Adhesive Types
A guide to common adhesives used in model making
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.
Contact adhesive is applied to both surfaces, left to dry until tacky (typically 10–15 minutes), then pressed together. The bond is instant and permanent — there’s no repositioning once the surfaces touch. This makes it excellent for large, flat areas where clamping isn’t practical.
It’s the standard adhesive for leather work and is widely used for bonding rubber, fabric, cork, and laminates. In model making, contact adhesive is useful for covering surfaces — applying veneer, fabric, or sheet materials over curved or large flat forms. The solvent-based versions are stronger but can attack some foams, so check compatibility — and use in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes are strong. Water-based contact adhesives are available but generally have a weaker initial grab.