The 7 Best Glue For Miniatures And Models

What is the Best Glue to Use on Plastic Models

You will need the finest model glue while you decide to build your favorite plastic models. Whatever the brand, you need an adhesive that is dependable enough to hold projects for a long time.

The selection of the glue will depend on the model size and material your handling experience. Also, setting time should be considered as a major provision. Anyway, general plastic glues will work well in most cases. But, you should go for Plastic Cement or a Superglue. Remember that super glue is not recommended always with plastic, as it melts the plastic to bond. Look at the next product review section for detailed info.

Modeling Glues Available in a Variety of Types

Choosing the right glue for your model is critical; an incorrect glue can cause your project models to break. However, a little research into how different types of glues work will help you choose the best glue.

Cyanoacrylate (Superglue)

Superglue is the most popular glue among miniatures makers since it’s so easy to use on tiny miniatures and get into their tightest corners. Its most significant advantage is that it dries quickly and forms strong ties with the most known materials. However, it will not be able to form a strong bond on a water-absorbing surface.

Moisture is required for superglue to dry and cure. It is mostly available in gel form, but also in liquid form. Because it is thin and runny, the liquid form can fill small fractures. However, hobbyists prefer the gel form because it does not run and mess. You can accurately apply glue to the surface without leaving any drips.

Superglue works by forming a mesh-like layer between the bonds, and frosted-like cracks can sometimes be seen through clear plastics or glasses. It is, however, ideal for use with metal miniatures.

Epoxy

Though superglue and plastic cement are ideal for small applications, epoxies are preferable for larger areas. It consists primarily of two components: resin and hardener. You can get different results by varying the mixed percentages, which determines the flexibility, durability, and bonding strength. 

The hardener is critical to the performance of epoxy. It activates polymerization and speeds up the curing process after application. An excellent adhesive for use on water-repellent materials and in dry and freezing climates. 

However, clamping will be required while the epoxy glue cures. The best feature is that it can be used on almost any surface. Furthermore, they are almost odorless.

Cement Model

Plastic model cement is simple to work with and works well with plastic models. It is light, but it emits fumes, so you never work in a poorly ventilated area. It works in the opposite way to superglue in that it melts the plastics and forms the bond, similar to welding two iron rods.

How to Make The D&D Miniatures Smoothly?

Making Dungeons and Dragon (D&D) miniatures are a source of fun. However, you should have a little knowledge of sculpting as it will help you understand making a 2D character image into a 3D real object.

Earlier sculptors made 3D miniatures from mud, and they did it by hand. But the technology revolution made it so easy that even a beginner can enjoy the process without previous experience.

First, you develop a 3D model using software like Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Cinema 4D. Then turn the digital sculpt into the cast. It is costly to make an in-house mold with a 3D printer. However, some 3D printing services have made it easy to print customized D&D. You can take the service of Hero Forge or Eldritch Foundry.

8 Best Product Review

Now you have a good idea to use glue on miniatures and tiny models. Now you can check the 10 best miniature glues that are effective on different materials.

Best Glue for Plastic Model- Testors Plastic Cement

Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

When you have to efficiently fix your plastic miniatures, you should go with Testors plastic cement. The plastic cement is sticky enough and affixes even the tiny parts.

This plastic model glue is thick and does not run here and there. It needs to get enough surface area contact to bond the toughest parts. However, when it dries in minutes, the bond will be solid.

Finally, Testors’ plastic model glue is a budget-friendly pack; you get a pair of tubes at a frugal price.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Plastic
• Volume: 25.8 ml
• Brand: Testors
• Package: Tube
• Color: Standart
• Type: Cement
• Country of Origin: USA

Features

• Applicable surfaces: Testors model glue works best on ABS and polystyrene plastic. In addition, the adhesive is compatible with wood also, and you do not need to make a second purchase when you have to bond plastic to the wooden models.
• Repositionable: It dries fast, but you will have a little time to reposition the parts and correct the misplacement.
• 24-Curing Time: The best bond grows while you allow it a 24 hours full curing.
• Precision Tips: You will like 4 pointy tips that come with the package; those will help you reach tight and narrow points.

Cautions

• The metal tube allows the glue to get out fast; hence you should not squeeze too hard, else it may end up a dripping mess.
• It’s flammable, and the vapor is harmful.

Best Glue for Resin Model- LET’S Epoxy Resin

Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whatever the resin art craft you make, you will love LET’S clear UV resin adhesive for its precise result. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a Gundam model, the glue works well on any kind of resin craft.

