Adhesive Types
A guide to common adhesives used in model making
Specialty
Canopy Glue
Specialist clear-drying adhesive for attaching canopies, lenses, and clear parts without fogging. Water-based formula, safe for all clear plastics. Lower bond strength than CA or epoxy — designed for light, transparent parts.
Canopy glue solves a specific problem that every scale modeller hits: how do you attach clear parts — canopies, windscreens, lenses, portholes — without ruining them? Superglue fumes fog clear plastic on contact, epoxy is too thick and visible, and polystyrene cement can craze or cloud transparent styrene. Canopy glue dries completely clear with no fogging, no crazing, and no visible residue.
Most canopy glues (such as Pacer Formula 560) are water-based formulations related to PVA. They set slowly — typically 15–30 minutes — which gives you time to position the part precisely. The bond is semi-flexible and lower strength than CA or epoxy, but that’s fine for the lightweight clear parts it’s designed for. Apply a thin bead around the edge of the part, press into place, and leave undisturbed until set. Any squeeze-out can be cleaned up with a damp cotton bud while still wet. For best results, ensure both surfaces are clean and free of dust or fingerprints.