ELMER'S GLUE

[dai phan]

Hi all,

 

I used to use Elmer's glue to glue the small parts at the end stage of the project. But now no more. Elmer changed the formular likely due to global economy. The glue mow is so watery and does not have the holding power like it did. The glue is transparent white and I no longer can use it to attach small parts. This is the prime example on how recent economy has affected the hobby in my experience. Dai 

Edited April 5, 2025 by dai phan

[Scott Smith]

I put a drop on the bottom of a bottle and let it sit for a while so it will start to evaporate and dry a little for it to thicken up. 

[dai phan]

52 minutes ago, Scott Smith said:

I put a drop on the bottom of a bottle and let it sit for a while so it will start to evaporate and dry a little for it to thicken up. 

Yes I have done that even with the old glue. Dai 

Edited April 6, 2025 by dai phan

[habu2]

I use some "tacky glue" I found at Hobby Lobby. It's clear, thick, dries quickly and holds small parts well. 

 

https://www.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies/glue-adhesives/liquid-craft-glue/aleene-s-quick-dry-tacky-glue/p/21739

[airmechaja]

Try Testor's Clear Parts Cement.

[lockheed2004]

If you’re hell bent on using Elmer’s glue, there seems to be an “extra strong” formula you could try

 

Elmers Extra Strong

[Rod D]

I've been using Microscale's "Micro Kristal Klear" for a while for small pars and for clear parts, and have been very happy with the results.

 

Rod

[Robert Garelli]

I use Titebond All Purpose White Glue. Its really good for holding canopies or P.E. in place.   

 

https://a.co/d/5smfWI4

Edited April 6, 2025 by Robert Garelli

[Scott Smith]

My go-to is actually RC 56 or Evergreen Canopy glue. It’s mostly for the RC airplane hobby, but works great for our applications as well.  Evergreen is stocked at Hobby Lobby.  

[Charlie D.]

Interesting….i use my kids Elmers “school glue” and it seems like the same old Elmers white glue I’ve  known  for 45+ years. 

[Geoff M]

I use a clear Elmers glue.  Great for canopies.  

[RedHeadKevin]

I feel like Elmer's probably changed their formula to cater to people who make slime with it. Nobody needs a gallon of PVA glue, yet I see people buy it all the time. If the consistency is thinner, it's probably either a.) easier to mix into slime with no real loss of function on the intended surfaces, or b.) watered down for economic reasons.

[WymanV]

I bought my sister a gallon of Elmers as a Christmas gag gift a long time ago. She was working at a newspaper at the time and I told her she could dump it in with the ink and see how that works out.

 

 She still uses it as a doorstop.

[habu2]

Speaking of gag gifts, many years ago (early 80s) on "Secretary's Day" we took an empty 55 gallon drum, painted it like a giant Liquid Paper bottle, and put it next to our group secretary's desk. She was not amused....

[dai phan]

9 hours ago, RedHeadKevin said:

I feel like Elmer's probably changed their formula to cater to people who make slime with it. Nobody needs a gallon of PVA glue, yet I see people buy it all the time. If the consistency is thinner, it's probably either a.) easier to mix into slime with no real loss of function on the intended surfaces, or b.) watered down for economic reasons.

I say B. Dai

[Scott Smith]

Here you go….

https://www.wconline.com/infographics/history-of-adhesive#:~:text=The formula now of Elmer's,have the environment friendly nature.
 

Looks like it’s been an ever changing formula.  
No more animal byproducts and now using nanotechnology.  
Sometimes these changes are made for a world wide market too.