I an FINALLY start my module layout. I’m going to use foam board to build up scenery shapes and then carve it, but I’d like to know the best adhesive to use. Would latex caulk be good? I was also thinking about using Elmer’s glue-all but i’m not sure it will be strong enough to hold the foam in place since I will be handling the layout often.
I’ve used latex caulk as a foam adhesive, and it worked fine. However, my layout is fixed. As you’re building a module (suggesting that it will be moved a lot), I’d consider using foam adhesive. Liquid Nails sells one that’ comes in caulking tubes. You should be able to find it at a Home Depot type store.
I don’t have a foam base but I have used Latex Caulk to glue down cork roadbed and Elmer’s for scenery ground cover and ballast. In fact I just finished off my first gallon of Elmer’s this week.
A little of the caulk goes a long way.
I’ve used latex caulk to fasten foam to plywood on a layout in a non-climate-controlled space in the Dessicated Desert. Even after five years’ exposure to temperature ranging from sub-freezing to 120+, and humidity usually in the single digits, it has held. Not as well as two-part epoxy or Gorilla glue, but more than well enough for my simple purposes. However, if subjected to unusual stress it WILL come unstuck. When I start creating landforms I’ll probably push chopsticks (or equivalent) through the caulked-together foam layers to prevent sideslip - the one thing which has caused my caulked joints to fail.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in a Southern Nevada garage)
I am a great believer in caulk, that being said if it is to be moved around a lot I would go with the foam adhesive but being more expensive you might want to use it as a main sticking agent and use caulk elsewhere, like if you are installing a large land form use the more expensive stuff for the center and the cheap stuff around the edges.
I use caulk to stack my foam. If the mountains get bumped they wiggle and that reduces damage that could occur. I did use PL300 to stick my foam to my open grid table. Not being portable I think caulk would have done the job. I would use PL300 to stick the foam to the table if it is to be moved much.
Good luck.
Brent[C):-)]
If you decide to use Liquid Nails, make sure to use the one labeled “Liquid Nails for Projects”, as it doesn’t attack foam like the regular Liquid Nails. I’ve used latex caulk for about 5 years now with NO problems. I’d avoid using white glue, because it needs air to dry, which it gets very little between layers of foam.
Elmer’s works OK for putting down track, but it will not dry between layers of foam. I have, and continue to, use both. Each one works best for different things. I use caulk for putting down track, foam roadbed, cork, etc. I use Elmer’s for applying ground cover.
Proto,
I would go with the caulk. I’ve use DAP Alex Plus Acrylic Latex caulk on my flex track and cork and it has a very strong hold. It also has less nasty chemicals in it and is much cheaper than the Liquid Nail for Projects brand. I get it for $2/tube at my local home center or hardware store.
The other thing worth considering is that latex caulk remains flexible during temperature changes. Elmer’s dries hard and remains brittle. I’ve seen track pop up because of temperature issues. As far as durability, I think the caulk would hold up to “reasonable” abuse quite well.
Tom
Greetings all,
Acrylic caulk works wonders for my scenery base be it my 1/35th armor dioramas or my HO trains. Here is a formula I have come up with (previously published) mix the caulk, acrylic craft paint, some wood glue and thin with water and about 3 cap-fulls of windshield wiper fluid all in a paint roller pan. Mix until it is the consistancy of pancake batter.
Next cut out 18" x 18" or smaller sheets of plain white wrapping paper that is used to stuff into boxes for shipping and soak the sheets in the mix. Lay onto whatever base you have for your topography and let it set over the area, you can overlap sheets as you go but I don’t go over using 2 sheets a one time.
After the sheets are in place sift fine dirt and other basic ground cover, this will stiffen the paper and help it form over the basic shapes. As you add more scenic material use a fine mist sprayer to add water, building in layers will strengthen the paper. Any foam under supports are what I use to plant trees, etc. in. Refer to my photos on the Community pages.
Thanks,
John