I have only been back in modeling a couple of years after a 30 some odd years absence. I read the term “white glue” frequently. Even mixed with water. Are they referring to Elmers type glue or Micro Sol Kristal Clear, or both? If Elmer’s type glue is the answer, what type of applications is it best for verses plastic cement or CA?
White Glue is used to attach canopies to models where you want a clear material to help make it invisible.
Personally I use the same solvents I use to build the model to attach the canopies or windows. I dip them in Future first then clean the edges where the two surfaces meet so a solid bond is formed.
Krystal Clear, White Glue or Watch Crystal cements are used all in the same way. Typically modelers prefer to source from at hand resources versus spending hours and money trying to find specialty items…we’re so cheap frugal don’t you know.[;)]
Your response brought up another question. This one is specific to Kristal Clear. I use it to attach canopies and really like the fact that it dries clear and can hide any tiny gaps between the canopy and the fuselage. However, the bond is not very strong. Is there any type of technique to strengthen this bond?
I have used the white glue for a totally different thing, masking canopies for painting.I built a 1-72 PBY Cat and had a hard time to try and mask the small windows.
I aplied a coat of slightly thinned glue with a tooth pick to the windows and after painting I used a sharp blade to lift the dried glue mask off.It worked realy well
Theuns
Krystal Klear tends to settle over time, make sure it is well mixed and your bond should improve. However, you can also use Sobo Premium Craft and Fabric Glue (Michaels carries it, among others) which doesn’t settle, is cheaper less expensive, stronger, and dries just as clear as Krystal Klear.
I find the answer to this has to do really with preference.I do use the “MICRO CRYSTAL CLEAR” and “ELMERS” too.My favorite for this is something I started using when I started building PAPER MODELS.The product is called “ALEENS” craft glue.It seems to hold better than some of the aforementioned products. I like it because when it dries it too dries clear but without the shrinkage of “KRYSTAL KLEAR” or “ELMERS” The nice thing about it also is if you use an applicater like the groung off eye end of a needle it will lay down a nice tiny bead on the canopy edges when you are ready to put it on.“ALEENS” is thicker so you can thin it if you wish.Donot use tap water though.You must use distilled water! The main thing is to get the “ALEENS” in the copper-bronze colored bottle! I hope this gives you another option. tankerbuilder