Mal Mayfield (HOLDFAST) posted a tip a while back. Using Fingernail Polish Remover in lieu of sanding and filing to remove Squadron putty used as filler. This is one of the best things I have learned in 50 years, thanks Mal.
Mal’s contributions here are always valuable, but this one takes the cake. It gives one the ability to fill cracks and still preserve the surrounding detail. I use the method on almost every model I build now and am simply overjoyed.
Thanks again Mal and thanks to Armorama for attracting modelers like him, that are willing to share their techniques.

Have to agree, Chuck, great tip- but I like to remind people to limit their exposure to acetone (effective ingredient in NPR) as much as possible. Goes directly to you liver & kidneys, and builds up. No way to detoxify. The dose is cumulative, so you kill a few more cells every time you crack the bottle. Wear gloves, apply with cloth or cotton, & always work in a well ventilated area.
Sorry if I seem to harp on this But I've got two buddies I used to work with in film slowly dying from overexposure to this stuff...Just thought you'd like to know

I don't know if somebody noticed, but it also works on Tamiya Putty.....

Hi Rob

Thanks for the safety warning - I didn't know it was harmful.

On the positve side, it also works brilliantly with Vallejo acrylic putty.

Cheers

Rowan

I missed the post with the tip. Can you re-direct me to it??? Anything that keeps from sanding rivet/panel detail away has gotta be a REAL GEM!!!!

Chief

I use liquid glue to smooth out putty and filler... not nearly as toxic as nail polish remover!

Testor's Liquid Cement works great with Squadron Green Putty (the only kind of putty i use)

Actually Roadkill introduced me to this tip a few years ago. He has an explanation on his homepage where he shows putty and acetone-free nail polish remover used to smooth down. The acetone can actually affect plastic. He uses tamiya putty in his exlanation, but I use humbrol and it works equally well!
It is indeed one of the "must-know" tips for filling seams and small gaps.

eeeh thanks but i just passed on some info that another modeler told me

You can find the explanation on my site (click banner) and go to the tips section

Roadkill,

You have an excellent site.

Absolutely awsome!!!

Lee

Tnx Lee you make me blush

This is off-topic, but I just have to chime in:




I am laughing (whistling in the graveyard?) at my experiences working in chemistry labs. At the end of every day we would more or less wash our hands with that stuff, and never under a hood.

Of course chemists used to have "taste" as an identifying characteristic of compounds, so go figure!

Stephen

Now I bought some of this Bondo spot putty, and when I need it thinner I just use a little rubbing alcohol, then I can paint it where I need it, works fine for me.

Kerry

I use nail polish remover on Gunze 500. Works like a charm.

Sealhead

This is not to downplay the need to use common sense while using acetone (or any other solvent for that matter) however it does not build up in the liver or kidneys according to any Materials Safety Data Sheet I have ever read and, in fact, is readily metabolized, rarely staying in the body for more than two or thee days before being completely broken down.
Damage to the liver and kidneys (as well as skin and mucous membranes) can occur from excessive exposure in much the same way that you can damage your liver from excessive alcohol consumption but this would require quantities far in excess of what we as modelers would be likely to experience.
As was said, try to limit your exposure and use acetone as well as all other solvents in a well ventilated area.

Be safe!

Mark

No doubt! I read most of the tips before I realized I had to sleep last night! :-)

As to the topic, I have never tried it. I am seeing many uses for the technique in my N-Scale modeling endeavors. I ALWAYS worry I cant sand it smooth due to small features molded in the carbodies, and this might be the answer!
Armorama rules!!!

Cuhail

well I saw this in my local arts and crafts shop and I thought I'd do one out of some wire I had around..I guess it's pretty usefull.

cheers guys