Adhesive Types
A guide to common adhesives used in model making
Contact & Surface
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.
An aerosol adhesive that gives thin, even coverage over large areas without brush marks, lumps, or warping. Available in repositionable (low tack) and permanent formulations. The repositionable versions let you peel and reposition for a minute or two before the bond becomes permanent.
In model making, spray mount is the standard for laminating — mounting printed drawings to card, applying paper skins to foam board, or attaching fabric to flat surfaces. It won’t wrinkle paper the way liquid adhesives can. Always use in a well-ventilated area (ideally a spray booth or outdoors) and mask off anything you don’t want coated, as overspray travels further than you’d expect. Some formulations contain solvents that attack expanded polystyrene, so check the tin before using on foam.