The plastic putty worked really well.

Sometimes I would let it dry just a touch and sometimes I used it without drying. It worked a little better for me not letting it skin over.

I bought some cheap plastic tools; stamps and rollers which only made a big mess. The putty would stick in the grooves. I tried with a little touch of water but the pattern didn't hold and would still stick to those tools.

I ended up using the Tamiya tools.

I might try spending a little more for good zimmerit tools on the next one.