Glue Squares & Tacky Wax

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To get model horse bit shanks to temporarily stick to models (so you don't have to risk ruining a model by permanently gluing them to the horse or – heaven forfend! – sawing their mouths open!) you need a temporary adhesive to hold them in place.

These adhesives also work to tack down straps so they lie nicely on your model, they'll help hold small accessories in place, help reins stick in dolls' hands, and can help keep small models or items from tipping over on a display shelf or show table.

We offer two options to choose from.

Temporary Bit Adhesives

GL236 – 3/16" Removable Glue Squares —Dispenser Pack of 450 $8.50 each.

HD10 — Tacky Wax —1 oz. Tub $6.00 ea.

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Removable Glue Squares

Glue Dots® brand Glue Squares are thin 3/16" square removable glue dots that are easy to apply and remove from both your bits, and your models.

Simply press the back side of your bit to a glue dot on the dispenser roll, form it so the entire dot fits behind the attachment area, and then press the bit into place on the model. (Larger or heavy bits may require stacking up a couple of glue dots.) These small squares are easy to form with your fingers to the shape of the bit, so nothing is showing from behind the bit.

The dots can be left on the back of your bits, and the same dot can be used until it gets "dirty" enough and stops sticking. When it does, just pick it off, and apply a fresh glue square and you're good to go.

How To Use Removable Glue Squares

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Tacky Wax

(Also known as "Sticky Wax" or "Mini-Hold Wax"), Tacky Wax is s soft, formable sticky wax used temporarily hold bits in place on a model's mouth (as well as secure other items of tack or accessories). Hobbyists have been using this wax for years for both showing and display.

Apply a wee bead-sized "pill" of this soft wax on the back of the bit shanks where the "mouthpiece" of the bit should be, and press them into position at the corners of the model's mouth. Use as little as possible to get the item to stick, for the best look.

Tacky Wax is also useful to help position reins, tack down the ends of straps, hold props in place. Works to help set dolls hold onto reins and lead ropes, and more. One pot could last a lifetime...but it's a well known fact you're more likely to lose the pot than use it all up!

Tacky Wax can be removed from your model with a soft cloth or cotton swab.

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What is the difference?

While Tacky Wax has been used for decades and is generally tried and true, Glue Dots are a more modern of temporary adhesive that can work as well, and often better, depending on where and how you need to use it.

At Rio Rondo, we prefer the removable Glue Dots (or squares) for the following reasons:

• Leaves no wax residue, once all the glue dot material is removed.
• Can be left on a model or tack items for extended periods of time.
• Fresh dots have a bit more "stick" than traditional Tacky Wax
• Sticks better in warm temperatures or under hot lights, and doesn't slump
• Less adhesive is necessary in most cases, and thus its far easier to hide from view

Removable Glue Dots or Squares do have a few drawbacks:

• The adhesive won't stick, or will stick less once it gets dust or residue from your fingers on it.
• Care should be taken to dispose of "used" dots so that they don't end up in unexpected places,
  like tangled in hair or affixed to fibrous materials
• Initial attachment needs to be precise, as if you try to "twist" or turn the item to align it, it will return to its original position. However, you can usually easily lift the item off and reposition it.
• It can be difficult to work with if you need a bit of adhesive smaller than the dot already is.

Aspects of Tacky Wax

• Leaves wax residue on your model and bits... this can be removed, but takes some effort to completely remove it all. (On the other hand, it is easy to leave it in place on bits to be re-used)
• Items attached with wax may "pop off" in cooler than average temperatures, or "slump" and drop off in warm temperatures.
• Items can be shifted and adjusted in place, without lifting.
• Tacky Wax may stick better to some materials than Glue Dots/Squares.
• Can leave waxy residue on your fingers that can get transferred to models or items where you don't want it.
• Easier to manage than Glue Dots/Squares when you need larger or smaller amounts..
• Some objects can be difficult to get just the right amount that will stick, and still be able to hide or disguise its presence from view (as it can be not particularly attractive showing out from under a bit). .

Small-Scale Items for Bijoux and Stablemate Models
Bits in these smaller sizes can be difficult to affix using either adhesive, because of the small amount needed. Glue dots/squares provide enough stick for the surface area, but it can be a struggle to cut or "pinch off" a tiny amount and get it in place before it gets dirt or grime on it and loses its adhesion.

By contrast, it is easier to get a wee amount of Tacky Wax onto an item (by using a toothpick or tweezers etc.) but there may not be enough surface area or adhesive to actually stick and stay in place.

Unfortunately, we presently don't have any good answers or techniques to share for this particular issue, but if we figure something out, we'll be sure to share it!

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