Glue for Coal

"C.Williams" wrote

I've used a good quality white PVA in the past. It is visible afterwards, but takes black paint extremely well.

John.

Wallpaper paste?

Finish with Humbrol 85 Coal Black to give a dull sheen and keep any loose bits in place. Also useful for rubber flooring, tyres, etc.

PVA, thinned w/ water and a dash of isopropyl alcohol. About 2 parts PVA to 1 part water. The alcohol will promote wetting. If there's a shine you don't like, spray with a matte fixative afterwards, or drybrush with matte black paint. Or leave it shiny - say it just rained, and the coal is still wet. :-)

HTH&HF

I use PVA unthinned. Spread on a layer and pile on the coal till it's full and press it down well. When it's set, turn the model over and empty out the unstuck coal. Repeat the process till the coal space is as full as you want it. I use Peco imitation coal, and it doesn't need painting afterwards with this method. Stan Visit my shop at