HappyHiker | 07 Jun 2017 4:56 a.m. PST |
Hi, I'm having problems gluing metal mounted command figures to mdf bases. I'm using superglue gel to stick rider to horse, and horse to base. Then Pva glue to stick Sand. But so far I've had one rider fall from his horse, and one horse separate from base whilst removing sand. Superglue not as super as I thought. What am I doing wrong ? I suspect I'm actually gluing the paint on the rider to the paint on the horse, rather than the actual metal? If they can't stand to be picked up, they will never make it through some actual battles |
Flashman14 | 07 Jun 2017 5:22 a.m. PST |
Paint to paint isn't the best idea. |
Artilleryman | 07 Jun 2017 5:26 a.m. PST |
Try and keep your gluing metal to metal otherwise the paint will detach. If your painting style allows, glue riders to horse before you undercoat. I use thin metal sheets with Milliput as unit bases. This means that I can use thick super glue to achieve a metal to metal bond and then smear over the Milliput to increase security. So far they seem to stay together quite well. Hope that helps. |
Rich Bliss | 07 Jun 2017 5:31 a.m. PST |
Yes, your best best is to assemble the horse and rider with superglue prior to painting. If this is not your preference then either leave the mating surfaces bare metal or use poster tack to attach the rider. For attaching metal to mdf, superglue is not the best choice as MDF is to porous. Your best bet is large amounts of PVA. This has the additional benefit of being easy to remove if you decide to rebase. |
Dave Jackson | 07 Jun 2017 5:50 a.m. PST |
I use 2 part epoxy resin to glue metal to metal on bases. |
HappyHiker | 07 Jun 2017 6:13 a.m. PST |
Ah ok, glue rider to horse first it is then. I've noticed the horse bases aren't really flat which doesn't help either. As I'm covering everything in pva and sand I'm hoping that will make up for the poor superglue bond. Thanks |
Col Durnford | 07 Jun 2017 6:34 a.m. PST |
Re: Horse bases or any bases for that matter. I use a Dremel with a sand paper tube to sand down the bases. Do it over a box lid and catch the filing for use as filler in other projects. After sanding down the base, I run it over a file to even out and flatten the surface. If you would still want to paint the figure before mounting then what I have done is drill a hole in the saddle as well as the under side of the rider. Then pin the rider to the horse. |
AussieAndy | 07 Jun 2017 7:09 a.m. PST |
I have never had any trouble with gluing metal figures to mdf. As VCarter has indicated, if the bottoms of the bases are not flat, you need to file them. I just use a great big file for this, but VCarter's method would be easier. Glue any sand or flock to the bases after you have glued the figures and allowed the glue to dry. You need clean, flat surfaces for a good bond. |
Col Durnford | 07 Jun 2017 8:29 a.m. PST |
I also do the bases in stages: 1) Super glue figure to base. 2) Full strength white glue around figure base out to edge of main base. This will also hide the base (mostly). 3) Add a coat of paint to the base (underside as well). 4) Watered down white glue for frocking…. |
T Callahan | 07 Jun 2017 8:43 a.m. PST |
When I have used MDF I used PVA glue. I use the Tacky type, it holds the figure upright while drying. Never had any problem of figure falling off. A plus to using PVA is if you ever have to re-base soaking the base in water separates the the figure from the base. As a side note I do not use MDF for basing anymore. I use matt board instead, easier and cheaper than MDF. Terry |
Saxondog | 07 Jun 2017 12:19 p.m. PST |
Yeah, super glue and wood don't mix well. Dunno about the riders falling off the mounts. I recently started using Gorilla Glue…..had almost no problems. But, your mileage may vary. |
Brian Smaller | 07 Jun 2017 1:12 p.m. PST |
I glue metal figures to horses with a two part metal epoxy glue. They will never come apart. I paint them together not separate. I suggest if you paint separately then leave some bare metal for the glue to adhere to. As for gluing to bases. I use a PVA glue and a dab of superglue. Never had a model detach from the base. Once I ad basing material it is not going anywhere. |
steamingdave47 | 07 Jun 2017 2:41 p.m. PST |
I have used superglue to put horses to riders, but generally favour two part epoxy. I use UHU Glue to fasten horses to bases and Gorilla glue with sand for the bases. |
Jabba Miles | 08 Jun 2017 4:25 a.m. PST |
Never had a problem using superglue for metal figures to mdf bases. I stick them either straight to the bare base or to the base after a coat of acrylic paint has been applied. As for rider to horse, I paint mine apart and assemble post paint. But i do scrape a bit of paint off to give a better key for the superglue. Varnish after assembled. |
abelp01 | 08 Jun 2017 6:59 a.m. PST |
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Tyler326 | 08 Jun 2017 11:17 a.m. PST |
Make certain that the rider is being glued onto bare metal. I usually scrapes some paint off where the rider sits on the horse. Never had one fall off. |
HappyHiker | 08 Jun 2017 2:51 p.m. PST |
Thanks for the tips. Now pva and sand applied bases seem solid, can't see the figures coming off. I just tried gluing rider to horse and painting, it's oKay but I prefer separate. I think scraping to bare metal is probably what I need to do. Thanks for the help. |
1968billsfan | 04 Jul 2017 1:33 p.m. PST |
I paint the bottom of the stand (balsa wood, bass wood, mdf, whatever) with white spirit based rustolium (stick to metal) paint and the tops with green. That seals everything. Glues stick to cured oil/solvent based paints. I can write stuff on the bottom of the base with a black sharpie pen. Then the figures get white glued to the base with a good glob that helps hide the base. You can pry the figure off later if you want. Then mix white glue with green latex paint (50:50 or so) and brush it around, make sure to cover the base of the figure to hide that. Shake on flocking and you are done. Quick and acceptable. You can go back and get fancy as well later. |