Alternatives to Superglue for paper?

[Andy in Germany]

I'm using a lot of Superglue as I make more models from paper. This has the advantage that it is quick, and the paper holds its structure and doesn't warp. I know Shellac does this, but I have to leave models overnight to dry.


The disadvantage is that Superglue isn't tacky, it is more enthusiastic at gluing my fingers together than gluing paper, and of course it's hugely toxic. Also, I'm paying a fair bit to be slowly asphyxiated while losing my fine motor ability.


So is there a glue for paper that works quickly, is tacky, inexpensive, and doesn't want to kill me?

[Cholmondely Percival IV]

I’m not accustomed to making paper models and don’t know how thick the paper you use is, but the obvious choice would appear to be PVA. I use this with thick card and also to glue figures to their bases, among other things. The important criterion is to use a good  quality one without the filler (probably water) found in cheap brands, which will take a long time to dry and warp the paper. Gorilla, Soudal Pro 30D or Everbuild D4 all work well in my experience, though as I’ve said I normally use them with denser materials than paper so I’m aware they may not be the ideal solution for your purposes.

[Cat]

For gluing the paper signs onto buildings, I hold a bit of the sign in grip-to-release tweezers and apply a very thin layer of Zap-a-Gap (a CA super glue) with a toothpick.  I can usually position it pretty well before pressing down hard and avoid the usual gluing of fingers to everything in sight.
 
For Japanese model railroading, there are a couple of companies that make high-end paper model kits.  For those, I use Scotch High Performance Repair Glue in an applicator bottle.

[Cholmondely Percival IV]

The Scotch glue appears to be good but a tad pricey:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotch-High-Performance-Repair-Glue-1-25oz/dp/B00C1LSOIG/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=1VKJJPIHANZUZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wFQgx0a0HZyCtb1qd_wXDBPvNMnn8ll-MA4S-cplCM_JuiZX9sBNGPqby4HrQOTZA4gGYLcHkC3p5RZFEknQTGPsnVo-SiZQixcjaPDKMklNhhTGi_RqTHguuY7_26Fm1F2-VfHQVI7lyPy6C7X4rpG7zCOBtldU-VLadm7pl_as4YPHcxx_9SjjWbZkhEdvYBCgbTwq0uXKazk3K6lCbg.ov-Af07BiI_5uR9q6BB5j2NQRskFKla5JE-Q9OxD70U&dib_tag=se&keywords=Scotch+high+performance+repair+glue&qid=1719941086&sprefix=scotch+high+performance+repair+glue%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-6

[tin shed gamer]

Andy knowing the sort of things you build . I'd recommend Mod Padge ( Matt) . A thin layer will take a couple of minutes at room temperature.
It's also very good as a protective layer under a Matt varnish. ( I put a layer on painted wheels before varnishing and a little dab at the point the wheel makes contact with a table,after varnishing.)
You can use it very effectively to strengthen card and paper and is really useful on building corners (apply inside and out.)


As for super glue you need to use a slightly thicker variant ( and less of it.) Plus invest in a super glue activator spray or solution.

A slightly thicker glue dries faster on card and paper as it doesn't wick into the paper as deep .Which you know makes super glue take ' forever ' to dry. Plus its less eager to follow gravity so it's less likely to suddenly end up running down your forearm when you inevitably try to pick you're up to glue the joint mid air.

[Cat]

The Scotch glue appears to be good but a tad pricey

Definitely worth the price if you're looking for a quality glue for paper/card modelling.

[Cholmondely Percival IV]

Hmm. Over £50 for a 1.25 ounce pack seems a bit much to me, particularly during a cost of living crisis.

[FifteensAway]

Only $8.99 US at Amazon - are you looking at a multi-pack to get that 50 pound plus price? 

[zemjw]

It's £8 on ebay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143598713656 However the seller may not post to the UK (so why advertise on the UK site???)

It looks like the Amazon UK one is coming from abroad, possibly on its own private jet

It may be worth having a look around the Paper Modeller's forum - https://www.papermodelers.com/forum/, especially the tips and tricks sub-forum - https://www.papermodelers.com/forum/tips-tricks/

[Cholmondely Percival IV]

Only $8.99 US at Amazon - are you looking at a multi-pack to get that 50 pound plus price?

I assumed it was a multi-pack at first but it doesn’t appear to be.

[Daeothar]

I've discovered this really fast drying PVA glue, which I've used extensively in my last BSC build; it dries in about 5 minutes, and faster when applied to wood or paper.

I suppose it's got a lot in common with Mod Podge, but it dries slightly glossier. Which, depending on what you're after can be a plus or not. It is cheaper though...

[Cholmondely Percival IV]

It's £8 on ebay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143598713656 However the seller may not post to the UK (so why advertise on the UK site???)

That is weird - the UK isn’t listed among the countries the seller ships to, or the ones they don’t ship to. (Possibly a sad commentary on our once proud nation’s current international status).

I’ve sent a query.

[Cat]

Hmm. Over £50 for a 1.25 ounce pack seems a bit much to me, particularly during a cost of living crisis.

Curious, the link you posted brings me to an Amazon UK page showing a £6.98 price but currently unavailable there.
 
Tamiya Craft Bond is another highly recommended one:
https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/87078/index.html

[Moriarty]

I use Uhu for most of my modelling needs. Don’t know how it will take Shellac, though, so you may need to be careful where it goes.
Good luck!

[Silent Invader]

For paper, I tack together with a faint smear of UHU then when ‘grabbed’ apply a liberal dose of runny superglue, wiping off any excess CA with kitchen paper. I wear a mask and eye protection with good ventilation.