Glue for acetate sheets?

[Vince-RA]

Getting to the point where I'm about ready to install windows, supplied as sheets of acetate, on my Labelle coach car. If I remember correctly, CA can cause crazing in clear plastic - what's the right glue to use for this purpose?

 

[Mixed Freight]

Yeah, you are correct - DON'T use CA glue for windows, most often it cause a real mess with hazing and crazing.

You could use Testors or Model Master Clear Parts Cement & Window maker. They work fairly decently. They can even wick in between the clear window material and the structure. If you apply a little too much, it will still dry clear, but you will be able to see it if you look close. You will have to let the parts lay undisturbed for awhile to give the cement some time to dry.

I prefer to use a liquid model cement (or in my case, MEK thinner) for gluing in clear windows whenever possible. That means both the clear plastic and the opaque plastic substrate must be "meltable" (is that a word?) by the cement/thinner. Some plastics are kinda' impervious to it, believe it or not. Fortunately, I know styrene plastic melts, and I believe acetate also melts with MEK or liquid model cement, providing an excellent bond.

Lay clear acetate over the window openings inside the structure, apply the liquid cement or MEK thinner with a fine pointed brush so it wicks in between the acetate and the plastic, then let it dry for a few to several minutes. Don't mess with the clear acetate until dry, or you most likely will be taking it out and trying again with a fresh piece.

Those are my favorite methods, and hopefully others will chime in with theirs.

 

[Vince-RA]

Thanks for the reply! I should have mentioned in the original post, this would be bonding acetate windows to a WOOD car body

 

[Mixed Freight]

Thanks for the reply! I should have mentioned in the original post, this would be bonding acetate windows to a WOOD car body

In that case, I'd go with the Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker. It should do a good job of bonding acetate to wood.

 

[Vince-RA]

Fantastic, thank you!

 

[Espeefan]

Canopy glue for sure!

 

[PRR Modeler]

On wood I use Foam Tack Glue, which if not familiar is a thick white glue similar to Eileen's Tacky Glue which would probaby work also. I've used the Foam Tack on wood kits for years without issue.

 

[Vince-RA]

Ended up using the clear parts cement and window maker - worked great even on painted wood although I did smear a bit on some windows due to my own clumsiness. Turns out to be tough to get off those tiny windows!

 

[747flier]

I've been using the Testors "Widdow maker" on my White Pass coaches, using clamping while it takes its sweet time drying. For windows I am currently using strips of plexiglass as it is really flat compared to thinner plastics etc.