I just had to replace my mat
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I have a large bottle that I inherited from my Dad when he passed 6 years ago. I just had to use it since the older bottle I had from Squadron was finally empty, and the set that I had bought more recently from Squadron was actually bad (never opened until yesterday, it was not usable. No idea if that was of my doing, or it was just bad from their supplier).
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I buy the tiny almost single use tubes from the dollar store. They used to be 4 for a dollar, but now they’re 3 for a dollar and a quarter. I get both thin and gel varieties. I put them (including a partially used tube) into a small Tupperware like container (also from the dollar store) and then put those into a heavy zip loc baggie, squeeze the air out, and then the whole thing goes into the back of the refrigerator.
I like the small tubes, because if one dries out or spills, I’m not out a whole lot and I have backups, rather than losing an expensive large bottle’s worth.
I’ve had tubes in the fridge for over three years like this now and they still work every bit as good as new.
Although more recently I’ve started using Tamiya extra thin (I know, but I’d never tried it before - it was always orange tube glue or super glue) and no longer use the super glue on a regular basis.
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I forget where I read it but the advice was to use Silica Gel Desiccants packs with an opened CA bottle. So, I started doing that…putting a pack in the container that the CA glue came in. I started doing this only 6 or so months ago, so the jury is still out.
Cheers,
Mark
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This is an interesting conversation.
I have never had a bottle of CA glue go bad, even after 5+ years on my workbench.
As for how I use it. I have post-it notes that I borrowed from work that I use. Pull one off the stack, stick it to my desk, and place a few drops on it.
I apply CA with a toothpick, usually. Sometimes I use a looper.
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I do this as well and apply with a toothpick and it works great. And like you said, when you’re done with the session, simply peel the top post-it note off and you’re ready for next time.
Never heard of keeping super glue in the fridge or a plastic bag but I’d most certainly be open to trying it.
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I too have heard, along time ago, about refrigerating CA . The consensus usally was/is that it works. The plastic bags, snap lid containers, glass jars, all seem to have been a, to me, recent addition to the process. But to be honest I just buy $tree CA most of the time and keep a bottle of Tamiya Extra Thin handy, out on by bench and have experienced little ill effects, over the years. (side note: I build models at a rate that makes snails look jet powered.)
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I just buy the small bottles, i’ve noticed it will dry out quicker: the more you use it; if you keep it on its side, or spill it. Now i put some poster putty on the bottom to help prevent spills. A while ago i forgot to close it and next day i noticed a good 1/2 oz all over the Mat and my tools firmly glued in place. 
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jrford you had me laughing out loud with your post. Though sticking my tools to the mat has’nt happend to me… well, in the last couple of days.
Insted of poster putty I use glass votive candle holders (thrift store = 'bout $1.00). They are heavy and youl can find of the several types avaible, those that will hold Tamiya square bottles.
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I have heard about putting super glue in the refrigerator but I have never done it. I have also heard the same thing about bare metal foil that the cold will help preserve it and make it last longer. The room that I model in is cold enough for 3 or 4 months out of the year.
As for what I use to apply the super glue, I use either toothpicks or a tool I made out of a 6 inch piece of fine gauge wire wrapped around part of a kabob stick. I just dip them straight into the bottle of super glue. My nozzle has been clogged for a while so it’s just easier to pull the lid off and dip glue out. Before it became clogged, I would put a little bit of super glue in a tea candle and dip out of that. Something about the wax keeps the super glue usable for an incredibly long time.
