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Help with applying rope to guard and

  • Thread starter Thread starter Epp
  • Start date Start date
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Epp

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Aug 18, 2026
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Hello all- I am finishing up my first starter kit- I need to apply rope to the guard and I can see this quickly turning into a mess and ruining the model. I need some pro tips on the best way to do this. I thought about soaking the rope (its white) in some diluted white glue and letting it hang dry them applying it?
I also could use some guidance on glue - I am having a hard time not getting more than I want, I am using the super fine tips with CA - only thing I can think of is using the thick CA?
Thank you in advance
 
Cap'n Epp:
Nope that the rope fender is optional. Your model looks fine without it. They are used on some craft such as workboats and dinghies that will be bumping up against other boats, docks, etc. often. But they are far from universal. Hanging fenders of various kinds are also used to protect boats from wear and tear. Photo is of a boat with both rope on the rail and hanging doughnut fenders.
Fair winds!

DonutFenderBoatweb-800x485.jpg
 
Thanks Andy! Cool photo, I do like the look of the rope. I also like simple solutions ,applying it in segments seem like a good way to go- maybe I will just clip it in place and see. I appreciate your input!
 
Thanks Andy! Cool photo, I do like the look of the rope. I also like simple solutions ,applying it in segments seem like a good way to go- maybe I will just clip it in place and see. I appreciate your input!
Just a heads up. I don't think Rob was suggesting that you cut the rope into segments, just glue a bit at a time so you don't get sagging as you move forward (wait until one section is firm before moving along the rope to the next section).

Maybe you understood him anyway, in which case carry on :cool:
 
You don't have to use CA you can use PVA (white or wood glue). Make sure your rope is long enough and glue segments a small length at a time onto the hull. You can use clothes pins or other small clamps to hold the rope in place as the PVA dries.

Rob
If you apply a small bead of wood or white glue (1/16”) around area you want rope fender and let it set for about 5-10 mins you can press in your rope and should hold. Sometimes a clamp will compress into flat spots.
Plunger applicators with 18 ga tips are perfect for this.
 
I use Aleene's Quick dry Tacky glue for these type applications. It is a fast drying, high tack PVA glue that you get from hobby stores like HobbyLobby or Amazon. What helps is the high tack it provides such that the rope will "stick" to the tack in the glue. In fact, this is my go to glue for the whole build.
 
I use Aleene's Quick dry Tacky glue for these type applications. It is a fast drying, high tack PVA glue that you get from hobby stores like HobbyLobby or Amazon. What helps is the high tack it provides such that the rope will "stick" to the tack in the glue. In fact, this is my go to glue for the whole build.
I will definitely check that out-thank you!
 
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