How Do You Use Citadel Liquid Green Stuff?

Citadel Liquid Green Stuff is a useful modelling product designed to fill small gaps and imperfections on your miniatures and models. Unlike standard Green Stuff putty, which you mix and sculpt, the liquid version is pre-mixed and applied more like a paint or paste.

What is Citadel Liquid Green Stuff Used For?

Liquid Green Stuff is primarily used for addressing minor flaws on models:

• Filling Seams and Gaps: This is its most common use. When assembling multi-part models, you often get small gaps where the pieces join. Liquid Green Stuff is perfect for filling these tiny lines.
• Smoothing Imperfections: It can be used to smooth out small texture issues or minor casting imperfections on a model's surface.

As highlighted in techniques for model preparation, the goal is often to create a seamless finish by filling gaps on the model. While traditional methods might involve adding pieces of putty to fill larger areas (as described in the provided reference about filling gaps by adding pieces), Liquid Green Stuff offers a convenient solution specifically for those smaller, harder-to-reach gaps.

How to Apply Liquid Green Stuff

Using Liquid Green Stuff is straightforward, requiring just a few basic tools.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to apply Citadel Liquid Green Stuff effectively:

1. Prepare the Pot: Before use, shake the pot well. This ensures the paste is evenly mixed and has the right consistency.
2. Choose Your Tool: You'll need a tool to apply the Liquid Green Stuff. Common options include:
   • Old Paint Brush: An old, stiff synthetic brush works well for sweeping it into gaps. Make sure it's one you don't mind potentially ruining for fine detail painting.
   • Sculpting Tool/Spatula: A small metal or plastic sculpting tool with a flat tip can be used to scoop and apply the paste precisely.
3. Apply to the Gap: Scoop a small amount of Liquid Green Stuff onto your tool. Apply it directly into the gap or imperfection you want to fill.
4. Work it In: Use your brush or tool to push the Liquid Green Stuff into the gap, ensuring it fills the entire space. Wipe away excess from the surrounding surface.
5. Layer if Needed: For slightly deeper gaps, you may need to apply Liquid Green Stuff in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This is similar in concept to adding more material as required for filling gaps, but done with successive liquid coats.
6. Allow to Dry: Let the Liquid Green Stuff dry completely. Drying time can vary depending on humidity and the thickness of application, but it often takes at least 30 minutes to an hour for thin layers, and longer for thicker applications.
7. Clean Up: Once dry, Liquid Green Stuff can be sanded smooth or carefully scraped with a hobby knife to remove any bumps or excess material, leaving a flush surface.

Key Tips for Application

• Start Small: Always use a small amount. It's easier to add more if needed.
• Thin Coats: Applying multiple thin layers is usually better than one thick layer, which can crack as it dries.
• Clean Your Tool: Clean your brush or tool immediately after use with water before the Liquid Green Stuff dries on it.
• Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area.

Drying Time

As mentioned, drying time varies. A thin application will dry relatively quickly, perhaps within 30 minutes to an hour. Thicker applications may take several hours. It's best to wait until it is completely hard before attempting to sand or clean it up.

Liquid Green Stuff vs. Standard Green Stuff

Here's a quick comparison:

In summary, use Liquid Green Stuff for those annoying fine lines and small surface issues to get a smooth, professional finish on your models before priming and painting.