PAPER | CARD STOCK | GLUE
GLUE

White craft glue is the perfect glue for paper model construction. (In the USA, we call it "Elmer's" ™ glue). It is water soluble, so it washes right out of clothes. It dries clear, so it is virtually invisible. It is designed for use with paper...need we say more?

The best glue for our purposes is the cheapest white craft glue you can get, and it should come in a bottle with a screw down tip for easy application and clean up.

I have a small bottle that I refill from a larger container. This is because while I am working on a model I tend to leave the bottle I am using open for extended periods - while I am fitting and holding my pieces. This way, I am not drying out my entire supply. If white glue starts to get a little thick in the bottle, you can add just a drop - maybe two - of water and give it a good shake to thin it out for easier use. But you don't want your glue too thin, or it will run or even soak into your pieces and wrinkle them!

With practice, you will know how thick or thin you like your glue to be. The thicker it is, the shorter your drying time. The thinner it is, the more likely you are to weaken the fibers of your paper or card stock.

When I am working with standard paper, I will sometimes squeeze out a puddle of glue and let it dry for ten minutes or so to thicken. I use a scrap piece of cardboard as a palette for this. By letting it thicken it doesn't soak into the paper too quickly and it is easier to spread, since it doesn't run or drip. When working from a puddle, I use a toothpick or dull hobby knife as an applicator.