Superglue (or cyanoacrylate adhesives) is a common glue that we use to bond materials together e.g. wood, metal, plastic. But storing it is a sticky situation. It hardens fast especially in the application dropper; thus, rendering the rest of the glue either useless or you need to totally do without the dropper.

Cold Storage Your Superglue

Yes, you keep your glues in your airtight bag like the one below and storage them in your fridge. Label the bag properly so as to prevent accidental misuse. Since then I never had problems with hardened dropper. I ain’t no chemist but the cold temperature works in keep the cyanoacrylate fluid.

Use Metal Container to Hold Glue

NEVER, NEVER apply superglue directly on your models! Instead squeeze a few drops on a metal container. Immediately put the glue back in the fridge. I found this small metal dish to be the most ideal; not on paper, styrene, plastic or even wood.

Other than toothpick, I straightened a paper clip and use it to apply the glue on the surface to be glued on. You can shape the paper clip to match the position of your model especially in tight corners. Alternatively, I use a tweezer to grab the parts and lightly drip on the glue, just a light dab, and then apply on the model.

Unblock the Needle Dropper on Revell Contacta

Some of us have this Revell Contacta or similar glue with needle dropper. And the common experience is blocked needle dropper after 1 ot 2 uses.

I don’t keep this contact glue in my fridge. To unblock the needle dropper, pull out the metal needle, use a plyer or tweezer to hold one end and run the lighter flame over the blocked end quickly. Be careful as the flame will burn the cyanoacrylate and release fume. DO THIS in well-ventilated area. The flame unblock the tiny channel in the needle. DO NOT TOUCH the needle as it may still be hot and burns. Once cooled down, insert back the needle dropper.

I hope these tips help you.