13 best model glues

Model glues, often used in the hobby and modeling industry, are specialized adhesives designed for assembling and bonding various materials used in model making, including plastic, resin, and sometimes metal or wood components. These glues are formulated to provide strong and precise bonds while minimizing damage to delicate model parts. Here's what you need to know about model glues:

  1. Types of Model Glues:

    • Plastic Cement: Plastic cement, also known as styrene cement, is specifically designed for bonding plastic parts in model kits. It works by chemically melting the plastic surfaces, allowing them to fuse together. This creates a strong, seamless bond. Plastic cement often comes in liquid or gel forms.

    • Cyanoacrylate (CA) Glue: CA glue, commonly referred to as super glue or instant glue, is used in modeling for various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. It's known for its quick drying time and strong bond. CA glues come in different viscosities, allowing for different applications, from filling gaps to bonding delicate parts.

    • Epoxy: Epoxy adhesives are versatile and can bond a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and more. They consist of two components (resin and hardener) that must be mixed before application. Epoxy provides a very strong and durable bond, making it suitable for structural components.

    • Polyurethane Adhesive: Polyurethane glue is flexible and versatile. It is used for bonding various materials and is known for its strength and resistance to moisture. It expands slightly as it cures, helping to fill gaps.

    • Contact Cement: Contact cement is used for bonding large, flat surfaces, such as attaching decals to model aircraft. It is often applied to both surfaces, allowed to dry, and then joined. Once the two surfaces come into contact, the bond is strong and immediate.

  2. Application:

    • Model glues should be applied sparingly and with precision to avoid excess glue residue or "frosting" on model parts, which can mar the finish.

    • It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of glue being used, including curing times and any safety precautions.

  3. Safety:

    • Model glues often contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or come into contact with the skin or eyes. It's essential to work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety goggles.

    • Keep model glues out of the reach of children and pets.

  4. Cleanup:

    • Many model glues can be cleaned up with acetone or other solvents.Proper cleanup ensures that excess glue does not mar the appearance of the model.
  5. Specialized Formulations:

    • Some model glues are formulated for specific applications, such as clear plastic bonding, photo-etch parts, or fabric-to-plastic bonding. Choosing the right glue for the job is important for achieving the desired results.
  6. Modeling Community Recommendations:

    • Modelers often share their experiences and recommendations for specific glues and techniques within the modeling community. Learning from experienced modelers can be valuable when selecting the right glue for your project.

In the world of modeling and hobby crafts, the choice of glue can significantly impact the quality and durability of the final product. Model glues offer a range of options to suit different materials and applications, allowing modelers to achieve precise and reliable bonds in their projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best model glues on the market
  

Plastic Model Glue

Testor Corp.

Based on 919 reviews Check latest price

Product description

CHOCKING HAZARD - CONTAINS SMALL PARTS - NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3

  • Quick drying cement for plastic models
  • Joins polystyrene to wood
  • Includes 1 tube

User questions & answers

Question: how do I reset cart number
Answer: I guess you could, but I don't know why you would, it is just a flat rubber mat.
Question: can you use this to build gundam
Answer: Yes, the ends can be trimmed. We ordered the 20' but only needed 17'.
Question: Anyone used this for legos? having a hard time keeping my son’s lego vehicles together that he plays with every day
Answer: Yes you can use in under a high chair. I have one of my mats under the large feeder for my Great Danes. Non slip surface and super easy to clean. Just a damp sponge and it cleans right up. The surface is smooth so it is simple.
Question: Is this really a case (48 tubes) of Testors glue as shown in picture
Answer: If it’s the right size yes. The Matt is a rubber type texture

Starbond EM-02 Super Fast Thin, Premium Instant CA (Cyanoacrylate Adhesive) Super Glue Plus Extra Cap and Microtips, 2 oz. (for Woodturning, Pen Turning, Hobby, Stabilizing, Finish, Inlay)

STARBOND

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Difference Between Super Glue and CA Glue: Super glue, cyanoacrylate, and CA glue are all different names that describe the same instant adhesive. Various user groups adopt different names for them. For instance, woodworkers, model-builders, serious hobbyists and skilled crafting pros use terms like cyanoacrylate adhesive or CA glue. Commercially, most know the adhesive as superglue.



