Adhesive Types
A guide to common adhesives used in model making
Contact & Surface
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.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides of a thin carrier tape. No drying time, no mess, no fumes. Available in various widths and strengths — from low-tack repositionable versions to high-bond structural tapes.
In model making, double-sided tape is excellent for clean, flat-surface bonds where you don’t want any visible adhesive or warping. It’s widely used for mounting presentation boards, attaching paper to foam board, and quick flat-panel assemblies. It’s also useful as a temporary holding method — securing parts while other adhesive cures, or holding sheet material while cutting. Standard thin tape works best on flat, smooth surfaces. For curved, textured, or uneven surfaces, foam-backed or VHB (very high bond) tapes conform better and grip more effectively.