Uhu Glue ...my review (I'm a poet and didnt know it)

[airdave]

I've heard mostly good things about Uhu Glue here on the forum.
And I have always been curious to try it.

When I started building paper models, I only used contact cement.
I used cheap stuff.
It worked fine, and I got good with it.

Eventually I started using Aleenes Tacky Glue, and the advantage was a slower dry time...
time to reposition parts before they finally grabbed permanently (or semi-permanently in some cases).

Anyway, I've heard about the liquid Uhu glue...not the Uhu Glue sticks.
Which is the only Uhu available to me here in Ontario.
I'm not interested in Glue Sticks.

I want the clear tube stuff...in those yellow tubes.
So I bought some on amazon.ca
It had to be shipped from overseas.
I guess I got a good deal...I bought two fairly large tubes.
It was a two for one price deal.
It didn't break me, but its at least double what I pay for 2 large bottles of Aleenes.

Amazon.ca Uhu Glue link



Anyway, my review of the product.
Yes, its very clear.
Comes in a big toothpaste like tube...I think its a metal tube...bigger than a toothpaste tube.
It smells like contact cement.

Its quick to run out of the tube with little squeeze.
And it looks and smells like contact cement.
Except its very clear.

It applies like contact cement, however the tube instructions are to apply to one side of the two things you are gluing.

Anyone who knows how to use contact cement knows you apply to both sides, and allow to dry.
Once dry to the touch, connect the surfaces for an instant and really permanent bond.
You can also apply contact cement to one side only for a semi-permanent bond.
And...artists know that if applied to one surface and allowed to dry, it creates a repositionable tacky surface that doesn't leave residue.

Anyway, back to the Uhu, it dries fast. Too fast for me.
I mean before its used, the glue is setting up too fast on my little glue pad.
Its also setting up too fast on my glue applicator.
And, for me, its setting up too fast on the paper parts.

I didn't have a lot of time to reposition...it reminded me of when I used contact cement.
Align first, be careful, and try not to miss...hurry up...one shot at it.

But what I really don't like about Uhu glue, is the stringies.
I can't stop the stringies. Those fine strings of glue everywhere.
As the glue starts to setup, and you are still applying it, those threads and strings appear.
Off your applicator...you pull them away from the parts, then they get on your fingers!

Forget applying this glue to large surface areas.
The first inch or so is dry before I finish the third.

I use contact cement for gluing large areas, large panels...but I use a spray contact cement.
Designed for that type of application.

I have already gone back to my Aleenes for model assembly...it'll do.
And I'll save this pricey, but quality glue for when my shoes need fixing, etc.
It'll come in handy.

anyone wanna buy a large tube of Uhu Glue? I got an extra one.

[dhanners]

Thanks. Been curious about trying it, but you’ve cured me of that.

I’ll stick with my Lineco neutral-pH PVA adhesive, with Aleene’s Tacky Glue for parts that need to be stuck on quickly.

[Tapcho]

It does have a special use where it's unbeatable and that is fortifying seams and joints when assembling a model that uses formers. Because it's waterless it doesn't produce tortions and because it's quick drying you can move on pretty fast. It dries rock solid and doesn't twist so your model keeps it's intended form better. I use it in all spots that get to be covered so no harm though it's a bit messy. Shipbuilding, tanks and vehicles, aeroplanes, houses you name it - anywhere with internal formers that don't show out in the final stage. Good stuff.

For instance a 90 degree lap joint (pretty common in modeling with formers), glue first the joint, position the pieces and let dry. After dried insert a string of glue on all four sides of the joint and all lenght of the joint. Let dry and it's locked and will not change it's shape or orientation.

Tappi

[ccoyle]

Good review, Dave. I had the same experience with a tube of glue from Poland. Lately I have been using Evergreen Canopy Glue -- despite the name, it is useful for many other applications. It sets up fast, though. When I need a longer set time, I have been using diluted Aleen's Clear.

[airdave]

You should not need to dilute Aleenes.
In fact, I don't recommend it.
Are you using 'original' in the gold bottle?
or one of the thicker versions?

[modelperry]

I got some mini tubes of UHU when I took over RJM's estate to sell off. Haven't tried any. If I do, I'll keep your remarks in mind. I hate glue strings (almost as much as petals), so I remain hesitant to try....

Greg

[panzerlite]

Wouldn't a medium gel super glue work just as well in those situations?
Except for sticking my fingers togethers I think it works very well...

All my best...

P-Lite

[Doubting Thomas]

I thought Uhu was only a pva type of glue.
I remember getting a small tube in a project
and it was labled Uhu glue.

The clear type in your trial is not the pva type
and smelled like contact cement. I hate contact
cement too, as you stated you have to get it
correct on the first shot.

Now I'm curious to see what else is out there
from Uhu products.

Jeff

[airdave]

Uhu does make glue sticks of various kinds.
They are obviously not "contact cement".

This glue, as I said, smells like contact cement.
Contact Cement is a solvent based glue.
According to a tube of Contact Cement that I have here, it contains Toluene and Gasoline.
The Uhu tube says it contains methyl acetate and acetone. (Solvents)
I'm guessing it differs by using clear carriers like acetone, to keep the glue clear.

UHU | Product overview,

[sreinmann]

I'm discovering this year that there is an immense volume of skill this hobby that I've only scratched the surface after - what ... 4 years? 5 now?

I love this post Dave! Thanks for taking the time with it. Can you believe I have only been using PVA white glue, glue sticks and some CA glue all along? Formers and Stiffeners and Seam strengthening! I feel like our next convention needs to have a seminar, "I did it my way and got away with it ... for a while." hahah