Glues and Fasteners for building Large Scale Models

"Glues and Fasteners."

By

Lawrence "Yogi" Wallace

"What type of Glue to hold your project together?"

For outdoor's, use Liquid Nails, 3M Adhesive, Goop, Gorilla glue, Tite-Bond outdoors or a similar glue, to keep your project from coming apart in the hot Sun. For indoor's, use a Hot Glue gun, or other glue for assembling your projects.

"Hot Glue can cause bad burn's and blistering."

For those who have never used this type gluing method, when you get the melted glue on you, you want to remove it immediately . Because it stick's like crazy, and It will continue doing damage till it cool's. Some people keep a pan of cold or ice water handy in case they get the glue on them. After using this type glue for a while, you learn to be careful because ---"You will burn yourself eventually."

I have 2 glue gun's, one for low temperature and one for the high temperature glue. Glue with the highest melting point, hold's the best.

I use the High Temperature type glue made for wood, to do permanent gluing. You can find it in store's that sell building supplies. There are 2 or 3 types of low temperature glues available, that melt at different temperature's. This type glue can usually be found in most craft store's. Hot glue comes in 3" sticks, and has a indefinite shelf life.

"The advantages of using the hot glue over the Liquid Nail's for indoor structures."

Hot glue set's up usually in 10 to 20 Seconds. But may take longer for some of the high temperature type's of glue sticks. I use the Lowest Temperature glue to temporarily tack part's together. The parts glued with low temperature glue, separate much easier. Low temperature glue is great for spotting item's on a lay out, a little dab on the feet or base of people and they stay put, want to move them, no problem, pop them lose and move them to a new location.

If it is a major mistake, I just heat the whole thing till the glue soften's, then pull it apart, making sure to wipe the glue off of the work piece, "Remember that's hot glue your wiping off", before it re-set's. Then re-glue it the right way.

When putting the corrugated metal roofing or siding on a model, at times the glue set's up before you can get the siding to stick to the model . "The siding will get hot, as it draws the heat away from the glue ." By re-heating a small area at a time of the siding, the glue soften's and you can push the siding into the glue for a better bond.

"A word of caution", the siding will be very hot so use a rag or wear a glove to push the material into the glue.

When using some liquid glues too insure that the glue isn't to applied to thick I use the spreader I made from an old telephone box cover using a file. This worked out fine, leaving just the amount needed to do the job. When using this type of glue, it becomes necessary to clamp or hold the parts together, for a long period of time while the glue cures. The set up time depend's on how thick the glue was applied. If the parts mis-align while gluing, there is a little more leeway in making change's, with this glue. If large amounts of glue are used, it will take a lot longer to dry.

"When gluing parts together follow the instruction's on the glue for best results".

"Caution - Follow all precautions on material packaging"

I used Liquid Nails on some of the buildings I'm making for outdoors. After gluing two parts together it takes a good while for the cement to cure and make a good bond. Liquid Nails takes a long time to set-up, which can delay the projects completion.
I have tried clamping, pinning, and temporary nails waiting for the glue to set. I just don't have the will power to sit and wait. So I thought about using hot glue on the joints to hold till the Liquid nails sets. I gave it a try and it works just fine. I even hot glued corner brackets to insure square corners on the building. I haven't tried to remove the hot glue, but I don't think it needs to be removed, as it won't show in the finished building. The summer sun may remove the glue for me!

"3M Weatherstrip Adhesive"

"Caution - Follow all precautions on material packaging"

I was looking for a faster working glue and someone on MLS mentioned they used the 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive and that it worked fine. After trying to find it at different stores, I found it in the automotive paint department at the local auto-parts store, and that's where I bought mine. It comes in black, white, and clear.
I've used it to glue several buildings together and attached siding made of aluminum, wood, and plastic. It holds quite well and still has a little elasticity when fully set. All test buildings have held up quite well through all types of weather.

There was no preparation of the surfaces of the material for gluing. Do not use too much glue, try a 1/8" bead to start. Apply the glue to one surface only. Align the parts and put them together. Then pull them back apart. You now have glue on both pieces. Set the parts aside to allow the glue to become tacky. I have used a small fan blowing across the adhesive to help cure it when there is high humidity.

