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Best glue to use for sand on base?


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Subject says it all. For a while I've been spreading out a layer of Elmers glue on the surface of the base and then sprinkling a layer of Citadel Basing sand on top. I wait for it to dry and then start the layering paint job. Only problem is the glue sorta .... sucks because too much, IMO, sand comes off as I'm painting on it. Now mind you I'm going delicately, etc etc. Anyone have better experience at this with a different sort of glue?

 

Thanks.

 

 

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You're almost there, Brother! Spread out some PVA glue (Elmer's) on the base and place the sand. Then, water down the white glue 50/50 and seal the sand you've just laid down. Wait for the first layer to dry before doing this. After that, some sand will still come off but not to the effect you're seeing now.

Or you could skip both the glue and sand altogether and buy yourself a tube of textured acrylic gel at an arts supplies store. Apply to the model’s base with a spatula, wait for it to dry, and apply paint — it’ll look much the same as coarse sand glued to a base and painted, with a lot less hassle.
PVA with a touch of water in the mix and slapped into the top of the base. Then rather than sprinkle I dip the models base into a bag or box of sand. Let it dry and then get PVA and water it down to 50:50. Load an old brush up with the PVA/water mix and lightly dab on the top of the sand so capillary action moves the liquid down through the layers. If you apply enough of the PVA/water mix minimal sand will come off if any. :tu:

Just remembered when I did a huge batch of models (300+ guard). If you have a warm radiator and a few hours do it in one huge batch. By the time you're through gluing. The sand on the first lot will be dry and you can then slap on the watered down stuff.

 

I found if you gave it a double wash with the watered down PVA, nothing will move and you can be brutal with the drybrushing. ;)

Short Answer: White glue is inferior. Acrylic Adhesive is superior in every way.

 

Long Answer: I highly recommend finding an acrylic adhesive such as Perfect Paper Adhesive over just 'white' glue. Don't let the name fool you, it's great for much more than just paper. Since it's acrylic it dries waterproof so it won't soften when you paint it with watered-down paint to get the job done. It shrinks and bonds very tight; where white glue might peel away, this stuff sticks fast. And, it dries with a nice flat matt finish that's perfect for painting. Oh, it holds sand, flock, and grit, very well, so you basing shouldn't rub or chip free during use. It even works well as a base for home made washes and a varnish in a pinch. One bottle will last for years. I get mine at my local Michales store (an arts and crafting store in Canada) but the internet is the great equalizer if you can't find it locally.

I use Elmers as well. After doing the glue, I set the base in an old blister pack and BURY it in sand. Let it sit overnight, then take it out and tap it off. Several flicks of a finger on the side and all the loose sand is back in the tray.

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