White glue for kits

[Mister Mikado]

I exclusively use white glue for all my kits and accessory add-ons because it's so easy to adjust position while it sets, and if you want to re-position after it sets just pop the part, wash off the excess and start over.  With Testors and CA you're stuck (literally) with what you've got.  White glue is surprisingly strong if not handled carelessly, so for me it's ideal for a structure that's just sitting pretty on the layout.  I find Elmer's brand tacky enough for a fast set if you don't like gooey Aileens.  The best feature of white is you can change your mind with no damage. And no chemical stink.  -Rob

[mlehman]

Rob,

White glue can do some useful bonds. Generally, I prefer to upgrade to a PVA glue when a bond needs something like this. It's got all the good characteristics you mention for white glue, plus a better bond and water resistance. I use Titebond III, titebond.com

[Union Pacific 428]

I too use white glue for all of my non-styrene buildings. I use Elmers Glue All, and I've been happy with it. 

[doctorwayne]

White glue works best on porous surfaces, such as wood or paper, and perhaps for some joints between rough surfaces.
However, it's too slow-drying for assembling styrene kits, especially those with odd shapes or for large structures, and it's definitely not permanent.

Wayne

[mbinsewi]

White glue dries to slow for me.  I've used the carpenter variety, but I clamped the peices together, and let it sit for days.

I bought a used, assembled station for the grandson's O scale set.  You could tell it was glued with white glue just by the way it was flaking.

The station was really dirty and dusty, so I took it out side and hosed it off.  I brought it back inside in pieces, as it literally fell apart.

Mike.

[tstage]

Well...whatever boats your float, Rob.  I much prefer liquid cement (Testor's or Plastruct) for kit building because I do NOT want the parts to come back apart.  And since those are usually held in place by a pin or tab, I don't really need to re-position it.  I leave white or yellow glue for what it's best suited for: bonding wood and/or paper to one another.

Tom