Saoirse Downs
Choosing the right glue for a model boat kit is one of the most complicated tasks for scale modellers. The glue you choose will depend on the materials you're working with, the fixing time, the cure time, and the type of surface, among other factors. For instance, if you're working with wood, a PVA-based adhesive like wood glue is a good option as it's incredibly strong and can bind different types of wood tightly. However, wood glue isn't suitable for gluing wood to plastic or metal. In such cases, a CA (cyanoacrylate) glue, also known as super glue, would be a better choice as it can bind wood, plastic, and metal. Additionally, CA glue dries much faster than wood glue, making it more suitable for model boat kits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Glue | PVA Glue, Contact Glue, Cyanoacrylate (Super) Glue, Two-Part Epoxy Glues, Toughened Methacrylate, PVC Pipe Cement, Polystyrene Glue, Contact Cement, Spray Adhesives, Polyurethanes, Silicone, Shoe Goo, Resorcinol, Foaming Polyurethane |
| Considerations | Material, Fixing Time, Clamp Time, Glue Thickness, Weight, Drying Speed, Durability, Ease of Application, Safety, Clean-up |
| Application Techniques | Glue Syringe, Brush, Dental Applicators, Plastic Applicator Tips, Toothpicks |
What You'll Learn
PVA glue for wood
PVA glue is a versatile adhesive that can be used for a wide range of projects involving wood and other materials. It is made from polyvinyl acetate, a type of thermoplastic, and is commonly referred to as wood glue, carpenter's glue, or school glue. PVA glue is safe, easy to use, and non-toxic, making it ideal for creative, practical, and DIY projects.
When building a one-piece boat model, PVA glue is a suitable choice for gluing wood pieces together. It dries clear, is easy to apply, and forms a very strong bond. It is also flexible and only toxic if ingested. PVA glue is water-soluble, allowing you to dilute it with water to create a thinner consistency if needed. However, it is important to add water to the glue gradually and stir well to avoid over-dilution.
To use PVA glue effectively, apply it to the surfaces of the wood pieces you want to join. Remove any excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Use a brush or a specialist plastic spreader to evenly distribute a thin coat of glue on both surfaces. Bring the pieces together, rubbing them from side to side to remove trapped air and ensure even glue distribution. Clamp the pieces securely and allow them to dry for 24 hours before removing the clamps. Finally, sand off any dried excess glue.
PVA glue is available in hardware stores and hobby shops. Some brands you can consider include Titebond, Stanley, Gorilla, and Canopus. When working with PVA glue, ensure good ventilation and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
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Contact glue for instant bonds
Contact glue is ideal for one-piece boat models as it provides an almost instant bond between two surfaces. It is a gel that is brushed onto both surfaces to be joined. Once the glue is touch-dry, the surfaces can be joined together, creating a very strong bond.
Contact glue is perfect for gluing the second layer of planking over the first layer of a wooden model ship. The second layer is usually a decorative veneer timber, such as walnut or mahogany, which can be fixed in place effectively using contact glue.
When using contact glue, it is important to take extreme care to align the two surfaces correctly as the bond is instant and strong. If a mistake is made, attempting to remove or adjust the glued surfaces can cause damage to the wood. Therefore, it is recommended to always dry-fit the parts to be glued before applying the glue.
Additionally, contact glue gives off vapours that may cause breathing problems, so it is crucial to ensure adequate ventilation when using this type of glue. Always follow the safety instructions on the container label, and keep the container stored away from children.
Contact glue, also known as "instant glue" or "instant bond", can be purchased with an accelerator for an even faster curing time of 3-5 seconds. Without the accelerator, the curing time is typically 5-8 minutes. This type of glue can be used on a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, glass, leather, PVC, and fabric.
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Cyanoacrylate for quick-setting needs
When building a model boat, you may need to use a quick-setting glue for certain parts of the build. Cyanoacrylate, also known as super glue, is an extremely quick-drying adhesive that can be used for this purpose. It is available in small tubes or bottles, and only a very small amount is needed for application. It can be used to join metal to metal or metal to wood, but it is not suitable for fixing the planking to the hull or for sealing rigging knots as it can make the cord hard and brittle.
Cyanoacrylate glue sets in a matter of seconds, depending on the ambient temperature. It is important to be careful when using this type of glue as it can cause damage if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. Be sure to follow the safety instructions on the container label and ensure there is adequate ventilation during use. Additionally, make sure to keep the lid tightly secured and store the glue out of the reach of children when not in use.