"When I very lightly touch the glue and if it doesn't come off on my finger, it's ready to put the parts together." When you put the parts together this time, make sure that they are in the position you want. You will not be able to move them once they touch.

I like the 3M glue. It gives me the fast construction time I want, and it does the job. When I first saw the size of the tube costing $5.50, my first thought was it was going to cost almost as much to scratch build as it would for a kit. The big surprise was you only need a little 3M glue to do the job. I've put together three test buildings each about 6" X 8" X 6", with roof and siding added, and I still have half of the tube left. It has worked well on wood, aluminum, and plastic covering material. When I used 3M on a building made of a solid block of white foam packing material, there was a slight melting of the foam. this didn't effect the siding sticking to it. The buildings were put outside for testing and the siding is still holding just fine to the base material.

To all good things there are draw-backs. There is one with the 3M adhesive.
Its fumes can be harmful and dangerous, when used according to the instruction on the product it should be safe to use.
Hand protection plus a work apron and good ventilation are a must. I have had small amounts on my skin without any ill effect. This is not to say that you might not have a reaction to the material.

There are different types of "Goop" mine is automotive. Use the same way as the "3M Adhesive" and follow all precautions.
Goop works as well as the 3M adhesive. The major difference being Goop melts tah solid foam faster.

Comments from Net
Patio & Garden Adhesive
Glass & Bead Slick Surface Adhesive
Super Glue Gel
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"Comments on Glue's"

Chris Walas mentioned on net "Bead glass Glue". I followed a link to theDuncan Crafts site for the "Aleene's Co products" and saw where they make different glues for different uses. I had a e-mail informing me that the "Quick-Grab" sold by some dealers on net to use in building their structures was no longer available and needed a substitute for the "Quick-Grab" glue.

I believe the variety of glues sold under the Aleene's label may be very useful for model building. I have added a section below on these glues with their uses as described on the Aleene's site.
I am going to check out the craft stores to buy these glues to see how they work.

Just a quick note on this glue if you haven't tried it. It seems to be a thinner version of the silicone glues like Goop. It's formulated to be a contact cement, more or less , but has proven very versatile. On the locomotive I'm working on now, I've used a solvent glue for all the styrene/abs bonds, but everything else has been glued with this stuff. It seems quite tough and dries noticeably faster than the Goop glues. It's got all the same solvent warnings of Goop so be cautious. Its main advantage is that it can be worked on smaller bits and goes on thinner than other glues of its type I've seen. It's water resistant and can be painted. Worth looking at.
Chris Walas

I picked it up at Michael's, but most arts and crafts stores should carry it. Does anyone know if this can be used to glue plastic windows in place without fogging the plastic as super glue does?
Thanks, Doug Tome

It doesn't fog clear plastic (at least it hasn't yet for me, and I don't think it will), but you do have to be careful. It's a little stringy and can be a little messy. I use a toothpick to dab small areas.
Chris

Chris, great find. I've used Goop, but it's difficult to work with because it's well, too goopy (thick).
Cheers, Rich

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"Caution; follow all Manufactures Instructions"

Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Patio & Garden Adhesive

Formulated for outdoor use, this high-performance adhesive withstands heat and cold, is water-resistant and contains an UV inhibitor. Recommended for pottery, terra-cotta, cement, resin, ceramics, rigid PVC and wood.

Learning About Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Patio & Garden Adhesive

Basic Instructions
1. Use on outdoor items including pottery, terra-cotta, cement, resin, ceramics, rigid PVC and wood. This unique formulation provides a permanent hold and withstands temperatures of –45 degrees to 150 degrees. Ideal for year-round use.
2. For best results, test a small area before use.
3. Apply at temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to 85 degrees.
4. Make sure surfaces are clean and dry.
5. Roughen surfaces to be bonded.
6. Apply Patio & Garden Outdoor Adhesive to both surfaces and press together.
7. Let bond set 2-6 hours before handling. Bond is full permanent after 24-72 hours.

Tips & Techniques
1.For maximum-strength bond, let adhesive set for 5 minutes before joining surfaces.
2. Not intended for transparent surfaces.