Starbond Super Fast Thin CA

Starbond Super Fast Thin is a thin viscosity CA Glue. The watery-thin cyanoacrylate glue infiltrates hairline fractures, pores, and narrow slots filling any empty voids. Thin super glue is suitable for strengthening porous and fragile material: soft wood (balsa), ceramics, unpolished rocks and minerals, and fossil bones. During powered inlay applications, the glue stabilizes the material through capillary action. In addition, the instant adhesive will rapidly soak into soft, porous objects until full saturation is achieved.



Used In:

Woodturning and Pen Making: High gloss CA finish and pen finish for a hard, clear, waterproof coat. Metal and turquoise powered inlays

Woodworking: Repair and fill wood cracks, stabilize bark inclusions and soft punky wood

Guitar Repair and Assembly: Guitar inlays on the headstock, body, and fretboard, install bindings and purflings on stringed instruments

Fossil Preparation: Stabilize and strengthen fossils before extraction

Lapidary: Repair small chips and cracks in stone, cabochons, jewelry making and repair

Furniture: Refinishing and antique restoration

Ceramic repair

Marble, Granite and Quartz repair

Hobby Models: Bond fiberglass to balsa wood, assemble balsa planes and boats

Taxidermy: Ensures secure attachment of limbs and adheres skin to limbs



Compatible With:

Wood Metal Rubber Leather Ceramics Gemstones Rocks & Minerals Carbon Fiber Fiberglass PVC and Most Plastics

  • ✅ PREMIUM ETHYL CYANOACRYLATE SUPER GLUE - LAB TESTED FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: High performance industrial grade adhesive. Water-thin CA glue goes deep to infiltrate and stabilize through capillary action.
  • ✅ EXTRA SUPPLIES: applicator caps, clog-free stopper, and a bag of micro-tips for precision. The extra applicator caps are in case of future clogs, the clog-free stopper has a tiny pin to prevent clogs, and micro-tips provide the perfect extension for tiny cracks.
  • ✅ "WICKING TYPE" ADHESIVE: Great for woodturning finish, pen making, hobby, fossil prep, inlays, hardening, stabilizing, and bonding close-fitting parts. Penetrates the finest micro-fractures, pores, and cracks through capillary action.
  • ✅ PROPERTIES: Viscosity: 2-3 cPs (meaning the thickness of the liquid is similar to that of water). Penetrating abilities of up to 0.002" in size.
  • ✅ LONG LASTING SUPERIOR SHELF LIFE: Starbond CA glues have a shelf life of several years in the cold. Store the bottle under 40°F before AND after use to qualify for our 30 Month Shelf Life Warranty. If the glue does not last, we will provide a 100% refund or replacement.

User questions & answers

Question: Would this product be good to use on 3d printing filaments such as pla
Answer: any CA glue will bond to pla and most other FDM filament.
Question: Does it give out white residue like most superglue do
Answer: The white residue is a result of the glue drying too fast. This can happen when there are contaminants, dirt, oils, or excess moisture present on a surface. Therefore, it's advised that you properly clean the surface before applying the glue. Other times the white residue may appear is when too much glue is applied to a surface and the user wipes the glue off with thin tissue paper. In such case, the glue may scratch off tiny pieces of the tissue paper, leaving some of the tissue fibres on the surface. To conclude, this is a superglue and it can leave a white residue. But, if you consider the details explained above, you'll have no problem.
Question: Will this hold the strap Into a rubber beach sandal
Answer: I’m sure it would but I’m not sure for how long. This is not really a flexible bonding material. If I were you I’d use rubber cement.
Question: is the finish waterproof
Answer: I am not an engineer but I will relay my experience. I make stick pens from wood (not Kits). My previous experiences with other finishes were all failures when I tried to carry them in my hot sweat soaked South Carolina pockets. I switched to a Starbond CA glue finish and it has held up 100% to all of my normal carrying. I have never tried to submerge them but in all of my normal carrying in wet nasty pockets all day the finish seems impervious to the elements. I did have one pen suffer some minimal deterioration when I lost it in the grass and recovered it a month later after it sat in the grass through a month of thunderstorms. Hope this helps. John

Product features

The Complete Package

All-in-One Package: Comfort — Precision — Ease : applicator caps, clog-free stopper, and a bag of micro-tips for precision. The extra applicator caps are in case of future clogs, the clog-free stopper has a tiny pin to prevent clogs, and micro-tips provide the perfect extension for tiny cracks.

