HELP!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I bought some scenic glue and it has turned hard, hoe do I make it turn into glue again?

2

Yikes, that’s one problem that I have not encountered. It is probably water based, so try warming it. Set it in a pan of warm water. You may be out of luck, but who knows.

3

Go buy another bottle? Make sure the top is on securely.

4

If it is really hard, it is gone. If it is just thick, add water, but it will lose some stregnth, but for holding scenic foam it should still work.

5

I’m using the glue for ballast, and it is waterproof :frowning:

6

It’s glue. Once dry it’s done. Why bother trying to revive it?

7

Gringo,

If you are using the glue for ballast, find an art supply store like Michael’s and buy some Matte Medium. Mix it with water, using one part water to one part matte medium. It will stay in liquid form as long as you keep it covered. When applied to the ballast it will dry but not become brittle. Trains will run quietly over the ballasted area.

If you don’t want to spend money on Matte Medium, you can use Elmers Glue. Same mix of 50/50 with water. Keep Elmers Glue covered as well so it doesn’t harden. When applied to ballast, it dries a little harder than Matte medium and can be a little noisy when trains run over it, but it works quite nice as well.

Sorry about your mishap.

Rich

8

Thanks Rich for the advice. I have some of that glue the Matt’s glue, i’ll give it a try and thanks for the advice! :slight_smile:

9

Gringo,

You will love the matte medium. It is actually a paint additive rather than glue. It dries soft and flexible.

Let us know how you like it.

Rich

10

It works preety well and it works just the way I need it to for laying ballast. Thanks so mcu for the advice! :slight_smile:

11

Just remember to use wet water to get the glue or matte into the ballast.

12

Good point, or better yet, spray rubbing alcohol on the ballast in lieu of wet water. Works better in my opinion.

Rich

13

I use alcohol as well, drys much faster.

Cuda Ken

14

The way you fix that bottle of glue is to unscrew the cap and screw a new bottle of glue into it.

15

…and the matte medium flows smoother throughout the ballast.