| Putty is OK but you mustn't be scared of it!!
Firstly rub down the seam to ensure that flashing, high edges etc are removed and the area is flattened. If you are lucky you will only have a small crack but you may have one side higher than the other so you may need a combination of filling the low side and rubbing down the high side.
One very important thing to bear in mind here. I have come across kits that included the little locating dimples that were not accurately placed and if you cut them off and sanded them flush you can sometimjes find that the fit of the two pieces is significantly improved.
Anyway, apply the putty making sure that the affected areas are covered and trying not to cover too much detail. When it is set it is a simple process of carefully removing the filler to leave a perfect seam. I would usually start with either a course emery board or even a small file to remove the bulk of the excess filler, taking care not to scratch the surrounding plastic with it, then move on to a course wet and dry, then a medium and finally a fine one. I do mine in a bowl of warm water to ensure the wet and dry remains lubricated and clear of plastic. Another very important point, always support the wet and dry with a rigid backing such as a piece of metal or plastic. If you use your fingers only the paper will follow the contours and you could easily end up doing more harm than good.
Important not to be scared of the putty. It does look a mess when it first goes on but it comes off again easily and you will be amazed at just how effective it is at giving you a perfect seam.
Have a read through my "Back to Basics" thread as well for more thoughts on these issues.
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“Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack, Butting through the Channel in the mad March days" |