Filling holes with Polyester Structural Putty

[76SeaRay]

I have quite a number of small screw and rivet holes to fill. They run up to about 1/4 to 5/16 inches in diameter. Structural putty is quick and easy to prep so will it work fine for filling holes like these instead of mixing up peanut butter? Can you use it to fill the overdrill hole size for waterproofing screws?

 

[Emerger]

I have quite a number of small screw and rivet holes to fill. They run up to about 1/4 to 5/16 inches in diameter. Structural putty is quick and easy to prep so will it work fine for filling holes like these instead of mixing up peanut butter? Can you use it to fill the overdrill hole size for waterproofing screws?

If you mean something like short or long strand fiberglass body filler then yes, it's fine. I use that a lot for just about everything.

 

[76SeaRay]

Actually, Total Boat has a Polyester Structural Repair Putty. That is what I planned to use.

 

[Meames1]

I don't see why not. Looking at the data sheet it uses milled fibers for filler. So not much different than if you made PB. IMO, if you have the materials to mix PB, then why buy a another product that's essentially the same (except they don't use cabosil or talc for thickening, just the milled fibers) . Of course if you don't have material to mix the PB, then go for it.
It does state to add wax to aid in air drying if not laminating over it-or use PVA. I would add it if you have some, if not just tape a piece of poly over it to aid in curing, you need it air-free.

 

[76SeaRay]

It's the ease of use in that all you do is take a small amount and add MEPK. Patching a few screw holes means you have to make a very small amount of PB which is hard to do and you have to deal with cabosil dust...

 

[Reserector_]

For filling holes, you may want to try a disposable pastry bag. Stick the nozzle end in the hole and squeeze the bag to fill the hole as you back it out. Other than that, you may want to flare the top of the holes with a coutersinking bit so you can get the filler down in the hole. It can be difficult to get a deep fill by just smearing it on top.