What's What in Model Building - Adhesive, Glue, Cement, Paste

Hi everyone,

My name is Helen, and I have been a hobby enthusiast for over 50 years; in turn, I have become somewhat of a self-proclaimed expert in all things glue! 

The type and strength of glue you use can really make or break a project, whether you’re putting together a model aeroplane or adding extra pieces of scenery to your model train setup. 

If there’s one tip I can give you, it’s that the most important thing to remember is to follow the manufacturer’s directions and recommendations. Doing so will save you a lot of time and heartbreak!

Keep reading to learn a little more about the different types of glue we have available at Hobbyco and how you should use adhesive to ensure satisfying results. 

A Short History of Glue

Glue has a fascinating history and dates back to prehistoric times.

Ancient folk used animal hooves and skin to make a rough paste strong enough to hold arrowheads to shafts and bindings for their axes. Egyptians used glue and resins to make wooden furniture. Even rabbits and fish were used in bookbinding! Today there are dozens of different types of glues and adhesives for each occasion, making it confusing for beginner model enthusiasts.

For hobbyists, there are over eleven types of glue on the market, each serving its own unique purpose. When starting a new project, it is important to understand which glue to use; otherwise, you could have a disaster on your hands. 

Today I am going to provide my personal opinion on which glue to use for plastic kits and wooden ships. In future blog posts, we will go into some of the types of adhesives and their applications. 

What Glue Do I Need for a Plastic Kit?

So, let’s start with working out what it is you want to make.

‘I want to make a plastic kit.’

Ha! That’s easy enough; you’ve come to the right place. Hobbyco has a comprehensive range of plastic model kits available to purchase online, from diecast military models to popular Bandai anime kits.

Plastic kits are made from polystyrene, so you will need solvent-based polystyrene cement glue.

For plastic kits, my glue recommendation is good old-fashioned cement. For beginners, I would recommend Humbrol Poly Cement as it comes out of the tube slowly, which gives you plenty of control.

Many people new to the world of plastic kits think that superglue is a great choice — the name certainly sounds promising! However, it’s not recommended you use superglue when assembling your kits. If later down the track, you need to repair your broken model, it is an acceptable choice. 

In terms of application technique: it’s pretty simple. Just apply the glue to the pieces you want to stick together. Don’t be too concerned if the glue appears to melt the plastic, it’s meant to do so. This reaction facilitates the bond between pieces. Hold the pieces together until you feel they can support themselves, and watch out for sticky fingerprints! 

Brilliant! Step one is complete. Oh...before I forget — don’t get too much glue on clear parts, as it will permanently craze them. 

I hear you say:

‘But I will get better at model building, and there are so many adhesives out there. Which one do I use and when? There are so many different types and brands, how will I know which is best for my purpose?’

Good point. As you become more absorbed by your hobby and your kits become more detailed, it will become apparent just how important your choice of glue is. Many modellers prefer Revell or Humbrol applicator glue, largely due to the fact that these bottles dispense a measured amount of liquid with pinpoint accuracy through a tiny metal tube. If you’re looking for glue applicators that produce neat and tidy results, these two are obvious choices. 

Alternatively, Tamiya produces an even finer ‘extra-thin’ liquid, which you can apply with a brush or toothpick. This glue is almost invisible and great for getting into those corners; just the ticket for highly detailed models.

What Glue Do I Need for a Wooden Kit?

So, you’ve made the decision to progress to wooden models, ships and planes. Good for you. When making a wooden ship kit, we recommend you use two very different types of glue: aliphatic resin and superglue. 

I hear you ask:

‘Why do I need two, and why aliphatic resin? Why not simple PVA, it’s cheaper?’

With wooden shipbuilding, you will quickly find that you need to do a great deal of sanding. PVA is a gum-based glue and does not sand very well. Aliphatic, on the other hand, is synthetic resin-based and sets hard, making it a much more secure choice. 

‘Then why do I also need superglue?’

Superglue is essential for attaching specific components of your model and works in conjunction with aliphatic glue for great results. For example, when planking your wooden ship, you need a spot of superglue, which sets quickly at each end of the plank. By doing this, it will hold the plank in place while the aliphatic glue, which sets slowly, is drying. Superglue also helps with the rigging — just apply a tiny drop on the knot to stop it from coming undone. 

Don’t overuse either of these glues! If you want to clear coat or stain the timber later, the stain will not penetrate any wood already soaked with glue. As with superglue, be careful where you apply it and how much, as it will react with moisture and turn white. The residue is a byproduct of the curing process and is just one of those annoying things super glue does on a model you have painstakingly laboured over.

It is also worth noting that these glues dry harder than timber, so when sanding, the softer wood will reduce faster than the glued areas. 

Shop for Glue and Other Modelling Tools at Hobbyco

Oh! So now you have taken up model railroad modelling! Now there is another universe to explore. 

Don’t worry; the team at Hobbyco has you covered with a comprehensive range of glue for all your hobby projects. But hey, I could go on all day about adhesives. It’s best to ask me any further questions at askHG@Hobbyco.com.au or through the Hobbyco Facebook chat.

Have fun browsing the full range of products available on the Hobbyco website, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Helen Grant (HG)

Hobbyco Modeling Expert