320 Driver Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Are there any cons to using silicone as a filler? I have some leftover from a bathroom remodel and was thinking of trying it. It's paintable, and to fill in a wing body fairing, would be flexible enough not to crack under any kind of joint stress. Thoughts? I guess the only con I can think of for seam type work would be difficult in sanding. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Beary Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 No, no, don't go there. :) While it might work, I'd stick to conventional methods and materials. Bob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 Silicone corking dries out over time and does shrink in the process. It's not sandable or shapeable when dry, and I'm not so sure that the paint adheres to it all that well. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 See if you can find Vallejo putty in the tube. Both of my LHS had it, but it's also available online at Sprue Bros, Scale Hobbyist, et al. It has a wonderful applicator tip, so it's easy to get into acute joints. Also, you can smooth it with a cotton bud dipped in water, or like silicone caulk, with your wet finger. Unlike silicone caulk, it's easy to clean the tip next time you use it. BTW, you can also smooth Tamiya Putty White (Sprue Bros, Scale Hobbyist, et al.) with a cotton bud dipped in solvent. I use Mr Color Thinner (Sprue Bros, Scale Hobbyist, et al.), but I expect other solvents will also work. I only use a file or abrasive on putty when I'm trying to feather an edge on a flat or convex surface. Even in this case, though, I shape the putty very close using a solvent-dipped cotton bud to minimize the filing/sanding and potential collateral damage. Masking tape around the joint will minimize collateral damage when using abrasive sticks.Very fine abrasive pads will polish putty and plastic after using abrasives. Swiss pattern needle files (numbers 0, 2, 4, and 6) will do an amazing job on feathering putty as well as reshaping parts. Finishing with a #6 file won't require polishing with an abrasive pad. See Paul Budzik's Facts on Files for a thorough introduction. Quality files are an excellent investment; I got Grobet Vallorbe needle files from MSC, but other online sites have them too. HTH -- dnl Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 dnl, I also use Vallejo White Acrylic putty for filling in cracks and small hard to get to areas. And I really like for work around canopies and green house glass. It does shrink quite a bit so multiple coats may be needed. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Smith Posted December 24, 2017 Share Posted December 24, 2017 That's just beyond a bad idea. Way beyond...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted December 25, 2017 Share Posted December 25, 2017 On 12/24/2017 at 10:26 AM, Scott Smith said: That's just beyond a bad idea. Way beyond...... Scott, What's a bad idea? No quote, so I don't know that you're referring to Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scott Smith Posted December 25, 2017 Share Posted December 25, 2017 Caulk/Silicone as a filler. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted December 25, 2017 Share Posted December 25, 2017 44 minutes ago, Scott Smith said: Caulk/Silicone as a filler. Scott, Agreed. As I 1st posted, it's not a great idea. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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