Health & Safety

Caution:

Contains tetrachloroethylene. Deliberate misuse may be harmful. Warning: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. May cause dizziness, headache or nausea. Can cause skin and eye irritation. Exposure may cause damage to the kidneys or liver. Keep away from heat and flame. Contact with flame or hot surface may produce toxic gases. Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid breathing vapor, open all windows and doors to assure fresh air movement during application and drying. When using, do not eat, drink or smoke. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. First Aid: If you experience difficulty in breathing, leave the area to obtain fresh air. If continued difficulty persists, get medical assistance immediately. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention. In case of eye contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. For further health information, contact your local poison control center. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Glass & Bead Slick Surfaces Adhesive

Formulated to create a permanent bond between slick surfaces like glass and plastic, this quick-setting, high-performance adhesive is great for jewelry, metal and shell crafting. Recommended for: Glass, beads, mirrors, ceramics, hard plastics, jewelry.

Learning About Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Glass & Bead Slick Surfaces Adhesive

Basic Instructions
1. Platinum Bond Glass & Bead Slick Surfaces adhesive provides a quick setting, permanent bond that allows glass to adhere to glass, and embellishments such as beads to adhere to slick surfaces. The special formula has a thick gel-like consistency, grabs surfaces quickly and dries clear, making it ideal for projects on glass, hard plastics and ceramics. Water resistant and paint able.
2. For best results, test small area before use.
3. Thoroughly clean and dry surfaces, including decorative elements, making sure they are free of oil and grease.
4. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the surface and to the decorative element. To ensure a maximum-strength bond, let adhesive set approximately 1-2 minutes before joining surfaces.
5. Position decorative element in adhesive on surface. For rounded surfaces, it may be necessary to tape decorative elements in place until dry to prevent sliding. 6. Sets in 10-15 minutes to support light items. Bond is full strength after 24 hours.

Tips & Techniques;

Not intended for plastics. May affect the appearance of plastic Rhinestone.

Health & Safety

Danger:

Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Contact a physician immediately. Vapor harmful. Use with adequate ventilation. Flammable. Contains Ethylbenzene, Xylene and Petroleum Naphtha. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames. Store in cool place, away from sources of heat. Avoid contact with skin or eyes. First aid: Obtain fresh air. In case of contact with eyes, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. If swallowed, contact physician immediately. Wash skin with soap and water. For further health information, contact your local poison control center. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Super Glue Gel

Aleene's newest member of the Platinum Bond family of adhesives is the Aleene's Platinum Bond Super Glue Gel. This new Super Glue Gel is the perfect adhesive for creating most projects and it is also great for common household repairs. This new Gel form is a favorite among crafters because it will not run. The thick consistency makes it easier to control application. It fills into the pores of the more commonly sed semi-porous substrates; such as wood, paper mache, and fabric. The Super Glue Gel dries almost instantly, so clamping or waiting a long time to dry is never necessary.
Aleene's Platinum Bond Super Glue Gel is offered in a value 3-pack, so keep plenty around the home and office.

Learning About Aleene's® Platinum Bond TM ... Super Glue Gel

Basic Instructions
1. Use in a well-ventilated area.
2. Make sure surfaces to be bonded are clean, smooth and dry.
3. Puncture seal in neck of tube. Do not squeeze tube while puncturing seal, and always point tube away from body.
4. Squeeze a small drop of adhesive directly on item to be bonded.
5. Position item on surface, avoiding skin contact. If necessary, use applicator tip to spread adhesive.
6. Press surfaces together quickly and tightly for several seconds. Sets in minutes.
7. Replace cap after use.

Tips & Techniques

1. Permanently bonds porous and semi-porous materials in seconds.
2. Ideal for metal, jewelry, leather, ceramics, wood, plastic, vinyl, paper, rubber and more.
3. Aleene's Super Glue Gel has a thick formula that won’t run and leaves no residual tack.
4. Dries clear almost instantly.

Health & Safety

CAUTION:

Bonds skin instantly. Eye irritant. Keep out of the reach of children. Refer to product label for complete information regarding cautions.

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I probably have left some things out and they can be added as they come to light.

Thanks for visiting the page, and any comments on it would be appreciated.

If you have comments or suggestion's, E-mail me.YOGI

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