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Resin Bubble Filler?

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  • Member since
    March 2011
Resin Bubble Filler?
Posted by ModelsRUS on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 12:26 PM

So I am new to the forum but I have been modeling for the better part of 15 years. While I have normally stuck to tanks, halftracks and the occassional plane/helicopter, I recently procured some 1/35 verlinden figures. I can say that these are quality casts yet one piece has an air bubble that created a hole in the shoulder. I understand that air bubbles can happen and these have been sitting on the shelf for some time so sending back to the seller is out of the question. 

I was wondering if any of the fine members here had any advice on what type of material I should use to fill this hole. I am using water based Vallejo paints (which I have come to really like btw) so whatever the material is it should work with that, although Im sure a primer coat would be sufficient.

I have looked at squadren putty filler, a two part epoxy filler called green stuff (GS). That's really all I've come across. Are either of those easier to apply/ shape.

I appreciate any and all advice in advance. 

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wherever the hunt takes me
Posted by Boba Fett on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 12:53 PM

Personally, I prefer bondo sopt and glazing putty. It dries fast, and the red color makes it very visible on the plastic while working. It does have fumes though, so be careful when using it. Just apply a little bondo to the area, let it dry, and sand it flush.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 12:56 PM

ModelsRUS

So I am new to the forum but I have been modeling for the better part of 15 years. While I have normally stuck to tanks, halftracks and the occassional plane/helicopter, I recently procured some 1/35 verlinden figures. I can say that these are quality casts yet one piece has an air bubble that created a hole in the shoulder. I understand that air bubbles can happen and these have been sitting on the shelf for some time so sending back to the seller is out of the question. 

I was wondering if any of the fine members here had any advice on what type of material I should use to fill this hole. I am using water based Vallejo paints (which I have come to really like btw) so whatever the material is it should work with that, although Im sure a primer coat would be sufficient.

I have looked at squadren putty filler, a two part epoxy filler called green stuff (GS). That's really all I've come across. Are either of those easier to apply/ shape.

I appreciate any and all advice in advance. 

There are multiple options,  the Squadron filler mentioned or other filler putties such as Bondo Spot Glazing putty (an auto supply shop item),  epoxy putties such as Bondo/Evercoat Filler putty (another auto item),  or superglue mixed with resin sanding dust..

Apply in thin layers to facilitate drying/hardening as opposed to glopping it on in one bunch.   Also, if you use superglue be sure to sand right away.  Wait until tomorrow and the glue will be harder than the surrounding resin.

For a large bubble, pare away the edges of the bubble to good material,  then fill with styrene sprue pieces or Evergreen plastic strips and cement with superglue.   Carve and sand the plastic to shape

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 9:40 AM

Depends on the size of the hole. If it is a small bubble, say 20 mils diameter or so, I use a thick bodied primer (Krylon) so it may require just an additional coat of primer. If the hole is larger, I use my regular putty, auto body glazing putty (used to be known as spot putty).

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2011
Posted by ModelsRUS on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 1:31 PM

Thanks to all for the advice. I live in NYC so unfortunately there are no ready auto store nearby although there is a home supply store closeby so hopefully they will have one of the products all of you described.

Thanks again.

  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Wherever the hunt takes me
Posted by Boba Fett on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 3:08 PM

wal-mart and the like carries bondo, just head to the automotive section. :)

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 4:15 PM

ModelsRUS

Thanks to all for the advice. I live in NYC so unfortunately there are no ready auto store nearby although there is a home supply store closeby so hopefully they will have one of the products all of you described.

Thanks again.

I know that Lowes hardware stores carry Bondo epoxy body filler.  Check the paint department.   Its a quart-sized can with a smaller tube of hardener.   I haven't shopped for it at Home Depot, so I can't say for sure that its stocked there. Additional hardener can be bought separately.

Mix a quarter-sized dab of the resin with a pea-sized spot of hardener.   Mix and spread.  You will have 5 minutes of working time and can sand in a half hour or less.   It does stink a bit so work near a window or get set for some grief from SWMBO.

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