Adhesive Types
A guide to common adhesives used in model making
PVA & Wood Glues
White Glue (PVA)
Water-based adhesive ideal for porous materials. Dries clear, non-toxic, easy cleanup. Handling time 30–60 minutes; full cure ~24 hours. Not suitable for plastics, metals, or sealed surfaces.
Wood Glue (Aliphatic Resin)
Stronger than PVA for wood-to-wood joints. Open time ~5–10 minutes; clamp 30–60 minutes; full cure ~24 hours. Sandable when dry. Water-resistant once cured. Not suitable for plastics, metals, or sealed surfaces.
Cyanoacrylates (Superglues)
Superglue Thin (Cyanoacrylate)
Low-viscosity cyanoacrylate that flows into tight joints by capillary action. Bonds in seconds. Not suitable for gap-filling or near clear parts (fumes cause fogging).
Superglue Medium/Thick (Cyanoacrylate)
Gap-filling cyanoacrylate with higher viscosity. Bonds in 10–30 seconds. Good for rougher surfaces and small gaps. Keep away from clear parts (fumes cause fogging).
Structural
Epoxy Resin (2-part)
Two-part adhesive providing extremely strong structural bonds. Various setting times from 5 minutes to 24 hours. Excellent gap-filling. Messy and slow — not ideal for fine or rapid assembly.
Polyurethane Adhesive
Moisture-activated adhesive. Expands as it cures, excellent gap-filling. Clamp 1–2 hours; full cure ~24 hours. Bonds virtually all materials. Not suitable for fine or precision work — expansion is hard to control.
Solvent Cements
Polystyrene Cement
Solvent that chemically welds polystyrene/ABS plastics together. Creates very strong molecular bonds. Not suitable for foam polystyrene.
Acrylic Cement
Solvent cement specifically for acrylic/Perspex. Creates optically clear joints by chemically welding surfaces together. Only works on acrylic — cannot fill gaps.
Contact & Surface
Contact Adhesive
Apply to both surfaces, let dry, then press together for instant permanent bond. Ideal for large surface areas and flexible materials. Not repositionable once surfaces touch.
Spray Mount
Aerosol adhesive for lightweight materials. Available in repositionable and permanent formulations. Clean, even coverage. Not suitable for heavy or structural bonds. Some formulations attack polystyrene foam.
Double-sided Tape
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Quick and clean for flat surfaces. Various strengths from repositionable to permanent. Best on clean, flat surfaces; use foam or VHB tapes for uneven or textured surfaces.
General Purpose
All Purpose Adhesive
Solvent-based general purpose adhesive. Versatile, bonds many materials. Can be used as contact adhesive for instant bond. May attack foam board cores — test first.
Hot Glue
Thermoplastic adhesive applied with a glue gun. Sets quickly, good gap-filling. Bond weakens with heat. Not suitable for fine detail work.
Latex Adhesive
Flexible rubber-based adhesive. Ideal for materials that need to flex. Foam-safe. Can be peeled off for repositioning. Not suitable for structural or high-strength joints.
