Question for those who use brushes to apply glue...

[Kugelfang]

When using a brush to apply glue, how do you keep the glue on the brush from drying out as you hold a seam to let it dry? Do you put the brush in a small jar of water? Just seems like a lot of work to get the brush dry again so you're not using too moist a glue on the next go-round.

Thanks,

--jeff

[KCStephens]

Give tooth picks a try for applying the glue.

[airdave]

Brushes work fine for me...its all I use.
A brush allows you to spread out the glue to where you want it quickly
and with a little more control I think.
I use various sizes of brush.

I have a small jar of water within arms reach...the brushes sit in the water when not being used.
Use a short, very wide jar so it won't get tipped over.
And you have to get used to not getting water on project.
I got into the habit of passing my brush around my work, not over top, and being careful not to splash.

I change the water when it evaporates down or gets too thick with waste glue.

I use Aileens Craft Glue, so it doesn't dry that fast.
I do lots of work before I need to wash out a brush.

But even if the glue dries on the brush, soaking it in water will soften and remove the glue.
Just grab another brush while that one soaks.

I keep small scraps of cloth on my work table.
Nearby I have a box filled with little 2" x 2" scraps.

Whenever I grab a wet brush, I roll it, press it, and wipe it against the cloth I have nearby.
It takes one or two seconds to dry it enough to work with.
I don't worry too much about it.
Every now and then, i grab a brush and don't dry it enough.
As soon as I put it to glue, I notice that its too wet,
and I grab one of my little wipe cloths.
Only takes a second to dry the brush a little more thoroughly and continue working.

I have used brushes to apply CA glue...works just as well.
But its a one time use thing.
The glue sets in the bristles and you throw it away.

I just walked over and photographed my work area.
You can see the water jar in the upper right with brushes at the ready.
And a small cloth tucked into my lamp base, left side.

[mbauer]

Originally Posted by Kugelfang

When using a brush to apply glue, how do you keep the glue on the brush from drying out as you hold a seam to let it dry? Do you put the brush in a small jar of water? Just seems like a lot of work to get the brush dry again so you're not using too moist a glue on the next go-round.

Thanks,

--jeff

Hi Jeff,
Tried to use the brush as many mention on different threads.

Different brands of glue dry at different rates.

I had the same issue you question. Brush drying and getting hard to use.

Only thing I could figure out was those who use a brush probably only spend 15-20 minutes building at a time before cleaning everything up.

The water "dunk" created problems with my inkjet prints....Then I tried using a plastic wrap (kitchen stuff) to fold over the brush while it sat waiting for the next glue section. Gave a little more time-still there had to be a better way!

After trying toothpicks, brushes, and little "fly" tying glue bottles that have a metal straw (sporting goods fishing departments), finally found the best answer for applying glue:

1) Easy to control the amount placed
2) Easy to see the amount placed and where it is on the part
3) Easy to use the exact amount needed
4) Easy to glue incredibly long glue connections with and even amount of glue
5) Best part = hardly any excess glue means no finger prints left on model
6) Easy to clean-up
7) One refill can last several models
8) One Hand use/control
9) By using speed/pressure you can leave lots of glue or very tiny amounts

What am I talking about?

A syringe with a metal straw or even better; a dentist version that is used for teeth cleaning irrigation. Next best is an ink refill style with a metal straw that can be screwed on.

My favorite is one a dentist gave to me during a teeth cleaning. This syringe is a one piece molded designed with a curved plastic straw part of the shell. Plunger is designed to be removed for filling, so it has lasted several years without issues. The opening is the perfect size to flow plenty of glue if needed, but small enough to apply small amounts too. Just depends on what is needed.

I did cut a scrap piece of cardstock to sit it on while gluing. That way the glue that can leak out while you apply pressure to the parts glued, has a place to drip on.

Best to find a piece of flexible wire to plug the end when not in use. That way the glue doesn't dry while waiting for the next project. Also used to clean the straw if the glue dries inside.

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[mbauer]

Dave,

Where did you get your wood Tool Box?

Mike

[airdave]

How does your brush dry with glue if its in water?
That makes no sense to me.

I reach for a brush...give it a quick wipe on the cloth...use it to apply some glue.
If I am not going to apply more glue within a minute, the brush goes back into the jar.
When i need it again, I just reach for it...quick wipe...glue again.

I don't leave brushes laying around with glue in them.
Of course they're going to go hard.

...

Wood box...don't know, can't remember...

I bought all kinds of holders over the last few years.

Smaller holder I made by gluing cheap bamboo pencil holders together.

The bigger wooden box is a document tray.
Was three long slots
...I just glued cardboard dividers in.
I have no idea where it came from.

[Kevin WS]

I use dental probes to apply white glue, or Super Glue.

Easy to apply differing amounts and just scrape off the dried glue to clean!

-----------

Err Dave, I see you have dropped a hint as to the next model!

[whulsey]

I usually use dental probes, especially for super glue. Also for ultra thin super glue I use a small piece of wire that I put a tiny loop in the end to hold the glue. Use toothpicks also, especially for white glue.

[rockpaperscissor]

I use a small flat brush almost exclusively. Where does it go until the next use....in my mouth, where else? I've really gotten to like the taste of white glue.

[DejaVu]

In my short time in this hobby, I've initially I preferred a brush for tabs, but for tiny parts and butt joints I like a syringe with an 18 gauge blunt fill needle. You can get 100 for $20 on Amazon, and if you cap the tip off with something you don't have to switch out to a new one very often. By the end of my first project I was only using the brush for really wide areas, and did pretty much everything with the syringe. Mostly I like the syringe because I'm a klutz around all forms of water.

ANd to answer your question, for the brush, I just keep a paper towel to the side of it and take it out of the jar of water, swipe a couple times across the towel and then onto the glue.