How to Make Model Airplane Glue

Glue is a compound that bonds two surfaces together. When building model airplanes, you're generally talking about joining plastic to plastic by means of the tiny tube of adhesive that is included with the kit. Running out of glue in mid-project can develop into a bit of a sticky situation. There are a number of ways to whip up a perfectly acceptable batch of glue at home. The best glue for you will depend not only on what your plane is made from, but what you intend to do with it.

Things You'll Need

• Formula 1:
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp. white vinegar
• Fine mesh strainer
• Paper towels
• 1 tsp. hot water
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• Small jar with tight lid
• Formula 2:
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce or 7 grams)
• 3 tbsp. boiling water
• 1 tsp. glycerin
• Small jar with tight fitting lid
• Formula 3:
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce of 7 grams)
• 1 tbsp. cold water
• 1 ½ tbsp. skim milk
• 3 drops clove essential oil

Instructions

Forumla 1: General Purpose Non-Toxic Glue

1. Pour ½ cup of milk into a small pan and warm it over low heat until it is steaming.

2. Remove the milk from the heat and add 1 tbsp. of white vinegar.

3. Let the vinegar/milk stand for 5 minutes. This will cause the milk to curdle.

4. Line a small fine mesh wire strainer with a paper towel and hold it over a small bowl.

5. Pour the curdled milk mixture through the strainer, filtering out any solids that have formed. Strain the liquid a second time, if necessary, to ensure all solid particles have been removed.

6. Carefully gather the paper towel and give it a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining fluid.

7. Use the non-serrated edge of a butter knife to gently scrape the solids from the paper towel into a separate bowl.

8. Stir 1 tsp. of hot water into the collected solids.

9. Add 2 tsp. of baking soda, 1 tsp. at a time. Stir briskly with a fork until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

10. Adjust the consistency to suit you by adding more baking soda to thicken or more hot water to thin it down.

11. Transfer glue to an airtight container and place unused portion in the refrigerator for long term storage. To use, apply with a small brush or toothpick to desired surfaces. The bond will appear fragile at first, but strengthens as it dries.

Forumla 2: Flexible Glue for Multiple Surfaces

1. Place the contents of 1 packet (1/4 ounce or 7 grams) of unflavored gelatin into a small bowl.

2. Add 3 tbsp. of boiling water and whisk with a fork until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

3. Stir in 1 tbsp. of white vinegar and 1 tsp. of glycerin.

4. Mix vigorously, until all components are completely incorporated.

5. Allow the combination to cool somewhat. Then transfer the mixture to a jar with a tight lid.

6. Seal and store in a warm place out of direct sunlight.

7. Loosen the lid on the jar and place into a shallow pan of warm water when you are ready to use it. Heat it over a low flame until the glue is lukewarm and fluid. Apply it to desired surfaces with a small brush.

Formula 3: Watertight Glue

1. Pour 1 packet of unflavored gelatin into a bowl.

2. Add 1 tbsp. of cold water and stir vigorously with a fork until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

3. Measure 1 ½ tbsp. of milk into a microwaveable bowl. Heat the milk in the microwave until it comes to a boil.

4. Remove milk from microwave and add the dissolved gelatin, stirring well.

5. Add 3 drops of oil of clove to preserve the mixture if it is going to be kept for more than 24 hours.

6. Use a small brush to apply the glue in a thin layer to desired surfaces.

7. Store the unused portion in a small jar with a tight lid. Re-heat stored glue prior to use by placing the jar in a pan of warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Try all three individually or in combination to find the one that works best for your project. Let projects to sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours to allow the glue to fully develop.

• If any of the formulas using milk begin to smell 'sour' discard remaining portion and make a new batch.

Resources

• Model Airplanes Tips and Tricks