5 Different Types Of Adhesives To Use For Scale Modeling

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.