This -seems- to be nothing more than a very thick white glue product, but appearances can be deceiving. On its first use, I actually found it performed better than ordinary white glue (such as "Elmers"). It is thicker (hence the 'Tacky' in the name), and letting it set up for a few seconds after application increases the tack (and holding power) even more. As a test, I used my new Aileene's Original Tacky Glue to stick a 1/2 inch thick, rectangular piece (approximately 1 1/2 - 2 inches wide) of packing styrofoam onto a 3mm thick × 30mm circular wooden base for wargaming miniatures. I applied a bit of Aileene's directly to the base using the tip (which the user cuts to size, leaving a small, medium or large opening for fairly precise, more generous, or really generous application of adhesive), and spread it around the whole surface, squeezing out a bit more when necessary (I cut mine to the smallest, precise applicator size) to achieve a thin coverage overall. I applied a bit to the styrofoam at the same time, and let the glue set up on both for around 30 seconds. I then stuck them together, made sure of the positioning of the styrofoam (which still could be moved around easily), set the entire assembly down, put a small bottle of paint on top of the styrofoam to wiegh it down, and left everything alone for a minute or so. When I picked it up again, it was pretty secure: I didn't try to reposition either piece, but I was able to handle the assembly cautiously without anything sliding around. I then turned it upside down, and using the circular base as a guide, carved the styrofoam (now on the bottom) into the same shape with my X-acto and a fresh blade. Having done exactly this particular join -many- times in the past, I was surprised to be able to do this so quickly -- attempting to carve that small chunk of styro into shape so soon after gluing with regular white glue wouldn't have been possible. In fact, not only did I carve around the piece to match the edges of the base -- afterwards I even was able to carve up the top into sloping sides and tiny hills. This was excellent performance that just wouldn't have been possible with regular white glue, or even super glue -- the white would have required many hours of curing time, and a cyanoacrylate product would've dissolved the styrofoam entirely. I then applied another layer of glue to the entire surface, stuck a few tiny pieces of slate, representing stones, into the wet glue here and there, and covered everything else with a 'turf' product (from Bachmann) to represent soil. Now, finally I can set everything aside to dry completely before painting or attempting anything more. Great! Normally, after gluing something (styrofoam, cork, or another product) to the top of the base (or bases, more often) with Elmer's or some other carpenters or white glue, I would set it (or them) aside until much later, or even better, the next day, before attempting any carving, or working with extra products to add shape, texture, foliage and more to the base, before finally attaching a completed mini. What a wonderful time saver, and a splendid introduction to a product I'll be using regularly from now on. Aileene's Original Tacky Glue. Great product. Update: I used a small funnel to transfer glue from the original 8oz container to a smaller container (around 1oz), easier to move around and use in precise, close-up work. When cleaning up afterward, I discovered just how powerful an adhesive Aileene's really is. It took at least 2 or 3 minutes for all the glue in the funnel to drain, which initially I chalked up only to the increased tack of the product. While rinsing the stainless steel funnel however, the glue didn't simply rinse away, as PVA (white glue) would have. Under running water, I scrubbed at the residue judiciously with my fingers, yet the final, thinnest residue already was pretty firmly adhered to the stainless steel. Strong glue! I added a little soap into the process, but still couldn't immediately get it off with my fingers alone. I added more soap to the funnel, a bit to a cup of water, plopped the funnel into that and agitated it a bit, and decided to just let it soak for awhile. I came back to it after about 15 minutes or so, and now was able to clean up the last visible residue by scrubbing, now with my fingers alone, under a strong rinse. I also (the next day) know now that not only is this stuff as strong as an ox (compared to PVA, although there really IS no comparing it to a normal PVA in this regard), it also dries much the same as a 'normal' white glue, clear and without damaging (no crazing particularly) the things around it. I haven't tried it specifically, but I believe this glue would be just about the perfect adhesive for attaching clear plastic canopies (or windshields) to already painted model aircraft (or automobiles). Ultimately, the conclusion still is the same, only magnified considerably: Aileene's Original Tacky Glue. GREAT product.
Erin W
Bubba Pearson