Best Glue for Plastic Models: Which Modelling Glue Should You Use?

Choosing the right glue can make a big difference when building a plastic model. Different adhesives are designed for different jobs, and using the wrong one can make a model difficult to assemble or even damage delicate parts.

Whether you're building your first plastic model kit or you're an experienced modeller, this guide explains the main types of modelling glue and when to use them.

Plastic Cement – The Go-To Glue for Plastic Model Kits

For most traditional plastic model kits, plastic cement is the best place to start.

Plastic cement doesn't simply stick two pieces together like ordinary glue. It slightly softens the plastic surfaces, allowing them to bond together as the solvent evaporates.

This creates a strong bond between compatible plastic parts.

Plastic cement is ideal for:

• Aircraft kits
• Cars
• Ships
• Tanks and military models
• Figures
• Plastic kit parts
• Scratch-building with styrene and plasticard

Revell Contacta Professional

Revell Contacta Professional is a popular choice for plastic model kits and features a fine needle applicator, making it easier to apply a controlled amount of cement exactly where you need it.

The precision applicator is particularly useful when working on smaller parts where too much glue could cause problems.

For general plastic kit assembly, a precision plastic cement such as Contacta Professional is an excellent option.

Liquid Poly – Great for Larger Areas

Liquid poly cement is another useful adhesive for plastic modelling.

Unlike thicker tube-style cement, liquid poly is very thin and can be applied with a fine brush or applicator.

It's particularly useful for:

• Long seams
• Large mating surfaces
• Plasticard construction
• Scratch building
• Joining sheet plastic
• Creating strong, clean joints

Because it is very thin, you don't need to use a large amount. Apply a small amount to the joint and allow it to work into the seam.

Liquid cement is especially useful when building structures from plasticard.

Superglue / CA Glue – For Different Materials

Cyanoacrylate (CA), commonly known as superglue, is useful when plastic cement isn't suitable.

Unlike plastic cement, CA glue doesn't need to chemically soften the plastic to create a bond.

It's particularly useful for:

• Resin parts
• Metal components
• Photo-etched parts
• Mixed-material assemblies
• Small detail parts
• Attaching accessories to finished models

CA glue is available in different viscosities.

Thin CA can flow into small gaps, while thicker CA can be useful where you need to fill a small gap or have a little more working time.

When using superglue on a plastic model, remember that it can be more brittle than a properly welded plastic-cement joint.

Can You Use Superglue on Plastic?

Yes, superglue can be used on many types of plastic, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best choice.

For two compatible styrene parts, plastic cement will generally be the more appropriate adhesive because it creates a solvent-welded joint.

Superglue becomes particularly useful when you're joining different materials or attaching resin, metal or other accessories.

What Glue Should I Use for Plasticard?

For standard styrene plasticard, plastic cement or liquid poly is generally the best choice.

The thickness of the plasticard doesn't necessarily determine which glue you need.

For example:

• 0.25mm plasticard – liquid cement works well for many applications
• 0.5mm plasticard – liquid cement or precision plastic cement
• 1mm plasticard – liquid cement or plastic cement
• 1.5–2mm plasticard – plastic cement or liquid cement for suitable joints

For larger structures, liquid cement can be particularly useful because it can be applied along a longer joint.

What Glue Should I Use for Resin Parts?

Resin is different from styrene plastic.

CA/superglue is generally the better choice for joining resin parts.

Before gluing, make sure the surfaces are clean and properly prepared. Lightly sanding the mating surfaces can also help create a good bond.

If you're working with small resin details, use only a very small amount of CA glue. Too much can make a mess and can be difficult to remove.

What About Metal and Photo-Etch?

For metal parts and photo-etched accessories, CA glue is commonly used.

Plastic cement isn't designed to bond metal, so it isn't normally the right adhesive for these applications.

For very small photo-etched parts, a fine applicator or a small amount of thin CA can make positioning much easier.

Don't Use Too Much Glue

One of the most common mistakes when building models is using too much adhesive.

More glue doesn't necessarily mean a stronger model.

With plastic cement, excessive amounts can soften the plastic and potentially leave marks or damage surface detail.

With CA glue, too much can leave visible residue and make small parts difficult to position.

A small amount applied accurately is usually better than a large amount.

Quick Guide to Modelling Glues

Glue type	Best used for
Plastic Cement	Plastic model kits and styrene parts
Liquid Poly	Plasticard, seams and larger plastic joints
CA / Superglue	Resin, metal, photo-etch and mixed materials
Thick CA	Small gaps and parts requiring a little more control
Thin CA	Small parts and narrow gaps

So, Which Modelling Glue Should You Buy?

If you're mainly building plastic model kits, start with a good plastic cement such as Revell Contacta Professional.

If you're doing scratch building or working with plasticard, liquid poly is an extremely useful addition to your modelling bench.

If you're working with resin, metal or photo-etched parts, keep a bottle of CA/superglue available as well.

For many modellers, having both plastic cement and CA glue in the toolbox covers most everyday modelling jobs.

Build With the Right Glue

Having the right adhesive makes modelling easier and can help you achieve cleaner, stronger results.

At Delta Modelling Supplies, we stock modelling adhesives for plastic kits, scratch building, plasticard, resin and detailed scale modelling.

If you're unsure which glue is right for your project, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.