The resin enthusiasts suggest this glue for resin models for its fast reaction time. Surprisingly, 2-4 minutes is enough for a hard cure under sufficient UV light. However, for more curing options, the following lists help you:

• UV light: 2-4 minutes
• Sunlight (sunny): 5-15 minutes
• Sunlight (cloudy): 20 minutes and above

LET’S UV is a thin resin with great fluidity; its well-shaped nozzle allows smooth squeezing, and the glue comes out without clogging. 

The finished projects are smooth, and you never find any shrinkage or wrinkles. Plus, no air bubble bothers inside the model.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Resin
• Volume: 120 gram
• Brand: LET’S RESIN
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Clear
• Type: Liquid Glue

Features

• Yellowing Resistant: A super clear glue with high transparency that never turns yellow. 
• Easy to Use: No need to measure and mix like AB epoxy resin. You can use the two mixing tools and a squeeze nozzle to form colorful bonds.
• Glossy Finish: The final finish will be glossy. You can also mix it with mica pearl powder, resin colorants, glitter powder to get colorful finishes.
• Self degassing: It does not produce any unwanted gas during it dries, and hence the coat will be bubble-free.
• Odorless: This resin model glue has almost no odor, and the smell completely goes while full curing is completed. 

Cautions

• The curing time depends on the light exposure and different thickness of the mold. Also, the timing will increase with the mixing of pigment dye.

Best Glue for Styrene Plastic Models- Games Workshop Glue

Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Not all plastic glue works well on styrene plastic miniatures. You will need a specific gum that establishes a secured bonding. And Games workshop citadel plastic glue exactly does the job to perfection.

The curing time is a little longer than the standard super glue, so you get plenty of time to fix the broken parts to their exact positions. However, you get a seamless, strong bond worth the waiting.

The Citadel adhesive was designed specifically for assembling plastic minis. It bonds polystyrene models by melting the surface.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Plastic
• Volume: 0.7 Fluid Ounces
• Brand: Games Workshop
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Clear
• Type: Liquid glue

Features

• Applicable surfaces: This glue works great with styrene plastic miniatures. However, the manufacturer recommends not to use it with non-polystyrene materials.
• No-Jam Nozzole: Though it has a low viscosity, its handy applicator nozzle does not have a clogging issue.

Cautions

• The drawback you may find with this awesome product is that it dries a little slowly.
• It might produce fumes, so you should work in a ventilated area.

Best Glue for Metal Miniatures- Insta-Cure Superglue

Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Insta-Cure Gap Filling is a higher viscosity cyanoacrylate glue that is good for fitting joints. Moreover, it works ideal when you need the adhesive to bridge the gaps between the parts.

This glue dries fast, and the application is easy. You simply apply a small amount on one surface and then tightly hold the parts for about 5 to 15 seconds.

However, you have to give a full cure of 30 minutes for the strongest bond. In addition, don’t spread the glue into a thin film when you need to control premature curing.

Finally, do not try to work with metal miniatures without an accelerator. It makes all the difference. Insta-Set CA Glue Activator is the right choice here.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Metal, Rubber, Plastic
• Volume: 2 Ounces
• Brand: Bob Smith Industries
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Clear
• Type: Superglue

Features

• Applicable surfaces: Insta-care+ glue works excellent for larger applications, especially for laminated objects.
• Long Shelf Life: One of the big advantages is that the glue never dries. You can store it in a fridge for longer shelf life. 
• Dries Clear: This metal miniatures glue is translucent that allows you to use it with any colored metal model.
• Clog-free Nozzle: The nozzle also does not clog. Just ensure the bottle is always upright and the glues return to the bottle after every use.

Cautions

• If you use an activator, it might produce bubbles. 
• You should keep water away from it. Else it will cloud the glue.

Best Glue for Wooden Models- Starbond Super Glue

Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A high-performance, premium-quality cyanoacrylate that not only joins two wood pieces but the Starbond glue also repairs and fills cracks, infusions, and knots. Surprisingly, it will effectively seal, stabilize, and strengthen sensitive wooden miniatures.

Fine micro tips are included in the package, which is ideal for precision work on the smallest corners of miniatures. For larger applications, an additional applicator is available too.

