What's the difference, if any, between "hobby" epoxy putties, like Milliput and those sold by the modeling companies, and the stuff you can get at hardware stores? Is the hobby stuff easier to work, or to sand, than the cheaper hardware store stuff?

Im not sure what the difference is to be honest about it. I would be interested as to what kinds/brands are available at Hardware stores in the States though and see what others experiences have been.

The biggest difference I've noticed is the grain or grit size.

I've used Milliput for years and it gets pretty soft when you mix it well and can be smoothed with a wet finger or tool. They purposely make it with a fine grain for modeling.

Hardware store putties are sold primarily for plumbing or household repairs. It tends to be "stiffer," even when well-mixed and handled. It will smooth, but never seems to lose all its grit. The couple different hardware store putties I have tried are best used for things like making sandbags, or adding texture to tree trunks, etc. -- any application where a smooth finish is not necessarily needed or wanted.

Years ago, Elmers -- the same folks that make the white glue, sold a putty that turned a dark, metallic red color when mixed. It was pretty good stuff with a nice smooth grain. It came in two ribbons -- one wider than the other, and you just cut two pieces the same length to get the proper mix. I thought it was almost as good as Milliput -- and quite a bit cheaper. I used it on a couple projects with good success. Unfortunately, it seems to have disappeared -- I haven't seen it in any store for years.

For a truly great "filler" solution, see my post in the "Bondo Spot Putty" thread. "Supafilla" has a finer grain than any putty I've ever used. An experienced UK modeler (another forum) called it "the single most useful modeling tip I've ever received." Regards, Rob

I tried some of the hardware store putty. Bob is right. It is more grainy than Milliput. I bought the kind in the tube that had part A wrapped around part B. Slice off a chunk and knead them together. I have also seen epoxy putty at Lowes that had one yellow ribbon and one blue ribbon that are seperate, like milliput. I haven't tried those, though.
Shaun

Keenan -
I've tried all the eopxy putties.
The following is my humble opinion.

For modeling nothing beats Milliput.
I love it, it is pliable enough for our needs when we want that special finish, and doesnt stink to high heavan like the plumbers putties.
The hardware store putty I would use to sculp less critical parts with is the ribbon style.
(I recently searched high and low in my local Lowe's for it)
I recall making some great sandbags with the yellow/blue ribbon stuff.

Milliput for your subject, Ribbon style for the scratchbuilt dio details.
The sausage style that you knead together has never remained pliable enough for me to work with as long as I wanted, and stunk more than I recall the other putties.

If you havent tried Milliput, google for it, or get it from Squadron.
I think you'll be very impressed with it.

Happy Modeling,