When applying cyanoacrylate glue, do not use the nozzle of the container to apply it directly to the surface. Instead, use a scalpel blade or a glue syringe to apply small dots of glue to the desired area. The "gel" type of cyanoacrylate glue has a low enough viscosity that it will flow into the seam and is thick enough to bridge small gaps. You can use your hands to hold the parts together tightly and flush while the glue cures. If needed, you can also use a CA glue accelerant to speed up the drying process.
Cyanoacrylate glue is not very strong, but it is strong enough to hold parts together until the boat is reinforced with a stronger adhesive or material such as epoxy or fiberglass. It is important to pay attention to the alignment of the parts before the glue sets as it dries almost instantaneously. If the parts pop apart, they can be re-glued with a little more glue. Once the glue has cured, you can lightly sand the glue dots to ensure they don't stick out.
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Two-part epoxy glues for metal-to-wood adhesion
Two-part epoxy glues are ideal for one-piece boat models that require metal-to-wood adhesion. Epoxy is known for its strong and durable hold, and its ability to withstand temperature changes and moisture. It creates a powerful bond that is often stronger than the materials it joins, making it perfect for heavy-duty applications.
When gluing wood to metal, it is essential to choose an adhesive that can accommodate the flexibility of wood and the rigidity of metal while withstanding environmental changes. Two-part epoxy adhesives meet these criteria and are resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and solvents. They typically consist of a resin and a hardener that are mixed in equal quantities and dry within minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
There are different types of two-part epoxies, including rigid, flexible, and toughened formulations. Rigid epoxies have higher tensile strength and greater long-term holding power, making them ideal for applications that require greater strength. Flexible epoxies, on the other hand, have lower tensile strength but higher elongation, allowing them to withstand differential movement of bonded parts. They also have higher peel strength and better adhesion to most engineered plastics.
Toughened epoxies offer the best of both worlds, with high tensile strength and exceptional resistance to shock, vibration, and impact loads. They are ideal for applications subjected to dynamic stresses and provide long-term holding power.
When using two-part epoxy glues, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation, application, and curing times. Surfaces should be clean and dry before applying the glue. The glue should be applied in a thin, even layer to one surface, and then the wood should be pressed onto the metal and clamped for the specified time. Any excess glue should be wiped away immediately.
Some popular two-part epoxy glues include Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, J-B Weld KwikWeld, and 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive. These products offer strong adhesion, ease of use, and fast curing times, making them ideal for various applications, including boat model construction.
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CA glue for securing metal parts
When building a model boat, there are a variety of glues available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One type of glue that can be used for securing metal parts is cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, also known as Super Glue. This type of glue has extremely quick drying times, usually setting in a matter of seconds depending on the ambient temperature. It is important to note that only very small amounts of CA glue are required, and it should not be used to fix the planking to the hull or to seal rigging knots as it can make the cord hard and brittle.
CA glue can be used to join metal to metal or metal to wood, making it ideal for securing metal parts on a model boat. When applying CA glue, it is recommended to use a scalpel blade to apply the glue to the desired location, rather than using the nozzle of the tube or bottle. The gel form of CA glue is especially useful for fixing copper plates to the hull of a model boat.
It is important to exercise caution when using CA glue, as it can cause eye irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the safety instructions on the container label and ensure adequate ventilation during use. Additionally, proper storage is essential, keeping the container out of the reach of children.
CA glue comes in different viscosities, and the best choice for most applications is a medium viscosity gap-filling type. For filling narrow cracks, a watery thin type of CA glue is recommended, as it can be used by capillary action. It is important to note that CA glue should not be used on plastic parts that need to remain clear, and it should be used with caution on wood that will be stained, as the stain colour may not be uniform where the glue has been applied.
In addition to CA glue, two-part epoxy glues are also suitable for securing metal parts on model boats. These glues consist of a resin and a hardener that are mixed together and provide a strong bond between metal and wood or metal-to-metal joints.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of glue depends on the material of your boat model. For wooden boat models, PVA glue, also known as wood glue or carpenter's glue, is ideal. It dries clear, forms a very strong bond, and is readily available in hardware and hobby shops. For models made of other materials, such as plastic, CA glue (cyanoacrylate), or super glue, is a better option as it can bind wood, plastic, and metal.
It is important to use a very small amount of glue. When you think you're applying the smallest amount possible, you're probably still applying too much. Only a thin layer is needed between the parts to create a strong bond.
For PVA glue, apply a thin layer to one surface using a glue syringe or brush. Remove any residue or spills with a damp cloth before the glue sets. For CA glue, apply a tiny drop to one surface and hold the parts together for 3-15 seconds.
