Adhesive Types

Not actually a glue — it’s a solvent (usually butanone or a similar chemical) that dissolves the surface of polystyrene and ABS plastics. When the solvent evaporates, the dissolved surfaces re-harden as one piece, creating a true chemical weld rather than a surface bond. This makes it significantly stronger than any adhesive for styrene-to-styrene joints.

Polystyrene cement is the standard adhesive for plastic model kits and for scratch-building with plasticard. It comes in brush-on liquid (like Tamiya Extra Thin) and tube varieties. The liquid version flows into joints by capillary action for clean, precise bonds. Tube cement is thicker and can fill small gaps. It only works on styrene-based plastics — it will not bond metal, resin, wood, or other materials. Crucially, it will dissolve expanded polystyrene foam on contact, so never use it near EPS or XPS.