Glue Application Suggestions

[Whiterook]

OK All! Here's a question for all you Pros, semi-Pros, and Pro-Wannabes: What method do you use to apply glue to your model surfaces?

I think I've figured out Liquid Glue pretty well (but share on that as well), but the old tube glue has me stumped. I currently use the method I've used when I was a wee laddie, where I just squeeze it from the tube directly in the glueing surface. This can be tough on the edge, a too much, and you've got overspill to deal with. And tight corners can be an issue.

I've heard folks speak of applying the glue with a natural hair brush, which makes some sense to me; but do you clean off the glue from the brush hairs (wouldn't it harden up?), and with what? If not, do you stand the brush hairs-upright, and if so, does that not "dirty" the brush with dust and debris?

Thsi sounds like an easy question, but until you start putting some thought into itm or go looking for answers, it's elusive. And what you may consider "well, dahhhh" can be a "hunh?" to a newbie, or oldie with rudimentary understanding.

[Tom Houlihan]

Toothpick

[lufttiger]

I haven't used tube glue since.....hmmmm 1980's i think
But like Tom says, a tooth pick is what i use for super glue. I also use a needle.

[Geek44]

Truth is Em, that for me using tube glue is like sitting in a wheel-chair. Seems like a backward step. I haven't used it since I used it to destroy a perfectly good kit in the '80s also. I'll never use it again either...in fact, I don't even think I've seen it on the shelves. A toothpick might be okay...you could even refine the tip a little if need be. For other glues, like LT I use a variety of 'applicators' but my favourite is a piece of fine copper wire. When the tip gets that hardened lump on it, I just nip the end off. I can do this until the applicator gets too short to use.

[McCoy]

I use liquid glue that I apply direct from the metalpipe n' ethylacetate that I apply with a brush. I don't touch tubeglue.

[Whiterook]

Love the analogy, Mate! He heeee! I've heard the wire trick, and that makes good sense to me. The tooth pick appears to be a decent alternative, as well, but I like the thought of the fine tip on the wire. So, are you saying you use liquid glue, or are you talking super glue? What differences have you found in each?

I will grant you, the tube glue gunks up quickly; I hate how it an "hair up" if left to dry too long before applying (or dipping in); and I really hate how it melts the crap out of the plastic, especially the delicate bits. The thing I like about it, is it drys a tad slower than liquid glue, so that can be advantageous. I picked up the tube for my Panther, as I was use to that stuff from my past, and a bit intimidated by what I read about how to use Liquid Glue. What I learned is, the tube glue is basically aweful stuff; and Liquid Glue allows cleaner construction. Now Super glue (CA), I've NEVER used the stuff, especially on a model, so I am completely clueless...but it wouldn't be the first time...HA!

I'm curious, for everyone: what kind of glue do you prefer, and why?

[McCoy]

I forgot! I also use CA n' I use it with care...

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by McCoy

I use liquid glue that I apply direct from the metalpipe n' ethylacetate that I apply with a brush. I don't touch tubeglue.

What kind? The liquid glue in the bottle with a brush attached to the lid? I ask because you're getting the closest to one of the major questions burning a hole in my skull: What kind of brush? How do you store it? Do you need to clean it (or if the kind that is attached to the lid, question answered)?

[lufttiger]

I use Testors liquid glue in a black odd shape bottle, its got a built in
nozel too. CA glue, i use the thicker slower drying stuff.

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by McCoy

I forgot! I also use CA n' I use it with care...

The CA I take it is the same stuff as Super Glue? Cyanoacrylate. The care part must be because of the fast dry, and permanance (i.e., glueing you hand to your nose). Straight from the tube?