Since this dries so fast and hard to smooth out is there anything that can be mixed with Tamiya Putty to make it more workable and not dry out so fast?

I really do not care for this putty, it is the first one I have tried and I am assuming there are better putties out there. it is not very workable even seconds after it is out of the tube

I've use some finger nail polish remover mixed in to help it, even thins it a bit. Put a dab of putty and the remover on a mixing tray and give it a whip then spread where needed. I hope this helps.
-Dan

Hi Michael

Well, I like Tamiya putty .. especially as it dries so fast and smooth and shrinks only marginal. If you thin it, it will shrink more. In case I need to thin it, I use Mr.Thinner 110 (as for Mr. Surfacer 500) .. works well

best wishes

Steffen

Tamiya do actually make more than one type of putty as well. I've only used the one they call "Tamiya Basic Putty". I think the other is an epoxy putty.

Anyway i really like the Tamiya Basic Putty for the reasons some people don't like it. It sets fast and hard. And it sands really smoothly and easily. I use it to build up spots where i have a step or for filling large gaps.

Depending on the application though, i also use superglue (Loctite 401) with accelerator. And i use typing correction fluid for filling shallow scratches or ejector marks. You notice one thing about all my options is that they are all fast...as i don't like delays and i'm a naturally lazy modeller.

It's a subject where everyone will develope their preference really. The trick is to try lots of options until you find the stuff that works for you.

Andrew

Tamiya makes basic putty(grey) and light curing putty(cures when a UV light is put on it for quick hardening=more working time) and they now have a basic White putty(same as grey i believe) you might try Aves Putty. lots of working time, no shrinkage and while it hardens rocklike it is still sandable.

I use acetone (nail polish remover) to soften it.