Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

White glue for kits

722 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Monday, November 19, 2018 7:32 PM

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

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Monday, November 19, 2018 3:16 PM

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.

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Monday, November 19, 2018 2:46 PM

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

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 88 posts
Posted by Union Pacific 428 on Monday, November 19, 2018 1:02 PM

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

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 10,582 posts
Posted by mlehman on Monday, November 19, 2018 11:18 AM

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

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 400 posts
White glue for kits
Posted by Mister Mikado on Monday, November 19, 2018 10:18 AM

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

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!