Too much Squadron Putty Wasted

Try some 3M Acryl Blue Glazing Putty!  I have a tube that is about 18 months old and it's as good as new. It's far better than Squadron putty as well and if you can keep it sealed it will last for years as it comes in a 21 oz tube.

I use Bondo Red Glazing Putty, available at any auto parts store.  I've had the same tube for over a year and have used less than 5 % of it with no issues..

Other than Testor's White, I never buy any "model" brand putties...

The trick with any expendable resource on your bench...paint, glues, putties etc is to make sure you have a clean closure. That is to wipe the threads clear of excess before returning the cap/lid. The cap/lid should be tight not overly tight as this in many cases allows air to get past the threads because they are riding up on each other thus leaving an minute opening for air to seep in.

With anything in a tube, be sure to roll up the tail to keep an airspace from building up. Store in a cool dry place...darkness is good as well. I've had tubes of Squadron Putty last for dozens of years. Just finally used the last bit from a tube I purchased back in the mid 90s. It was a bit granular but served the purpose well. 

MonsterZero wrote:

After buying a new tube I manage to use up maybe a pea-sized amount and then if it sits for a few months it dries up inside making is very hard to squeeze out, if it comes out at all. Has anyone tried refrigerating it?

last tube of squadron I bought, I transferred directly into an empyt (tamiya) glue jar, added some (automotive) laquer thinner, and mixed it to a thick paste. When it thickens up, i just add more thinner.

Bioya wrote:

What works to thin 3M Acryl-Blue Glazing Putty and the Bondo Red?? Drying Time??

Never needed to thin Bondo Red very often... But if you have to, good ol' Testor's Liquid Cement (bottled) will do quite well..

Can't help ya with 3M, but if you ever use Testor's White, it thins with rubbing alcohol...

Drying time for Bondo Red (as in ready to wet sand) is less than 10 minutes for normal applications, Testor's, about 20 minutes if it's been thinned... Takes a bit longer outta the tube, maybe 30-40 minutes

MikeV wrote:

Try some 3M Acryl Blue Glazing Putty!  I have a tube that is about 18 months old and it's as good as new. It's far better than Squadron putty as well and if you can keep it sealed it will last for years as it comes in a 21 oz tube.

Hey Mike, don't mind me asking where did you get the Blue putty from?

nico86326 wrote:

MikeV wrote: Try some 3M Acryl Blue Glazing Putty!  I have a tube that is about 18 months old and it's as good as new. It's far better than Squadron putty as well and if you can keep it sealed it will last for years as it comes in a 21 oz tube. Hey Mike, don't mind me asking where did you get the Blue putty from?

I bought it online but can't for the life of me remember where from. 

I did a google search and found the lowest price. It was an auto body supplier I believe.

MikeV wrote:

nico86326 wrote:  MikeV wrote: Try some 3M Acryl Blue Glazing Putty!  I have a tube that is about 18 months old and it's as good as new. It's far better than Squadron putty as well and if you can keep it sealed it will last for years as it comes in a 21 oz tube. Hey Mike, don't mind me asking where did you get the Blue putty from? I bought it online but can't for the life of me remember where from.  I did a google search and found the lowest price. It was an auto body supplier I believe.

Thanks for responding Mike. I went to my local Carquest and they had it shipped up to me from Phoenix. Price of living in a small town. BTW... what do you use to thin it with.

Bioya wrote:

What works to thin 3M Acryl-Blue Glazing Putty and the Bondo Red?? Drying Time??

laquer thinner can be use with the Bondo putty.

It will even effect dried putty.

Eric... 

nico86326 wrote:

Thanks for responding Mike. I went to my local Carquest and they had it shipped up to me from Phoenix. Price of living in a small town. BTW... what do you use to thin it with.

I don't thin it my friend, it is about the consistancy of toothpaste as it is so it works great straight out of the tube.