What is PVA glue?

PVA glue, also known as polyvinyl acetate glue, is a type of adhesive that is widely used for various applications. It is a synthetic polymer composed of polyvinyl acetate, which is a rubbery and thermoplastic material. White glue is popular due to its versatility, ease of use, and non-toxic nature.

PVA glue is white in color and has a thick, viscous consistency. It is water-based, which means it can be easily diluted with water for different levels of viscosity. It will form a strong bond when it dries, making it suitable for a wide range of materials such as paper, wood, fabric, leather, and some plastics.

It is used in arts and crafts projects, woodworking, bookbinding, and as a general-purpose adhesive for everyday tasks. It is suitable for bonding porous surfaces together and provides a relatively fast drying time, although the exact drying time can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the application.

It is important to note that White glue is not suitable for all applications. It may not be as effective for bonding non-porous surfaces, such as metals or glass, as it is primarily designed for porous materials. In those cases, specific adhesives tailored for those materials would be more appropriate.

How to use PVA Glue on Miniature Bases: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are several steps you can follow to achieve the desired results. Here's a guide on how to use it effectively:

1. Gather your materials: You will also need, foam, rocks, grit, lightweight bits, hobby sand, acrylic paint, and any desired miniature water effects.
2. Prepare the base: Clean the miniature base and ensure it is free of any debris or dust.
3. Applying PVA glue: Use a small brush or applicator to apply it onto the areas of the base where you want to attach foam, rocks, grit, or other lightweight bits. Apply a thin and even layer to ensure good adhesion.
4. Attaching materials: Press the foam, rocks, grit, or lightweight bits onto the glue-covered areas of the base. Gently hold them in place for a few moments to allow them to bond.
5. Texture paste: If you want to create a texture paste, mix PVA glue with sand in a separate container. Add your choice of paint to achieve the desired color. Adjust the consistency by adding more ingredients until you achieve a thick paste.
6. Applying texture paste: Use a palette knife or a small brush to spread the texture paste onto the desired areas of the base. Sculpt and shape the paste as desired to create texture and terrain features.
7. Drying time: Allow the mix to dry thoroughly. The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the application and also other environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. 
8. Optional painting: Once the mixture has dried, you can paint them if desired. Use miniature paints to add color and detail to the base, enhancing the overall appearance.
9. Water effects: If you wish to create water effects, such as a river or a pond, you can experiment. However, this can be a bit challenging and may require some skill. Apply it in thin layers to mimic the look of water and use additional techniques, such as adding transparent blue paint, to enhance the effect.

Remember to experiment and practice always on scrap materials before working on your final miniature bases. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the glue's behavior and achieve the desired results.

What is the best glue for wood kits?

White glue is one of the best glues for wood models due to the following reasons:

• Strong adhesion ability on wood surfaces.
• Dries to a translucent white color, which does not affect the appearance of the wood.
• Non-toxic and safe for use on interior projects.
• Easy clean up and wash with water before drying.
• Moisture resistance once completely dry.
• Widely available and affordable.
• Dries quickly and forms a strong bond.
• Can be sanded and painted once dry.
• Ideal for a wide variety of woodworking and craft projects.