Glues, Adhesives, Cements, and Puttys for Modelers and more

Tube Glue or Model Cement is a gel-like substance that contains a chemical, such as Toluene, that when applied to the joining surfaces of a plastic model forms a membrane that bonds the two surfaces together. A tube of model cement is inexpensive and can be purchased at most hobby, craft and hardware stores. It’s also available in a non-toxic, odorless version. But, model cement can be stringy and messy if proper technique isn’t used. It yellows with age. It also crystallizes and loses its adhesion properties over time.

Cyanoacrylate (CA) is a fast-curing, strong adhesive. The bond is strong as it applies to weight-bearing, but weak torsionally. If you glue two objects together and try to pull them apart, CA will hold firm. However, if you push the two pieces along the seam in opposite directions it will break the bond.