GHQ Models Forums

Question what is the best glue or adhesive to use for GHQ especially 1/2400 scale ships. I want something that is tacky but not so that it leaves a big spot of glue, and I don't want something that is so runny or doesn't dry quickly. Any thoughts or suggestions please.

fullmetaljacket

I’m also very interested in what people use as over the past 20 years of use I have developed an allergic reaction to CA glue to the extent that i can no longer use it unless I wear a ventilator and even then only for short periods of time.

LOL well I guess no one has any advice.

fullmetaljacket

My suggestion would be to try Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue. It’s tacky dries clear and
Cleans up with water..most craft stores should have this.

Should also say that Aleenes have two types of this glue. One is like the “Elmer’s glueâ€￾ it’s white no smell dries clear. They also sell a crystal clear of the same brand. No smell dries clear and its pretty thick in its consistentcy.

Sorry, I just use CA glue...

I too only use CA. Micromark, among others, sell a glue application tool that looks like a paintbrush handle with two metal tines on the end. It allows you to put just a touch of CA between its forks, and then when you touch it to what you want to glue, it flows out through capillary action. This allows for fairly precise application of a small amount of glue.

You do need to have some CA release agent to clean it with because once the CA dries, it is quite easy to break or bend the forks when trying to scrap the dried glue off.

Can't help with the allergy though.

I have used white glue (Elmer's, or any similar) many times over the years.

I can say that it works. But it does not rise to the level that I might recommend it.

Even though white, it will dry as a low-visibility uncolored semi-opaque. Just kind of a cloudy blob that takes on the colors below and around it.

Biggest problems from my experience are that it is very slow to dry, and it shrinks a bit as it is drying. This can have quite frustrating results, as figures or pieces that you positioned quite carefully will often be pulled into different positions through the drying process, but maybe an hour after you stopped looking at them!

Another alternative, which I would go to if I were forced by allergies (or other reasons) to abandon CA, is acrylic medium gel. This is what I use for my infantry bases now. "Acrylic medium" is basically un-tinted acrylic paint. Gel is a thicker consistency, but you can get acrylic medium in liquid form if you prefer. You can probably find it at easy-to-accept prices at your local crafts store. I have also found in in tube-form, sold as a no-toxic-fumes household adhesive (but really just the same acrylic medium gel).

It forms a pretty good bond (after all, that acrylic paint sticks pretty well to your models, doesn't it?). It does not shrink as it dries. But alas, it still dries kind of slowly.

However, depending on your allergies that may or may not help. After all, CA is partly acrylics.

Best I could suggest.

-Mark

I have always used CA glue, and it has worked for me really well. For small models, a very small spot is all that is needed. i don't use enough to leave a big spot. With that being said, are they all the same chemical make up? I know that there are medical CA's, would it be possible that these would work for models, and not be as irritating to someone who is having problems with CA's?

Few additional tnoughts.

On various modelling forums ther is quite a bit of discussion of the developed allergy. They suggest using a “Foam Safeâ€￾ CA (Zap make one). I have done so and so far so good. Bond does not appear as strong though.

I would also second the applicator CAVDOG suggests. But i use it to apply the accelerator as I didn’t like the idea of the spray vapour.

I have tried a few but keep coming back to the CA.

On a side note I have stopped using my favorite paint remover acetone.
I only ever used it in the garage with good ventilation but I could tell it was not doing me any good.
As mention on the forum I tried simple green and have been well impressed so far.
Just takes a lot longer.

7.62, after a day or two in simple green, you can speed things along with a toothbrush. I found SG more effective than acetone, anyway. Pine Sol, too, but not QUITE as good.

I have had great luck with Simple Green. I used a toothbrush and then a small metal pick. Has worked out well so far...

I found a new adhesive at HD I'm going try soon. DAP Rapid Fuse comes in small tubes. Says it's twice as durable as CA glues and fast setting. Not sure how you would arrive at that conclusion.

I've always used epoxy; most recently the 5-minute variety. The latter gives time to adjust position, and view from different angles, but sets in a few minutes.

Of course you could be allergic to this as well ...

MH