Gluing foam board for mountains

Trainguy64 May 7, 2022

  1. Stephane Savard

    Stephane Savard TrainBoard Member

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    I use gorilla glue, the glue foams and cures to a foam-like consistency. However you need to put heavy things on the top layer of foam because it expands. I have a dozen bricks in a cardboard box under the layout just for using as weights.
     
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  2. Stephane Savard

    Stephane Savard TrainBoard Member

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    I also use a wire brush to scratch the surface of the foam, gives more grip to the glue!
     
  3. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    Isn't it amazing how many different approaches are used. :D
     
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  4. JimJ

    JimJ Staff Member

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    I’m in the Liquid Nails crowd with occasional bamboo skewers when needed for reinforcement.
     
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  5. GP30

    GP30 TrainBoard Member

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    I did try some from a leftover tub. It held down flex track OK, but I liked the overall performance of basic Liquid Nails Indoor caulk adhesive better. I found the tile glue was not as smooth as the caulk and didn’t seem to have as much adhesive strength.

    I like the Liquid Nails so much, I use it for everything on the layout. I even put a little on a scrap piece of wood and swipe individual ties over it before inserting in gaps and under fast tracks turnouts.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2022
  6. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    So then, what are y'all using to fill the inevitable gaps in your foamwork? I'm still experimenting with cutting and there are always small openings here and there, especially around tunnel portals and the like. I saw a guy on YouTube who used that insulating spray foam in a can, but the stuff greatly expands and seems messy and hard to control, kind of like extinguishing a match with a fire hose. Ideas welcome.
     
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  7. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    i just use plain ol elmer's white glue has never let me down. i do not like gorilla glue products there over priced and really dont work that well , too much expanding and that sorta thing. im even getting tired of super glue. cost vs what it needs to do just aint good..... my vote ELMER'S white glue by the gallon.
     
  8. Bookbear1

    Bookbear1 TrainBoard Supporter

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    For gaps, I use DAP Lightweight Spackle. This stuff is wonderful, extremely lightweight, dries slowly so you can shape it if needs be, and dries hard. Can be sanded, and takes paint well.
     
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  9. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks @Bookbear1 -- that's a fine idea. (y) My railroad might be moved someday, so the lightweight is good. I might even try to tint it with cheap gray acrylic color so that if it gets chipped, it won't look so bad. Worth a shot.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2022
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  10. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    I'll go along with the DAP Spackle. The aerosol foam, depending on make, can swell up a lot and may push things around. Works great on framing lumber and concrete though.
     
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