NZ7C Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 (edited) Hi All - I am building my first model in many. many years - a 1/48 F18 Hornet. I am using Perfect Plastic Putty to do the seams. I am having trouble not applying too much putty which in turn causes excessive sanding and possibly sanding some detail lines. Too top it off some of the putty gets sanded out of the seams I was repairing. I would like to know if anyone is aware of an applicator tube to replace the PPP cap or any tricks to get more carefully applied putty. Any and all tips on doing good seam work are heartily welcome. Thank you in advance for any answers. Tim Edited October 30, 2017 by NZ7C Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Use a flat toothpick to apply the putty. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Beary Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Tape off the seam/area to confine where the putty goes. Use a toothpick or small spatula to apply the putty and press it down into the seam. Let it set up completely before sanding. HTH Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZ7C Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 Got it - thanks Bob and Slartibartfast! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 You can shape PPP with a cotton bud dipped in water. Most, if not all seams, can be done this way. That is, you should be able to avoid abrasives with some care and planning. PPP needs a primer before you paint to seal it. Vallejo makes acrylic putties in squeeze bottles--like their paints--or a tube with an applicator nozzle. This too can be worked with water in the same was as PPP. FWIW, I use a thin CA "skim coat" atop PPP, and then polish with #4 and #6 needle files. Makes the filler indistinguishable from the surrounding plastic. Using CA as a filler requires some care. You need to file/sand it as soon as it sets, maybe 30m at the most. If you wait too long, it becomes very hard and nearly unworkable! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZ7C Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 dnl42 - Thank you! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mistral Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Perfect plastic putty is water soluble. Paste it on with a flat spatula. Wet the tip of your finger and very gently rub at 90 degrees to the seam. Very gently otherwise you'll end up with a depression in the seam. Reapply as required. I've applied PPP and allowed it to dry and even then it remains water soluble. No real need to sand. Needs a good sealant / primer afterwards. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
admiralcag Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Tamiya thinner also works well to remove excess PPP. Use a cotton swab and wipe off the excess. Seam filled. Vern Quote Link to post Share on other sites
otis252 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Where can you buy PPP in the USA? Thanks. Chuck Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fighting Eighty-Four Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 43 minutes ago, otis252 said: Where can you buy PPP in the USA? Thanks. Chuck I have bought both tubes of mine from eBay. I can usually find it for around $10 or less there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
airmechaja Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Amazon has it also. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZ7C Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 1 hour ago, otis252 said: Where can you buy PPP in the USA? Thanks. Chuck I bought it through Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Delux-Materials-BD44-Perfect-Plastic/dp/B0076LAVFK Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Ditto Amazon (in fact...I use Amazon for a lot of my modeling supplies now). I love PPP! For hard to reach seams like wing-to-fuselage seams its a HUGE time and panel line saver. Like others have already posted, I apply it with a toothpick (cocktail stick), gently smooth it with my finger (damp or dry finger works) or tiny spatula, then gently remove the excess with a damp cotton ball/lint free rag. Use a damp toothpick to remove any PPP caught in panel lines. No need to rush either. Take your time and if done right you won't need to sand and you won't lose surrounding detail. Repeat as necessary. Sometimes I will run a buffing pad over the seam once the PPP has cured prior to priming. To maximize PPP shelf life (which I find can be a weak spot) I secure the top good and tight, put the tube in a Ziploc bag and store it lid down in a cool area away from sunlight. My current tube is almost two years old and as good as the day I bought it. Regards, Don Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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