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[jono]

 :-\  Hi, i have just started building the Robbe U47. Can anyone recommend a good waterproof filler to use
for filling the joints etc.

p.s. this is first boat im building.

[Martin (Admin)]

I'm going to say Stablit Express.... and just sit back and wait for the row to start!

[jono]

Thanks for your reply, but i thought Stablit express was a two part Adhesive as recommended  &by Robbe for gluing certain parts of the model & not a filler.

                                      jono.

[RMH]

Stabilit is an excellent adhesive but doesn't sand to well in my experience. I use Plastic Padding body filler from Halfords it sands well and gives a nice finish but it sets in about 5 minutes so you need to mix small amounts and work fast.

Richie

[Martin (Admin)]

Yes, your right. Your referring to filling joints and imperfections.
Not Many fillers like ABS but many people have used the Tamiya / plastic klt type fillers,
make sure the surface is well roughed up first. I'm not sure it water proof but like cars,
it's the paint that provides the water proofing.

[jono]

Stabilit is an excellent adhesive but doesn't sand to well in my experience. I use Plastic Padding body filler from Halfords it sands well and gives a nice finish but it sets in about 5 minutes so you need to mix small amounts and work fast.

Richie

 Thanks for that info, Richie looks likei will have to pop down to Halfords then.

       jono

[jono]

Yes, your right. Your referring to filling joints and imperfections.
Not Many fillers like ABS but many people have used the Tamiya / plastic klt type fillers,
make sure the surface is well roughed up first. I'm not sure it water proof but like cars,
it's the paint that provides the water proofing.

Martin thanks for comments as this my first try with a boat bound to ask for more help at some time


      jono.
             
               

[Stavros]

If you are buying filler buy a tub of EAST LIGHT it is the best filler money can buy.Forget Isopon etc this is a far superior car filler I should know with 25yrs in the car trade


Stavros

[Bradley]

Stavros,
Where does one get the East Light, please?  Do Halfords stock it or is it a more specialised body shop item.
Many thanks.   
Derek.   

[Stavros]

Halfords stock it
Stavros

[tigertiger]

I read somewhere that car body fillers are not waterproof.

It might have been on this site or another one, but as was said above, the paint gives the waterproofing.
I don't know if there is a waterproof filler.

The only thing i would say with a sub, is that both the inside and ourside get wet.

[Stavros]

Tiger you are quite right there is NO fillers that is waterproof ,it is the paint that waterproofs it.


Stavros

[andyn]

The bloke in model boats this month reccomends the polifilla stuff that comes in a tube for £2.99

[Casper]

Stabilit is an excellent adhesive but doesn't sand to well in my experience. I use Plastic Padding body filler from Halfords it sands well and gives a nice finish but it sets in about 5 minutes so you need to mix small amounts and work fast.

Richie

  me to.... and it likes ABS, blends well and gives a good finish...

[BJ]

A filler is what it says it is - a vehicle to add VOLUME to another product.
My favourite - Micro Balloons
See http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7768.msg109983#new. The following text was taken from http://www.epoxy-resins.co.uk/ and their section on micro balloons         
Hollow glass bubbles of an irregular interlocking shape and when mixed with resin/hardener the irregular shapes provide advantages both as a lightweight filler and reinforcement. The finished resin is non water permeable, the balloons can be added to resin up to 30% by weight. The composite density at this ratio is approximately 0.52 g/cc .
They work with virtually any adhesive of your choice.

[Niall]

I'd recommend the following in addition to those already mentioned -

Milliput - An epoxy resin filler designed for model making and is better and cheaper that DIY shops equivalents. Comes in 2 plastic bags, mix equal volumes of the 2 parts.
Benefits - sets in 3 hours at room temperature(placing it close to an anglepoise light will reduce this to 30 minutes or so), Can be worked with wet tools like clay, will support its own weight so can build up thick layers without sagging, does not get hot whilst curing, once set it can be drilled, sanded and machined, it will resist temperatures up to 100 degrees C, resists most chemicals, does not shrink or crack. It is totally impervious to water.
Drawbacks - does not stick to plastic very well, considerably more expensive than car body type fillers.
Variants - It is available in a basic green colour, white, terracotta, and silver grey. I've only use the first 2, I prefer the first as it is difficult to ensure the white is properly mixed and it is stickier and harder to work.

It is good for things which need sculpting like figure heads.