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Thread: My putty got hard.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
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    Palos Hills, IL (southwestern suburb of Chicago)
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    108

    My putty got hard.

    Guys, gals, is there any way to make old wood putty, that has gone hard in the little jar, soft and usable again?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Glenmoore Pa.
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    767
    Let it go, Randall. This puttys time on Earth has passed.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
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    Highland MI
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    If it is Timbermate, just add some water and soften it up, otherwise I agree with Kevin.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
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    In the foothills of the Sandia Mountains
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    16,622
    I have used acetone to revitalize wood dough.. with mixed results.
    Please help support the Creek.


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  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Mililani, Hawaii
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    175
    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce Page View Post
    I have used acetone to revitalize wood dough.. with mixed results.
    Depending on what kind of putty it is water, lacquer thinner or vegetable oil - one of those will probably work to soften it up.

  6. #6

    Plastic Wood

    i only use two kinds of putty in my shop for all general wood filling I use plastic wood and I buy the large can because it is half the price of the small one. I have revived this putty many times until it is used by just adding enough acetone to get to the consistency that I want. For larger repairs and things that need to hold on there own I buy putty sticks which are a two part epoxy that you cut off what you need and knead it together. One or the other always fits the bill
    Steve

  7. #7
    Color putty softens up with mineral spirits. I'm talking about the premixed little jars that painters use when filling nail holes in woodwork.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Virginia and Kentucky
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    3,364
    What brand id the wood putty? That lets us know what to recommend.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Baltimore, Md
    Posts
    1,785
    I was hesitant to open this message based upon the subject line.

    All kidding aside, I personally have never had any luck revitalizing wood puttys after they set. I would just get new, is it worth the time and effort for 4-6$ for a new container of wood putty ?
    "The element of competition has never worried me, because from the start, I suppose I realized wood contains so much inspiration and beauty and rhythm that if used properly it would result in an individual and unique object." - James Krenov


    What you do speaks so loud, I cannot hear what you say. -R. W. Emerson

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Belden, Mississippi
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    Just another reason to buy Timber Mate.
    Bill
    On the other hand, I still have five fingers.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Camas, Wa
    Posts
    3,853
    Quote Originally Posted by Bruce Page View Post
    I have used acetone to revitalize wood dough.. with mixed results.
    I have used acetone with good results also.

  12. #12
    The easiest way to find what will soften it is to go online and consult the MSDS of the product to see what its components are then you will know exactly what will be compatabile.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Escanaba, Michigan
    Posts
    61
    I have kept the colored putty in the small jars for years. When I finish using it I pad down the remaining putting in the jar and fill the remainder of the jar with water. Then, I tighten the cap slightly with my channel lock pliers to get a good seal. This will keep the putty for a long time. When I need it again, I open the jar, pour out the water and the putty is like new. I do the same for my window putty. Works great.

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