Post #145485 by KuKuAhu on Tue, Mar 8, 2005 5:34 PM

Yeah, I've seen it at some hardware stores. I always bought a variety from a hobby shop though. What you are looking for is a gray substance that is like modeling clay in consistency and comes with a seperate hardener chemical.

It's easy to work with, but I suggest you buy a couple packages depending upon the size of the container, and practice working with it first. If you have experience with Bondo or any other epoxy products then you will be fine.

If not, like I said, practice working with it. You'll need to have a good idea of how much hardener to add to get the working time that you want and still get it to "kick" fully. You don't want to be in the middle of working the shape of the putty into a perfectly smooth repair and then have it go off and turn to stone.

I think you'll be pleased and amazed at what you can repair in this fashion. I've been able to fix items to the point that if I were to prime them a solid color, you would not be able to find a repair. The problem is that you need to match the finish and color after your patch job. That is the hardest part to nail.

Good luck, and if you need advice, let me know.

Ahu

Also, since you will presumably be filling a hole in a mug, the trick is to tape over the hole from the inside and maybe even reinforce it so that you may work against a smooth surface from the outside. You know, like a mold or guide. When the putty kicks, you just peel away the tape and reinforcing and you should have a smooth surface inside as well. Avoid duct tape for the base layer though, as it tends to leave a "burlap" looking surface. You can sand epoxy though, just do it carefully and use light grit paper.

As I said above, the inside is the hardest part to repair perfectly.

[ Edited by: KuKuAhu on 2005-03-08 17:40 ]