Airplane Model Glue Information

Several airplane kits refer to using an adhesive material called DOPE, which is no longer available or being sold. The supplier has provided the following suggestions. 

USING WHITE GLUE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MODEL AIRPLANE DOPE

    White Glue is an effective model airplane dope substitute.  It is available in most shopping areas.  Some brand names are Elmer's® Glue-All and Wilhold®.  These semi-liquids can be used for the same three purposes as dope when mixed approx. 50% glue and 50% water.  For example:

                •  priming balsa wood to seal pores.

                •  as an adhesive for attaching tissue to balsa.

                •  as a sealer for tissue covering.

PRIMER FOR BALSA WOOD

   To seal the pores in balsa wood, brush on a single coat of the 50/50 glue mixture and let dry.  This will provide a good base when covering a model frame with tissue.  Sand primed surface lightly with fine grade sandpaper before applying tissue covering.

ADHESIVE FOR TISSUE

    Makes an excellent adhesive for attaching tissue to balsa.  Brushed on over a "primed"  balsa surface, it stays moist until the tissue is places in position on the model frame allowing time for the edges to be smoothed down with the finger tips.  A single coat is sufficient to bind the tissue securely to the balsa wood.  Always let the adhesive dry hard before wetting the covering with a fine spray of water to shrink the tissue.

SEALER FOR COLOR COATS

    A single coat of the 50/50 mixture brushed on over a tissue covered surface is usually satisfactory as a base for color coats.  When dry, a second coat can be applied if desired.  SPECIAL NOTE: The application of mixture will cause the water shrunk tissue to sag a bit but this should be of no concern since covering will "tighten up" again when the sealer dries out.  This action also holds true when brushing on color coats of water soluble paints.

OTHER USES FOR WHITE GLUE

   When used full strength, white glue is an excellent adhesive for gluing balsa wood parts together.  Although "milky" in appearance, it dries clear and transparent.  It can also be used for gluing Guillow vacuum formed plastic parts to a tissue covered model frame provided that the inside surface of the plastic part that contacts the model frame is first washed clean and then roughly scored with coarse sandpaper or scarred with knife point.

   The use of regular plastic cement is recommended for gluing Guillow vacuum formed plastic parts to each other.

ADVANTAGES OF WHITE GLUE FOR BALSA MODEL BUILDING

   It is non-toxic, odorless and water soluble.  If spilled on a tabletop or other fine surface, it can be wiped off with a wet cloth without marring the surface if attended to when spill occurs.  Brushes used to spread white glue or a glue/water mixture can be cleaned up in water after use.

   A mixture of white glue, water and talcum powder make a satisfactory "filler" for filling small holes and cracks in balsa wood.

Copyright 2008 Paul K. Guillow, Inc.