`
Spray painting small parts can be a real pain. You need something to hold them steady so you can get even coverage without coating your fingers in paint. Regular clamps can be too bulky and damage the delicate parts. That’s where putty comes in – it’s like a helping hand that keeps everything in place. I’ve tried a bunch of different putties over the years, and I’m sharing my top picks for holding those tiny pieces steady while you spray.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Blu-Tack Reusable Adhesive: A classic, versatile option for light-duty holding.
- Loctite Fun-Tak Mounting Putty: Stronger hold than Blu-Tack, good for slightly heavier parts.
- Elmer’s Color Changing Slime: Fun and functional; changes color when warm.
- 3M Scotch Restickable Mounting Tabs: Convenient, pre-cut adhesive squares.
- Generic White Sticky Tack Putty: Economical bulk option for larger projects.
Top 5 Best Putty To Hold Small Parts During Spray Painting
1. Blu-Tack Reusable Adhesive
Blu-Tack is a classic for a reason. It’s a reusable, non-toxic adhesive that’s perfect for light-duty tasks. I’ve used it for everything from sticking posters on walls to holding small parts for painting.
Pros:
- ✅ Reusable and repositionable
- ✅ Non-toxic
- ✅ Readily available
Cons:
- ❌ Not ideal for heavier parts
- ❌ Can leave a slight oily residue on some surfaces
- ❌ May dry out over time
Verdict: Great for lightweight parts and general use, but not the strongest hold.
2. Loctite Fun-Tak Mounting Putty
Loctite Fun-Tak is similar to Blu-Tack, but it offers a slightly stronger hold. This makes it a better choice for parts that are a little heavier or need a more secure grip. I’ve found it especially useful when painting model car parts.
Pros:
- ✅ Stronger hold than Blu-Tack
- ✅ Reusable
- ✅ Clean removal from most surfaces
Cons:
- ❌ Can still struggle with very heavy items
- ❌ May leave a residue on delicate surfaces
- ❌ Can be a bit stiff to work with when cold
Verdict: A good step up from Blu-Tack for slightly heavier parts, offering a more reliable hold.
3. Elmer’s Color Changing Slime
Okay, hear me out! While marketed towards kids, Elmer’s Color Changing Slime can be surprisingly useful for holding small parts. It’s pliable, sticks well, and the color-changing aspect can be a fun way to monitor temperature during drying. I initially bought it for my kids, but I quickly realized its potential in my workshop.
Pros:
- ✅ Good adhesion
- ✅ Fun color-changing feature
- ✅ Non-toxic and washable
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit messy
- ❌ Not as strong as dedicated mounting putty
- ❌ May not be suitable for all paint types
Verdict: A fun and surprisingly effective option, especially for smaller, lightweight parts. The color-changing is a bonus!
4. 3M Scotch Restickable Mounting Tabs
These pre-cut adhesive squares are incredibly convenient. No need to tear off pieces of putty – just peel and stick. They’re great for holding small, flat parts in place. I use them a lot when I need to quickly paint a batch of small components.
Pros:
- ✅ Convenient pre-cut squares
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Good adhesion to flat surfaces
Cons:
- ❌ Not reusable
- ❌ Less versatile than putty for irregular shapes
- ❌ Can be more expensive than putty
Verdict: A great choice for speed and convenience, especially for flat parts that need a secure hold.
5. Generic White Sticky Tack Putty
This is your budget-friendly, bulk option. It’s similar to Blu-Tack and Fun-Tak, but usually comes in larger quantities and at a lower price point. It’s perfect for larger projects where you need a lot of putty. I bought a huge pack of this stuff when I was painting a whole army of miniature figures.
Pros:
- ✅ Economical bulk option
- ✅ Decent adhesion
- ✅ Readily available
Cons:
- ❌ Can be less consistent in quality than branded options
- ❌ May leave a more noticeable residue
- ❌ Sometimes a bit too soft/sticky
Verdict: A good budget-friendly choice for large projects, but be aware of potential quality variations.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right putty depends on a few factors:
- Weight of the part: Lighter parts can get away with Blu-Tack or slime. Heavier parts need something stronger like Fun-Tak or mounting tabs.
- Surface type: Consider the material you’re sticking the putty to. Some putties can leave residue on delicate surfaces.
- Reusability: If you need to reposition parts frequently, opt for a reusable putty like Blu-Tack or Fun-Tak.
- Quantity: For large projects, a bulk option like generic sticky tack might be the most cost-effective choice.
- Shape of the part: Putty is generally better for irregular shapes, while mounting tabs are ideal for flat surfaces.
Also, consider doing a small test on an inconspicuous area before using any putty on a valuable or delicate part. This will help you ensure that it doesn’t damage the surface or leave any unwanted residue.
Think about how you will secure the putty itself. I often use old cardboard boxes, pieces of foam, or even just a sheet of scrap plastic. The key is to have a stable base that won’t tip over while you’re spraying.
FAQs
Q: Will putty damage my parts?
A: It’s unlikely, but always test on an inconspicuous area first. Some putties can leave a slight residue, especially on porous surfaces.
Q: Can I reuse putty?
A: Yes, most putties like Blu-Tack and Fun-Tak are reusable. Just knead them to restore their stickiness.
Q: How do I remove putty residue?
A: Gently roll the putty over the residue to lift it off. You can also try using a mild solvent like isopropyl alcohol.
Q: Is slime safe for all paint types?
A: While generally safe, it’s best to test a small area first. The moisture content in slime could potentially affect some paints.
Q: Where can I buy these putties?
A: All of these options are readily available at most hardware stores, craft stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
Conclusion
Finding the right putty for holding small parts during spray painting can make a huge difference in the quality of your finished project. From the classic Blu-Tack to the surprisingly useful Elmer’s slime, there’s an option for every need and budget. Consider the weight, surface type, and reusability requirements of your project to choose the best putty for the job. Happy painting!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
