for painting a camo pattern. Everything worked fine. After painting, (and letting paint dry completely) I removed the Silly Putty. Everything looked good. I then applied a coat of spray flat lacquer. After this dried, there were very noticeable "tracks" where the Silly Putty actually touched the model.

The "tracks" are much more shiny (even with flat lacquer) than the rest of the model and are really kind of ruining the look of it.

Does anybody have any advice as to how I could fix this problem without having to paint the entire wing areas all over again?

Incidentally, I did initially prime the entire model with a spray primer prior to applying any finish paint.

Thank you!

 

  • Member since
    July 2013
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by Iceygator77 on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 4:21 PM

Seems to me that either the underlying paint didn't fully cure or the silly putty was left on for too long. But also the lack of a primer coat may have had a hand. Keep in mind too that silly putty is an absorbant material, I remember using it to copy comic strips in the Sunday paper! I would even suggest that you apply a clear coat in between colors!

  • Member since
    May 2013
Posted by Snibs on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 4:39 PM

Never had that problem with silly putty using enamel paints but I always put the model in the fridge for half hour before removing as I found it made it much easier to remove in warm conditions, don't know if that's anything to do with your problem, can you post a pic? maybe a few coats of gloss then matt.

I use Panzer Putty now, it's great stuff.

http://www.mxpression.com/miscellaneous.html

Mick.

Some stuff that might be interesting.

https://sites.google.com/view/airbrush-and-modeling/home

On The Bench.

Tiger 1 and Tooheys.

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 4:42 PM

I haven't used SP much, but I agree, you may have left it on too long. I will usually take it off right after painting due to its oily nature.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 7:03 PM

Or use a substitute in blue poster tack. Are you using a generic brand of silly putty or the real deal brand Silly Putty? I've never tried using Silly Putty yet since I've been pretty happy using blue tack instead.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 6:38 AM

I see several possible factors here. I regularly use SP as a masking agent and have never experienced any problems.

One issue here is the possibility of the paint not being fully cured as previously mentioned. I have masked over acrylic and enamel paints left to cure for a minimum of a day or two. You did not mention how long you left your paint curing.

Another issue is the possibility of contaminating the SP from body oil or any other substance that you may have touched and not washed your hands. Also it could have gotten contaminated on the surface where you rolled it?

Is it the real Silly Putty or a knock off made by another company that may have a different chemical composition?  

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: MOAB, UTAH
Posted by JOE RIX on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 8:10 AM

Hi Johnny. I too use Silly Putty extensively and here is couple of things I've learned regarding your issue. First, do not lay putty on a flat coat. It likes to "grab" on to the rough texture of flat paint and thus will leave a residue. Apply a semi-glosss or gloss coat on prior to masking with SP. Next, as mentioned prior, is to stick your kit in the fridge for a few minutes prior to removing the SP mask. It will pop right off without leaving any residue. I sure hope this helps you out.

Oh yeah, yes, you will likely have to sand out the blemish and repaint. Trust me, this is the voice of experience.

Good Luck, Joe

"Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did". George Carlin

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 11:58 AM

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Or use a substitute in blue poster tack. Are you using a generic brand of silly putty or the real deal brand Silly Putty? I've never tried using Silly Putty yet since I've been pretty happy using blue tack instead.

 

Sheep's comments are my experience too.

That said, PJ and Joe Rix above have lots of experience using Silly Putty and if you follow thier advice I'll bet you'll be fine. (they both do outstanding masking using Silly Putty).

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:49 AM
Thank you Icy Gator!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:50 AM
Thank you Snibs!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:50 AM
Thank you MC!!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:51 AM
Thank you Black Sheep!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:53 AM
Thank you PJ! Great info!!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:56 AM
Thank you Joe! Great info! You definitely taught me something very useful! Also, great quote by the late GC! I saw him perform just a couple months before his demise in a small cabaret type room at the Orleans in Vegas! Great man!
  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Ipswich, Massachsetts
Posted by Johnny Reb on Saturday, March 26, 2016 5:57 AM
Thank you Greg!
  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: MOAB, UTAH
Posted by JOE RIX on Monday, March 28, 2016 12:37 PM

Johnny Reb
Thank you Joe! Great info! You definitely taught me something very useful! Also, great quote by the late GC! I saw him perform just a couple months before his demise in a small cabaret type room at the Orleans in Vegas! Great man!
 

You are very welcome Johnny. I hope you grow to love Silly Putty as much as I do.

"Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did". George Carlin

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