How to get Milliput to not stick​?

Milliput putty is a two-component epoxy putty widely used in model making, sculpting and repairs because of its ability to harden and become completely solid after curing. However, one of the biggest challenges when working with this material is its tendency to stick to hands, tools or work surfaces. This situation is very frustrating and makes it difficult to handle. To solve this problem, we will provide the necessary techniques and tips to avoid this problem and answer a recurring question from artists: How to get Milliput to not stick​?,

What is Milliput?

As mentioned above, Milliput is a brand of epoxy putty, originally from the UK, with a wide variety of applications due to its versatility. It is useful for both modelers and restorations, as well as for small domestic repairs. In fact, it was first marketed as a tool for do-it-yourself projects and car body rehabilitation, until the brand realized its great popularity among model sculptors, when it changed its commercial focus to this sector.

This product is available in 6 different colors, with each container containing two separate bars (A and B), a base and a hardener. For its reaction to work and become active, it is necessary to mix the same amount of each of the bars. Once they are mixed together, the hardening process begins, which is completed in approximately 24 hours. After complete solidification, it can be sanded, drilled, carved, etc. It can also be painted with various types of paint.

Why does Milliput stick?

One of the most well-known characteristics of this product by those who are used to working with it is its stickiness. This is essential to ensure its adhesion to different surfaces and to guarantee a good anchorage. However, this property makes it difficult to mold by hand, so most artists look for solutions to this problem.

Tips for making Milliput not stick

To properly mold this two-component epoxy putty of different colors, commonly called A and B, it is essential to take the same amount of both components and knead vigorously until a homogeneous color and a unified, easy-to-handle putty is obtained. But how do you get Milliput not to stick during the process?

The answer is quite simple, using Green Stuff World's sculptor Vaseline. It is important to note that it should be applied to the artist's fingers, not the product, regardless of whether or not gloves are worn during the sessions. The steps for proper application are:

1. Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly to the fingers of the hand or gloves.

2. Cut two pieces of the same amount of each of the Milliput components.

3. Knead both components, mixing them together, without fear of sticking.

In the same way, it is possible to incorporate petroleum jelly to the set of tools that are going to be used to manipulate the putty, which will prevent it from sticking to them and will facilitate its later cleaning. A small dose will be enough to coat any surface and it can be easily removed with a rag when the task is finished.

In the case of not having petroleum jelly and needing a quick and homemade solution, it can be replaced by other basic products that everyone usually has at home, such as oil or body cream, although it is not the most advisable because it contains other components that can react badly with the putty. For this reason, whenever possible, it is advisable to use a specific product such as the petroleum jelly mentioned above.

Water as a lubricant

A much simpler way to solve the problem is to wet your fingers or slightly wet the hobby tools until the Milliput does not adhere. In this case, it is necessary to keep in mind that too much moisture will change the consistency of the product and affect the final result. This is why it is still most effective to apply petroleum jelly. Follow these steps to use water as a lubricant:

1. On hands: Dip fingers in water and dry them slightly before handling the putty.

2. On tools: Spray a small amount of water on tools with a spray bottle or apply a very thin layer with a brush.

Tips to improve the molding of Milliput

There are many elements that influence the good molding of epoxy fillers, which not only interfere in its tackiness but also in the characteristics and quality of the product and its final finish. To obtain the best results, we recommend following these instructions:

• Work in a clean, dust-free, and dry space.

• Maintain the ambient temperature between 20 and 25ºC to prevent the putty from degrading.

• Use equal parts of each component to ensure a uniform consistency. If necessary, use a scale to do it accurately.

• Mix the components for at least 5 minutes until a uniform color and texture is obtained.

• If the Milliput is too sticky, let it stand for a few minutes before starting to work with it.

• If gloves are used, they should be latex or nitrile gloves (powder-free) to prevent sticking without affecting the texture of the product.

Now that you know how to get Milliput to not stick​, choose the technique you feel most comfortable with and try it out. If you don't get the expected results, don't worry, you may be out of practice, try again making sure you follow the steps correctly. If this advice has helped you, stay tuned to our blog, soon you will find many other equally useful tips to apply to your projects.