If you have been building ship model kits for a while now, you
most likely have your own tried and true adhesives and epoxies that have helped
you finish your preferred projects. However, if you are a beginner, or you have
turned out to be annoyed with your “go-to” adhesive, here is a quick breakdown
of some of the available alternatives. The following are the five most common
types of glues that can be effectively used for scale modeling:
1.
Epoxy
Resin
It is a two-part adhesive that is
made up of a paste and a hardener. Epoxy resins will attach more or less any type
of two different surfaces jointly. Blending is needed prior to the application
of epoxy resins, and drying time will normally be slower as compared to super
glues, even though there are faster blends available. The final result is a
very strong bond, even though the amalgamation of mixing, hardening time, and
general mess means that it is far less usually used for building scale models.
2.
Cyanoacrylate
or Super Glue (CA)
Super glue is an extensively utilized
adhesive in the world of scale modeling. Whether it is joining metal to plastic
or metal to metal, this adhesive comes out to be extremely useful. This glue has
a tendency to set very quickly, so additional precaution is supposed to be
taken at the time of lining up the components of ship model kits in order to keep away from a tricky fix afterward.
In addition, you need to be extra
cautious to keep away from getting it on your skin because thumbs and fingers form
a loving bond if you are not watchful.
3.
Canopy
Glue
Canopy glue is most excellent for
joining plastic to plastic. Such adhesives have the advantage of simple
application and a clear finish – in other words, no nasty white spots after the
glue has dried on the components of the scale model. Even though the bond is
not super strong, however, it is a handy tool when it comes to building smaller
scale models.
4.
Aliphatic
Glue
Aliphatic glue is also known as wood
glue and it is the same as PVA. However, this glue has a tendency to soak into
joints better and a stronger bond is formed as a result. It even has a higher
resistance to sand and water, and sets much faster as compared to PVA glue. As
should be understandable by its generic name, aliphatic glue is just right for
bonding wood to wood.
5.
Polyvinyl
Acetate (PVA) Adhesive
PVA is one of the most popular
commercial and domestic glues and it is based on water. This adhesive is
normally best suited for landscaping or building dioramas, where it can be spread
over a larger surface. Even though it has a weaker hold as compared to clear
glues, it is very simple to use, reasonably priced alternative for building ship model kits. It is a perfect
alternative when it comes to adding finer details to a display like stones or
grass, and it is even quick to take away, if you do make any errors.
