"What Kind of Glue Should I Use?" Topic

I am making terrain boards and have used Woodlands Scenics brand "Scenic Cement" to glue the grass flock onto the boards. The problem is that I am running out of the stuff and I have cleaned out the supplies of all hobby shops within a 20 mile radius of my home. Someone told me that Scenic Cement is nothing more than something called "Artists Medium". Can anyone tell me what Artists Medium is and what do I ask for when I try to buy it at an art supply shop?

Also, will Elmers Glue (white pvc glue) thinned with water work for gluing the flock and will the glue dry clear. I have a big game coming up in two weeks and I need a quick solution to gluing the flock to my terrain boards and I don't have time to reorder Scenic Cement from Woodland Scenics directly.

I use Elmer's all the time. Buy it in the big gallon jug at Wal-Mart or target. This it down and it dries perfectly clear.

Doh! "Thin" it down…

Scenic cement is, indeed, acrylic matte medium. Any art supply place should have it (and know what it is when you ask for it). It's fairly expensive, but given that you thin it pretty significantly for use, it's not that bad (and still less than WS products). Diluted PVA glue, as EC points out, is a very good substitute and a cheaper still.

Doug

I use Modge Podge alot. You can get it in Matte as well at most craft stores.

Thank you everyone. You are the best.

I've heard of people using Modge Podge gloss version to make the surface of rivers and ponds and had given some thought to using the matte version for flocking.

Mark: I'm leaning towards using the white glue as I have a gallon jug already. I take it that you are satisfied with the results (i.e. the glue doesn't show through)? BTW, I like your Mouse icon.

Never use Scenic cement as a glue – its great as a fixative (after glue) but it lacks any substantial adhesive quality on its own.

Bulk PVA – slap it down over a painted surface, apply scater, let dry. Apply scenic cement 3-4 times in coats allowing dry time in between to get a good, solid long-lasting finish.

Substitute Thinned -PVA or Scenic Cement, acrylic matte medium and other similar products of choice.

I find that unthinned Elmers glue works best. Apply it with a brush over a primed/painted surface. It results in the best distribution of flocking and wears extremely well.
My long term experience has shown that thinned glues or other brands are more spotty with results.

Doug

I use bulk PVA, thinned as appropriate to the job at hand.

Of course, another option is to use plain old latex/acrylic house paint as your basic under-flock fixative.

Doug

I use house paint to hold scatter down and fix it with future. Just get a spray bottle and lightly coat with future to hold down any loose scatter/flock.

I follow Doug and now use unthinned Elmer's (actually I buy the cheap store brands these days) to glue flock to things. But when I'm done I mix it pretty thin – 3 or 4 parts water to 1 part glue – and give my pieces an overspray. Dries dead flat and you can't see the glue (so long as there are no big pools left from the spray – watch for this as the glue can "settle" sometimes).

PVA glue,thinned with a bit of water.Dont apply too thick or too thin……just a nice even covering.
When its dry shake off the flock which hant stuck and re apply in any area that needs it.
I always give the dried flock a spray of seal to make it last.

That should be "hasnt".not "hant".

Checking model railroad forums, white glue lasts about 10-15 years and then it gets brittle and everything crumbles. I'd like to find a more permanent adhesive.