Create A Beautiful Wood CA Finish

Want a super high gloss finish for your special wood project? The All-in-One Starbond Super Fast Thin Premium CA glue kit includes the essential supplies for a super-easy application.

Stabilize Punky Wood and Bark Inclusions

Restore soft, punky wood and bark inclusions to an usable condition by stabilizing with thin viscosity CA glue.

Repair Cracks in Wood

By combining sawdust as a filling agent with Starbond Thin CA Glue, simply fill and repair cracks faster than ever!

TAMIYA 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml

TAMIYA

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml



Tamiya EXTRA THIN model cement is used to glue together plastic model kits that use polystyrene plastic. The extra thin formula allows the modeler to glue together small pieces that require pin point accuracy and finesse.

  • Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement
  • Item Weight: 2.1 ounces
  • The pointed applicator tip makes it easy to put the cement where desired.
  • This cement is extremely useful when gluing plastic parts to a desired position when holding in place together.
  • The thin cement flows smoothly between the gaps of the fitted parts by capillary action.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this liquid poly
Answer: I know this cement is very good on plastic, but never on a lego plastic pieces, also use it with in a well ventilated place.
Question: this product can be removed after
Answer: NO. one small tube. Not worth it
Question: How big is the bottle? Clearly it's not "8 ounces"! Is that .8 ounces
Answer: Not sure, but they do come in 20’ and easily cut to size needed
Question: will this work for metal minatures
Answer: Yes! I live in NE Ohio, it's survived two winters already and still lays flay and is not dry rotted! You can always add some of that gritty type paint under it if need be. My deck is wooden and slippy when wet. When you place it, don't place it over top of snow or rain or ice though. 5 people and 2 big dogs use this everyday.

Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA)"Super Glue" by Glue Masters - 56 Grams - Thick Viscosity Adhesive for Plastic, Wood & DIY Crafts

Glue Masters

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • ★ One Glue To Rule Them All – Glue Masters offers premium quality industrial strength Cyanoacrylate Resin with the strongest bond on the market for your money. With a fast cure and extended shelf life, you can’t go wrong with us!
  • ★ A True Quick Fix – Settles in just under 60 seconds, this glue is the epitome of easy. Gently apply a small amount of our Instant Glue, and watch the magic happen. Our well balanced thick viscosity offers more control to the user while still giving you a nice even flow to get the job done right without the mess or hassle.
  • ★ A Hobbyist's Best Friend – Helping bring your models, puzzles, and more to completion is our goal! Our glue is the model builder’s first pick for a quality clear hold and a flow you can trust with those delicate planes, trains, and boats. Don’t take our word for it, just take a look at our customer reviews and see for yourself!
  • ★ Versatility – From building scale models to repairing shoe sole, fabric, wood, and more, we’re THE glue for general household repairs, carpentry and whatever else you need fixed! It’s truly a must have for anyone’s toolbox. Our 2oz container offers you enough fixing power for any job, large or small.
  • ★ Warning – Not to use on fabrics or clothing and always ware eye protection, working in a well ventilated area.

User questions & answers

Question: will this bond fabric to glass
Answer: Most definitely. I've used it for bonding various projects. Door seals, jewellery, shoes even! and its incredibly durable and will dry clear, use it sparingly.
Question: Could I use this for turquoise inlay in wood
Answer: Should work well for that purpose. I use on wood all the Time.
Question: what does cps stand for
Answer: Hello! CPS (unit of centipoise) is a unit of viscosity. We have several viscosity levels in our 16oz format (5 cps, 50 cps, 100 cps, 300 cps, 700 cps, 1500 cps): from 5 cps - super thin to 1500 cps extra thick. It gives you better modulation capabilities depending on your application from curing time and penetration perspective.
Question: Hi! how can the applicator tip be kept clear? and what is the shelf-life - how long before he whole bottle soldifies...? thank you
Answer: After you cut the nose and used the ca, put the bottle vertically and squeeze it gently to make sure there is no remaining glue in the applicator. Wipe it and put the cap on. Best way to prolong the shelf life - keep it refrigerated. It will not dry out.

Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA)"Super Glue" by Glue Masters - 56 Grams - Medium Viscosity Adhesive for Plastic, Wood & DIY Crafts…

Glue Masters

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price
  • ★ One Glue To Rule Them All – Glue Masters offers premium quality industrial strength Cyanoacrylate Resin with the strongest bond on the market for your money. With a fast cure and extended shelf life, you can’t go wrong with us!
  • ★ A True Quick Fix – Settles in just under 45 seconds, this glue is the epitome of easy. Gently apply a small amount of our Instant Glue, and watch the magic happen. Our well balanced medium (100cps) viscosity offers more control to the user while still giving you a nice even flow to get the job done right without the mess or hassle.
  • ★ A Hobbyist's Best Friend – Helping bring your models, puzzles, and more to completion is our goal! Our glue is the model builder’s first pick for a quality clear hold and a flow you can trust with those delicate planes, trains, and boats. Don’t take our word for it, just take a look at our customer reviews and see for yourself!
  • ★ Versatility – From building scale models to repairing shoe sole, fabric, wood, and more, we’re THE glue for general household repairs, carpentry and whatever else you need fixed! It’s truly a must have for anyone’s toolbox. Our 2oz container offers you enough fixing power for any job, large or small.
  • ★ Warning – Not to use on fabrics or clothing and always ware eye protection, working in a well ventilated area.

User questions & answers

Question: will this bond fabric to glass
Answer: The glue comes in three thicknesses....activator in separate spray bottle. Great stuff! Glue on one wood piece...activator sprayed on other....put em together...hold ten seconds...done!
Question: Could I use this for turquoise inlay in wood
Answer: Tight bond three,is best,This has very little tensile strength and no flexibility.
Question: what does cps stand for
Answer: Best thing is to use gloves, but I've gotten it off with acetone (like for nail polish), and then a good lotion/hand cleaner. Hope this helps!
Question: Hi! how can the applicator tip be kept clear? and what is the shelf-life - how long before he whole bottle soldifies...? thank you
Answer: I would think a thinner product will be better. Be careful, though. If the veneer is very dry, it may not still and you may need to use an accelerent. .

Testors Cement Plastic Model Glue Adhesive 2-Pack, 6 Fine Detail Miniatures Paint Brushes, Precision Crafting Knife with Extra Blades and Tips

Based on 368 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Testors Cement Glue Adhesive 2-Pack, 6 Fine Detail Miniatures Paint Brushes, Precision Crafting Knife with Extra Blades and Tips

  • ✅ TESTORS CEMENT GLUE - Testors model glue 2-pack (7/8 fl oz). Includes 4 precision gluing tips.
  • ✅ MINIATURE PAINTING BRUSHES - Extra fine detail paint brushes are fit for watercolor, acrylic, oil paints, etc. The set comes with 6 different sizes of brush (4#, 2#, 1#, 0#, 00#, 000#) and 4 different dimensions of length are 19, 18.8, 18.5, 18cm (7.48'',7.4'',7.3'',7.1''). Easy to distinguish and use.
  • ✅ CRAFTING KNIFE SET - The Pixiss Craft Knife comes with different blades to offer you options for your project. It Also includes a ballpoint tip, a needle tip, pencil leads and a curved tip.
  • ✅ MODEL GLUE - Testors plastic cement model glue is perfect for your model building or other hobbies and craft projects.
  • ✅ PLASTIC CEMENT - Testors cement for plastic will fuse your plastic pieces together and keep your model sturdy for years to come.

Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue, 5,5 gram, Clear, (Pack of 1),102812

Gorilla

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Same strong Gorilla formula, now in a precise, controlled dispensing tool. Designed to fulfill consumers’ desire for an easy-to-use, precise application experience, this NEW Gorilla Super Glue form allows you to apply only the amount of glue that you want, exactly where you need it. This tool was specially designed to fit comfortably into your hand. Click on the Gorilla link at the top of the page to see more great products from The Gorilla Glue Company.

  • Impact Tough: Reinforced to increase impact resistance and strength
  • Smooth Application: Precise, controlled dispensing tool that fits comfortably in hand
  • Fast Setting: Dries in 10-45 seconds, no clamping required
  • Versatile: Bonds plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, rubber, leather, paper, and more!

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used on a resin statue
Answer: Dry ckear. Pretty strong bond.
Question: Does this dry clear? Thanks for your help
Answer: No
Question: Will it glue vinyl seat
Answer: Not sure, but it should work.
Question: Can glue be used to apply false fingernails
Answer: I would think it would be fine for electronics and I believe it's non-conductive but I didn't use it for electronics.

Testors TES3512A Plastic Model Cement , Carded, 5/8oz

TESTORS

Based on 366 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TES3512APT Cement for Plastic Models 7/8oz Tube by Testors Testor Cement is a wonderful choice when needing glue. We have a wide range of glues that cover almost every gluing need from plastic to metal and even wood. This glue is best used for Polystyrene & ABS plastic. - Quick drying cement for plastic models - joins polystyrene to polystyrene and polystyrene to wood. NOTE - Solvent based products cannot be shipped outside the Continental U.S.

  • Testors
  • 3512A

User questions & answers

Question: what's the drying time for
Answer: Yes. If the Gundam is made of plastic, this is a perfect glue for that.

Testors 3509C Testors Plastic Cement Value Pack

Testors

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Testers is made in America, quality since 1929 Testers plastic cement is used for DIY projects, model kit building and craft projects The value pack includes two tubes of cement with 4 precision glue tips.

From the Manufacturer

Testors is made in America, quality since 1929. Testors plastic cement is used for DIY projects, model kit building and craft projects. The value pack includes two tubes of cement with 4 preceision glue tips.

  • Great model glue
  • Includes 4 precisions glue tips
  • Has a strong hold
  • Model number: 3509C

User questions & answers

Question: Is it sandable
Answer: I lightly sand on models where glue spreads out.
Question: I have a cracked mirror frame thats some sort of resin or plastic? super glue did not work, any input? tyi
Answer: A 2 part epoxy will do...very strong glue for about anything.
Question: Is this single use or can it be used multiple times. Many say they are, but in reality you usually have to throw it out after you have used it
Answer: Multiple times as long as you keep cap on. I have used this product for decades and it will never dry out unless you leave cap off. Just take off cap and it is ready to go. Made for plastic model kits.
Question: Will this product work well on lego's
Answer: Yes but you will never be able to disassemble the Lego

Cement Glue Value Pack Testors 2-7/8 fl oz tubes

Testor Corp.

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TESTORS 3509C Cement Value Pack

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work to hold rc helicopter propellor to the base? my son has a syma helicopter and the propellor keeps detaching at the plastic clips
Answer: Yes it can be removed. Carefully as any other cement, but considering the fact that is a thin cement is easier than most to remove later on.
Question: Is this glue odorless
Answer: well the label reads 40ml so i don't know about wieght in ounces but i can tell you that there is enough there to build several models im on my 4th large model with one bottle and have enough to do several more kits. i hope that this answers your question. i highly recomend this product it is great glue.
Question: I have a HP envy-4 laptop screen's backplate separating from the hinge. Will this be useful
Answer: No. Pro tip: You can buy a handheld hobby drill, drill a hole in each and pin them with a paperclip (or something heavier). CA glue is very brittle and metal minis tend to fall apart unless they are pinned.
Question: Does this glue dry clear
Answer: Delete whatever you’re not wanting to order

Faller F170492 Expert Plastic Adhesive, 25 g, 170492

Faller

Based on 792 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Faller expert, the expert for precise gluing with the many advantages: special cannula, sticks quickly, permanently, pinpoint precision, with cannula protective cap. This adhesive is manufactured according to a new formula, which ensures optimal adhesive results. The special cannula allows a particularly fine adhesive dosage. The adhesive can be applied to the parts to be glued in the smallest points, even in hard-to-reach places.

