Damn cold: filler is stiff...

[JimCan]

I need to work outside. Temps recently in MD pop back/forth from mid-40's to low 60's... (I can't always work at the upper end) I got a tin of NAPA's 'Micro Lite' because I wanted a simple finishing paste that I can sand 90% off ..but the damn stuff won't spread well in these temps. Is there a way I can thin it? Thanks in advance for the help.

j i m

[AlexeiVT]

Yes, there is a product out there made by Evercoat, called "Plastik Honey"...specifically designed as a thinner for polyester fillers.

But, that aside, two better alternatives come to mind that seem "better".

If the can of filler is stored inside at room temps, the viscosity should remain the same between the time you bring it outside for the job, mix it, and spread it...after all, a few minutes of exposure to lower temps isn't going to thicken it...and application is only a matter of seconds (I can't see it changing viscosity quickly)...that is, until it begins to kick.

But, if you're looking for a way to do an easy spreading fillcoat...then something like Metal Glaze, Eurosoft, or something in the line of more liquid like fillers to start w/, would be more conducive to easy spreading.

It just seems a nicer way to go w/ something already formulated to do the job, rather than just add solvents to change something else that isn't what you want, into something you can get already...unless it's a matter of making some old dried out filler work for a less than critical repair.

Not all fillers spread the same...but sticking w/ a decent mainline name brand of lightweight filler, usually covers most of what you need to fill in a range of conditions.

[JimCan]

Alexei: I think you're right .. I mixed it inside and it was plenty stiffy at room temp. I just assumed that; besides going off ..the cold air thix'd it up too?! I'll go get some spreadable stuff. I read another post about you guys gooping a whole panel ..and those fillers seemed more applicable to my job.

The only thing I hate about filler: I can never do just one coat! I was working on a boat hull and grabbed some 3M crapus - turns out it was near impossible to level with 36grit because it had milled fibers or some such.. Thanks.

j i m

[68-chevyman]

Jim ask for Rage xtreme. Don't let some pimple face kid recomend fillers to you.