Griffin_NC

My Feedback: (3)

What is the best way to fill small gaps in sheeting etc prior to applying monokote?

majortom-RCU

My Feedback: (40)

NHP Microfill, Dap Lightweight Spackle, balsa dust from sanding mixed with water-thinned aliphatic to make a little putty. They all dry fairly quickly, sand down easily. The aliphatic/balsa dust is stronger than the others, if the surface is likely to take a beating. When I want a nice surface, I swab the part with a damp sponge to get a little moisture in the surface of the wood, then smear the microfill all over, rub it in with my finger tips. Let dry, sand with 150 then 220, then cover. Fills the grain, fills any gaps, comes out smooth as a baby's butt. (I usually add a little water to the Microfill and stir it up into a nice mousse before I apply it.)

thailazer

Great to find this thread. I live in Thailand and can not find Microfill here. I CAN buy dry microballoons, and am wondering what I can mix with it to make the great lightweight water based Microfill adhesive. I am going to try lightweight drywall spackling IF I can find it, but am hoping someone can tell me what the magic formula for a Microfill-like filler would be. Any ideas out there?

thailazer

Additional note.... I am filling balsa and ply.

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

I use a product called Patch and Paint from the Home Depot. Light weight, easy to sand and cheap. Good Luck, Dave

airbusdrvr

One other technique I have used when using filler. Wood filler can be a bit "soft" after drying. In an area that needs to be harder(wing fillets are a good example), I then spread some thin CA across the wood filler. The CA will make the softer wood filler very hard. Handling and covering are then not a problem.

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

I pretty much do all of the above but I always have a tub of the Patch and Paint like Dave. I use it for a lot of things then use the thin CA like AB does to harden it.

thailazer

Thanks everyone for all the advice and tips. I went to the hardware store and found a tub of wall filler that must be similar to Patch and Paint. Put in an equal volume of microballoons and it turned out very nice. Definitely not as light as Microfill, but at least I can get the job done. Did not have to use much so very little weight penalty.