  • Precision quality from Faller of Germany.
  • Assembly required.
  • Glue is not included.
  • Exceptional quality.
  • True to life detail.

User questions & answers

Question: Very disappointed the bottle was full but it would not dispense and cap wouldn’t come off without damaging the bottle. Is this normal
Answer: You have to remove the red cap at the metal needle. And in case the glue doesn´t come out of the thin needle than you have fire the metal needle with a lighter for a shot time, the glue will be burn and the needle is open again. BUT only fire the metal needle, not the bottle !!!!! We haven´t heard of any other problem, for exmaple that the red cap can not be removed easily, and we sell that glue daily.
Question: Is it sandable
Answer: I assume you’re asking if it can be used to fill seams. It can, and once hardened, it is sandable. But Super glues and putties are much more efficient for this purpose. This glue is best at gluing two pieces of plastic together, of which it does a great job.
Question: Would this be good for using on the plastic Warhammer 40K models
Answer: It depends on the plastic that the models are made of. The tip makes it possible to be very precise.
Question: In "about this item" under "features and details" it says "glue not included." is this just an empty bottle
Answer: Glue is included - this is a full bottle of glue. We will work with Amazon to get the details corrected.

Clear Parts Cement-1oz

Testors

Based on 757 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TESTORS-Clear Parts Cement. This adhesive is specially formulated for joining all polystyrene plastics. It dries as clear as glass and can even be used to make small windows for model cars and planes! It will not craze plastic, does not yellow, leaves no unsightly residue, and can easily be cleaned up with water. This package contains one 1-fl.oz. bottle of Clear Parts Cement adhesive. Non- toxic. Conforms to ASTM D-4236. Made in USA.

  • Specially formulated for joining all polystyrene plastics
  • Dries as clear as glass
  • Can even be used to make small windows for model cars and planes
  • Will not craze plastic, does not yellow, leaves no unsightly residue, and can easily be cleaned up with water
  • Contains one 1-fl.oz. bottle of Clear Parts Cement adhesive

User questions & answers

Question: Testors limited edition
Answer: probably not this is for putting plastic models together and not for being real strong like you will need for a hinge that will be moved and used a lot. Try some epoxy,or supper glue.
Question: Can this glue be used for gluing a dust cover for a diy miniature doll house
Answer: yes it drys clear
Question: Is this like the old airplane glue
Answer: Minutes ...
Question: does this have a metal precision aplicator
Answer: No it's a solvent for gluing styrene.

Devcon 90225 Duco Plastic and Model Cement - 0.5 oz.

Devcon

Based on 349 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Devcon Duco Plastic and Model Cement is ideal for bonding polystyrene plastic models and toys. It is good to use removable tape on areas that you do not want the cement to get on. Before the cement cures, remove the tape. Flammable, keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Dries clear, with a tensile strength of 300 PSI. Temperature Range: 200°F.

  • Ideal for bonding polystyrene plastic models and toys
  • Dries clear
  • Handling time: 10 minutes; Set time: 2 hours; Cure time: 24 hours
  • Flammable, keep away from heat, sparks and open flame
  • Tensile Strength: 300 PSI

User questions & answers

Question: Does this product work on ABS
Answer: No its nothing like the old airplane glue. This stuff is a white milky color but dries crystal clear and don't fog up clear plastic either. Try it and believe you will like it.
Question: Does this will work on speaker foam surrounds
Answer: No this does not have the precision metal applicator. It is the plastic tip that must be cut with a utility knife prior to use.
Question: Will this fuse PVC
Answer: not sure but try spot glueing to see if that works. just might still be able to replace propellor if needed. try NOT to over glue it.
Question: Will this work for gluing eyeglass frames? they snapped apart and are plastic and metal
Answer: no it is not odorless strong smell.

Latest Reviews

View all