I'm doing a Nick Shade style cockpit coaming with the vertical strips. One thing I did which made a big difference is apply glue up the strip but leaving a tiny spot on top bare. Then you put a little hot melt on the cutout and a tiny dab on top of the strip and you can press them tight together and they instantaneously hold tight, squeezing the glue like they were clamped.

I use strips that are about 2" - so the top is sacrificial.