Wood Filler

[Sapper]

Hello All

 

What sort of wood fillers are you using?  I've not had problems with larger models but they are a bit coarse for Bottleship scale.

 

Sapper

[Dana Perkins]

I use auto body putty. It bonds well, sands to a smooth finish, and it doesn't shrink. It's a good option if the object is going to be painted, instead of being done with a natural wood stain.

[Alex Bellinger]

Good old spackle seems to work well, though not so well for large gaps. Once the hull is well sanded I follow with a number of thin coats of acrylic gesso, allowing each overnight to dry.  Since I paint with acrylics this provides an ideal base, but it might not work as well with oils or enamels.  With anything that might ever get near water I try to finish just like I would a car body - bondo, red lead filler, all well sanded and sealed with a lacquer or dependable polyurethane.  Years ago a hobby store manager suggested airplane dope mixed with a teaspoon or so of baby talcum powder for a sanding sealer.  It worked well but made the shop smell like a nursery for a while.

[JesseLee]

I sometimes use glue mixed with very fine sawdust.

 

Jesse

[Jim Goodwin]

Elmer's makes a good wood filler--water based.  Plastic Wood is also good.  After sanding, need to seal as Alex mentions

[Sapper]

Thanks everyone

 

I have ordered two types from one of our Model Shops.  They look quite good so my problem may be solved.  I will let you know how it goes.

 

Sapper