Filling gaps in plastic?
- Thread starter Drac
- Start date
Darth Lars
Master Member
I suppose that you intend to paint it afterwards. Be sure to remove all paper residue before proceeding.
I would need more info to give you a better answer. Here are some generic tips:
First I would maybe reinforce the gap from the inside if the part is flimsy or if something could fall through the gap.
Use a flat scrap piece of plastic. Use superglue or a solvent-based adhesive for plastics - often found among plastic models in stores. The plastic adhesive I prefer is Humbrol's "Poly Cement" in the yellow bottle with a long neck.
After that, use some kind of filler. There are many options. "Spot putty" for plastic models is best for tiny holes and cracks. Epoxy putty such as Milliput is useful if a crack is deep or if you need to sculpt.
If you can't paint or if the part could flex then a more advanced method would be to dissolve plastic scrap from the part you working on in acetone
and use that as a filler. This is a tricky and time-consuming method. You would need an air-tight container, mask off the area, not spill, fill only very thin layers, etc. It is very easy to make a mess out of it.
I would need more info to give you a better answer. Here are some generic tips:
First I would maybe reinforce the gap from the inside if the part is flimsy or if something could fall through the gap.
Use a flat scrap piece of plastic. Use superglue or a solvent-based adhesive for plastics - often found among plastic models in stores. The plastic adhesive I prefer is Humbrol's "Poly Cement" in the yellow bottle with a long neck.
After that, use some kind of filler. There are many options. "Spot putty" for plastic models is best for tiny holes and cracks. Epoxy putty such as Milliput is useful if a crack is deep or if you need to sculpt.
If you can't paint or if the part could flex then a more advanced method would be to dissolve plastic scrap from the part you working on in acetone
and use that as a filler. This is a tricky and time-consuming method. You would need an air-tight container, mask off the area, not spill, fill only very thin layers, etc. It is very easy to make a mess out of it.
Drac
Sr Member
Sound advice thank you, I will be throughly cleaning down any residue of course 
there may be a small possibility of some flex it's going to be a working alien scanner, I may use it as to create a mould instead, depends how it goes. I could try the milliput route, the plastic/acetone paste is something I'll need for my R2 project anyway so could be a way forward. Thanks
there may be a small possibility of some flex it's going to be a working alien scanner, I may use it as to create a mould instead, depends how it goes. I could try the milliput route, the plastic/acetone paste is something I'll need for my R2 project anyway so could be a way forward. Thanks 
brandomack
Sr Member
I would use thick CA glue with kicker.
it's brand name is Zap-a-gap.
it's brand name is Zap-a-gap.
Drac
Sr Member
brandomack
Sr Member
Whats a kicker? Lol
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8456__Insta_Set_CA_Accelerator_2_oz.html
it's a catalyst.
Drac
Sr Member
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