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After how much time does it take for GS to harden enough that I can start sanding it down?(Used it to fill in gaps)

Also same question for liquid GS.

Id let it sit for at least 12-24 hours to cure properly.

I've let all my stuff sit till the next day before sanding/painting just to be on the safe side!

24 hours is the value I've heard for it to fully cure hard. You can speed this by heating it and I think some people even put it in the cooker for a very short burst of heat to quick cure it when working on models. That said I'm unsure how fast you can speed its curing when you're looking to sand it down (my previous mention was for continued work and layering greenstuff on a model).

depending on how you mix it it can start to harden in an hour...thats usually the point where it isn't sticky anymore anyway...

 Overread wrote:
I think some people even put it in the cooker for a very short burst of heat to quick cure it when working on models

Never heard of the quick-heat thing. Temperature definitely does affect cure time, though. Popping mixed GS in the freezer can keep it workable (after a good thaw, of course) for days. Conversely (and more applicable to the OP), I know people have made "curing ovens" out of coffee cans and lightbulbs, but that's kept at a low enough temperature (so as not to burn the material) that it still takes some time to cure. We may be talking about the same thing, but it sounds to me like you're talking about baking at a high temperature for a few minutes, as opposed to merely warming the putty to cut numerous hours into just a few.

I generally give it at least a few hours under a lamp before I sculpt over existing putty and leave it overnight before I call it fully set (and would potentially start any abrasive work). I'm also generally cautious and rarely in a rush when it comes to sculpting, so YMMV.

Generally, it's dry enough that you won't leave impressions after about five or six hours. But if you'e wanting to file or sand it, give it a good 12 to 24 hours.

If it's on a metal model your can force dry by putting in a jam jar, lower and angle poise lamp down so the bulb is in the opening but not blocking it so air can move. Turn on the lamp and bake away for a couple of hours keeping an eye on it to make sure nothing gets too hot. This will melt plastic minis, so metal only.