Anyone use this stuff for modeling on a regular basis? I saw a few references after searching, but just wanted to find out if anyone else is using it. http://www.bondo-online.com/catalog_item.asp?itemNbr=760 I bought it at Wally World because I needed modeling putty but they either don't carry the Testors white stuff any more or they were out of it. I figured there would be some kind of Bondo putty and sure enough, a pretty big tube for around $3. I bought it and used it on a pair of n-scale resin UPS trailers and it seems to have worked OK but I'm just wondering if I should keep it in the arsenal of other highly toxic model railroading chemicals or toss it NOW, lest I hurt something or myself. (i.e. if it is not an ideal material for use with styrene or resin models, and so on...)
Doug, I haven't used Bondo putty for anything yet but I wouldn't think it would bad to keep around. Heck, the Sqaudron putty is pretty toxic itself. It contains Toulene I believe. As long as the Bondo stuff says that it is safe on plastic, it should be alright. If it works for you let me know, I may get a tube myself.
Doug, Never thought of using Bondo on anything but autos, and that was a long time ago. I'd apply it to a scrap piece of styrene and watch what happens. I wouldn't want it on my skin for any length of time. Epoxies generally don't attack plastics.
I've been using it while building 1/25 cars & trucks and had no adverse affects.Got a couple that have been been built for over a year and they still look fine.I say use it and have a blast with it! I think that it is better than the "model" fillers that are out there.I used squadron and it seemed that I had to keep refilling where I was using it cause it would shrink aas it dried.The bondo brand doens't seem to shrink. Hope this helps ya.
Well, it seems to have worked OK with the resin trailers. I sanded it and it is SMOOOTH. The roof areas were looked like mesh screen before....thousands of tiny pockholes where the airbubbles settled....and everything looks pretty good now. (with the red putty it looks like my trailers have the chickenpox!) I found a few spots in other areas I missed so I need to go back one more round. I'll post some pics over the weekend.
Gee, seeing as my last tube of Squadron putty has hardened in the tube--just like the last two tubes of Squadron putty--I think I'm off to AutoZone tomorrow. Let's see-- One tube of bondo One can of Dodge Magnum 2005 Black (Don't ask!) I've already got the clear overspray from repairing my wife's car.
Bondo type putties can soften styrene if applied too thick, but then so can Squadron white or green, but Bondo does shrink less. It's also more economical and unless you're actually holding it under your nose, the fumes shouldn't be a problem. It's a good idea to have a fan moving the air around in your work area anyway. I have a cheap oscilating fan set on low that switches on with my workbench power.
