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Anyone have any ideas on the best filler for blending the screen wire mesh to the table surface?
I am using the plaster cloth for the main covering of the screen,but i need something of like kind to fill in the gap from table to screen. Im thinking drywall mud?, Plaster of paris? I need mass quantities to cover a lot of area,also in some places it will be rather thick,maybe 1/2" or so.
Bob

Not quite sure I follow, need more Folgers:)



Do you mean the area I show here?

Yes Sir, that would be the area. Is that plaster cloth?

Yes, I use the Woodland scenics pre-made stuff that already has the plaster in the cloth.





I just cut strips, run them through a bowl of water and lay them down.

I used dry wall mud (plasterer's joint compound) over my cheapskate plaster cloth. It's easier to sand and get a good finish on.

As thick as you want, though it may crack a little on drying.

The front section of my track, in front of driver station, is all joint compound over white polystyrene.

Another option would be paperclay. It's like a powdered papier machet product. Just add water to makes a claylike goop. Works great. Lightweight. But it takes a while to dry.

I remember someone using the "goop" type stuff that Johnny mentioned. Might've been 3 years ago now (time flies) thought it soundsd great.

Bob if you use the drywall compound as Embs suggests, instead of one deep coat go the same way the plasterers do, in coat over coat. Less cracking that way.
I used a drywall plaster called compound 60. It dries faster and harder, and can be purchased in bags of various sizes.
Bob

Plaster cloth is what I would use too. Too thick water based filler (plaster, compound, acrylic, etc...) would crack sooner or later.

You can also use expanded PU foam for this kind of work.

I use the quick set drywall compound, same as Bob. There are various brands with varying dry times. The faster they dry the harder they are, although all can be sanded once dry. I tend to sculpt before it is completely set, particularly if I am trying to make the shoulder level with the road. I have layed it on 1/2" to 3/4" with no cracking issues. FYI, the quick set compound is not the same as regular drywall compound, which is very susceptible to cracking and shrinkage as the moisture evaporates.

I must admit, I used a tub of the premixed stuff. Not the cheapest way, but clean and convenient. Mixed some artist acrylic into it as tint because I hate paint on white. I used the same stuff to coat my FRocks.

I used Sculptamold - VERY easy to do.

We made our own concoction :D

Quick set drywall compound mixed with cellulose(blow in) insulation. Fills gaps well,dries fairly quickly,no cracks because its reinforced by the paper fibers,has a great texture,easy to sculpt into shape while it is setting and it doesn't care about being laid on thick.

I think we have a winner!

Perfect! I wanted to be able to build up the area from the plaster cloth to the road bed/aprons. That looks like the right stuff
Thanks to all for your help and suggestions.

Bob