Furthermore, when using the wood model glue to repair cracks, you must follow simple steps. Fill the wood void with sawdust until it is level with the surface, then apply Starbond superfast thin CA glue, which will wick and soak into the sawdust-filled void through the capillary action before hardening.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Wood, Leather
• Volume: 2 Ounces
• Brand: Starbond
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Clear
• Type: Cyanoacrylate Adhesive

Features 

• Water Thin: Since this model wood glue is water-thin and has a viscosity of 2 CPS, it can quickly penetrate powdered inlays and perfectly form the hardest bond.
• High Gloss Finish: It produces stunning high-gloss finished wooden models. If you want a glossy finish, the manufacturer recommends applying several thin layers. Several applications will help to reduce the formation of air bubbles.
• Clog-Free Nozzle Stopper: Superglue has a tendency to clog inside the nozzles as the glue jams, and every time users have to clean the obstacles with pins. Starbond, on the other hand, designed a clog-free nozzle stopper with a built-in needle to prevent clogs.

Cautions

• Like any other CA glue, this glue will irritate the eyes, so wear eye protection. It dries quickly, so use caution when handling it; while in contact, it bonds your skin in seconds.

Best Glue for Paper Models- OBSEDE Craft Glue

Last update on 2022-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Whenever the question is to find a reliable glue for your paper models, you will see a variety of craft glues. However, you must be cautious while purchasing the right glue because regular craft glue may not form solid bonds between different parts of paper models. OBSEDE glue is non-toxic and dries clear, so use it without hesitation.

The best part about this glue is that it comes with three different size precision tips, which allow you to apply glue to small pieces with greater control and accuracy. Look through the lists below and select a different tip for each application.

• Ultra-fine tip: A 2 mm diameter tip for fine details; the glue dries in 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
• Fine-tipped syringe: With a width of 35 mm, this tip is ideal for medium-detailed crafts, and the glue requires approximately 10 to 60 minutes to dry.
• Tip cap: The 5mm wide tip is ideal for simple crafts. When using this tip, the glue dries in 1 to 5 hours.

The drying time varies depending on the tip diameter, amount of glue used, and humidity. 

• Dry time is about 30s to 5Hs, depending on the amount of glue and temperature. It’s suggested to use just a little for adhesion. 
• If glue diameter is below 2mm, it dries quicker, about 30s to 10mins.
• If the diameter is between 3mm and 5mm, dries about 10 to 60mins
•  For, beyond 5mm diameter, it dries about 1 to 5Hs.

And the surface of the adhesive gradually dries out; when it turns clear, it is completely cured.

This adhesive is not only suitable for paper models but works great for leatherwork too.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Paper, Leather
• Volume: 16.9 Fluid Ounces
• Brand: Obsede
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Clear
• Type: Liquid glue

Features

• Applicable surfaces: The Obsede glue is awesome for kids’ school crafts, DIY and hobby projects, scrapbooking, and 3D paper models. It can adhere to a variety of surfaces such as paper, cards, cake toppers, photos, foam, acrylic, leather, suede, feather, and leaves. Besides, it’s a good craft glue for glitter too.
• Ant-Yellowing Formula: It never yellows over time, so you can use it on your favorite models with confidence.
• 3 Size Precision Tips: You can apply with accuracy and better control of glue amount for the small parts with the different sized tips.
• Wrinkle-Resistant: This glue was particularly formulated to stay smooth and minimize warping or wrinkling papercrafts.

Cautions

• The glue’s main disadvantage is that it freezes at temperatures below 19.4 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot be repaired.

Best Glue for Balsa Wood Airplane Models

Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Any yellow glues will work on a balsa wood model. However, Elmer’s wood glue can be a good choice for assembling balsa wood airplane minis. Titebond III Ultimate wood glue is also usually preferred by hobbyists. Both types of glue make strong joints.

The Elmer’s glue needs 20 to 30 minute clamp time, and you should allow 24 hours to fully bond. It effectively works in both interior and exterior projects as well.

The bond is stronger than the wood itself, and at the same time, it’s sandable and paintable once the glue dries hard. And never worry about mold and mildew attacks on your favorite models. Plus, it’s heat resistant too.

Specs

• Compatible Material: Wood
• Volume: 1 Fluid Ounce
• Brand: Elmer’s
• Package: Bottle
• Color: Tan
• Type: Liquid glue
• Country of Origin: USA

Features

• Applicable surfaces: 
• Safe to use: It does produce any fumes and does not harm your skin from any toxicity.
• Waterproof: The glue is Type 1 waterproof, which means your project is 100% waterproof. 
• Washable: Spite of its great strength, it is washable with soap and water in its wet state.
• Stainable: You can sand the final finish joints.

Cautions

• It is not recommended for structural uses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Miniature Glue

Final Thoughts

The quality of the glue you use has a large impact on the durability of your favorite miniatures and models. Also, the base material is an important factor to consider when comparing glue options before purchasing.

We hope that this article has provided you with a clear understanding of the best model glues available for your requirements.

Have fun creating.