Converting Technique: Gap Filling

The principle behind filling gaps is laughably easy.
Either due to bad casting or the result from converting, we are using modelling putty to fill a gap in the figure.

I have an inquisitor scale Guardsman where I've reposed his arm, leaving a hideous gap.
I'm also using the Kneadite aluminium (Brown/white) putty, mainly cause thats what I have mixed already (from working on the weapon), but the technique is the same irregardless of the putty you are using.

Right then. First step, find your gap and have a good look at it, get to know it, erm... hang on. ignore that.
In all seriousness, its good to check what you are doing before you do it...
Following is the pic of the gap I'm working on. Quite a mean one really where I've reposed the arm.

Next up, make a sausage of slightly more putty than needed to cover the gap.
For "Greenstuff", i always suggest a 60/40 yellow/blue mix, for "brownstuff" is a 60/40 white/brown mix.

Now then, carefully balence the putty on the gap. The putty should be over the edges each side.

Take your modelling tool (the GW one is brilliant) and moisten it slightly. Many people have their own techniques, from dipping it in water then dabbing it on toilet paper, some people use oils.
Theres even people who lick their tool but i dont know anyone like that... honest... :looks worried:
Anyway, a good technique is to have a damp sponge in a saucer beside you, simply wipe the tool over the sponge and you're sorted.
Whatever method you use, now flatten the putty along the edges of the gap. Dont worry about covering up any detail, the important thing is the putty covers the hole and looks vaguely the same level.

If for any reason it looks wrong, pull off the putty, roll it back into a sausage and try again.

Now then. once you are happy with the gap filling, moisten your tool again and tke a look at your work.
More often than not, it will be thicker than the joint or cover up more of the fig than needed.

If the putty simply goes too far along the model, cut it back with the sharp end of the tool.
If the putty is too thick (as mine is), simply spread it out along the figure, then cut it back.

This stage takes alot of patience and practise, but is easy enough.

for the final stage, the technique varies.
If the gap is of a cloth / fur type material, simply use the sharp end of the tool to score some detail into the joint to blend it in.

For example, i've simply pushed the tool into the putty to give the "folds" of the cloth.
If you are working on armour plating/ a smooth surface, leave the putty to dry completly (about 12 hours or so to be sure) then use a small file to blend the putty in wih the existing armour.

And that's all there is to it.
It takes alot of patience and practise, but it gets easier.