Question Alternative to AMACO for black filler?

[jim_p]

Like a lot of Grumblers, I use AMACO putty for touching up frames. They do the job for the most part, but I find that the black is particularly obnoxious to work with. Not only is it much harder than the others (others I can dig a little out of the can on a fingertip, the black I need to use a tool to dig some out) but it really gets into my skin like none of the others... afterwards, I wash with soap and a scrub brush and *still* don't get it all out! Needless to say, this can be hazardous if you're handling mats or artwork afterwards...

Any other suggestions for a black corner filler?

 

[China Fine Art Framing]

Hi Jim, I always use a plaster wood filler from the hardware store and acrylic paint or gilders paste to touch up corners. It dries, unlike the AMACO, and it's cleaner to work with. Colours are also much easier to mix and match.

 

[Grey Owl]

I use a waterbase wood filler (no odor) and acrylic - Golden's bone black. I sometimes use guilders paste, depending on the surface, but they do have fumes, so you need good ventilation.

 

[Baer Charlton]

Attach EZ's Fix & Fill.

 

[BILL WARD]

I just use one of those liquid soaps from the grocery(and a paper towel to dig/wipe hard) and it works pretty darn well(course it would be even better IF I used hot water also!!!)...perhaps dawn might do better---it really does a job on greasy pans!

 

[PaulSF]

Timbermate makes some nice wood fillers. The only downside to the black is that when it dries, it's grey.

 

[jim_p]

Timbermate makes some nice wood fillers. The only downside to the black is that when it dries, it's grey.

I tried a sample of the black. The major problem I have with it is that it's slightly abrasive, so there's a real danger of scratching up the finish of a flat black moulding (and I sell a lot of that).

 

[Framar]

Well then, Paul it's not black is it?

 

[Bork]

Jim,

To make putty more workable and easy retrievable from the can worm up the can a little bit with a hit gun. Warming up also helps when mixing various putty colors. We usually use a small scrap of glass to mix colors on.

 

[Framar]

A hair dryer works great for warming the putty too - I buy used ones for $4 at the thrift store and in a couple of years when they conk out I just go buy another one! Helps paint dry too!

 

[i-m-chickie]

Like Baer said check out EZ fix and Fill by Attach EZ...Fab stuff. Better fill and not a putty fill.

But I still use my AMACO putties just use the flat side of a Swiss army knife to dig 'em out and mix 'em...heck I use the same flat knife to fill with...Dang I love that knife!
And blend the colours on scrap bits mat board cut up with that same fabulous Swiss Army knife.

You probably know all that...but there's my penny and a half!

 

[jim_p]

Like Baer said check out EZ fix and Fill by Attach EZ...Fab stuff. Better fill and not a putty fill.

I've got an EZ Fix And Fill kit, but I find it's a bit cumbersome for everyday use. I use it mainly for repairs, not for corner touchups...

 

[Dave]

I've found the Timbermate is a great alternative. I often use it and then touch up with oil colors.

Cleans up with water and is easy to use.

I use the clear since I use oils to touch up and mix those. Much easier than mixing putty. The oils take wonderfully to the filler.