Model Car Glues: Choosing the Right Adhesive for the Job

Best For:
• Plastic model kits made from polystyrene or ABS
• Strong, permanent bonds for model car parts
• Large, flat joints that need a seamless connection

How It Works:
Plastic cement is a solvent-based adhesive that chemically melts and fuses plastic parts together, creating an ultra-strong bond. It’s perfect for assembling model car bodies and other polystyrene components because it forms a true weld rather than just sticking the pieces together.

Application Tips:
✅ Use a Brush or Needle Applicator – Many modelers prefer liquid plastic cement applied with a fine brush or needle applicator to avoid excess glue.
✅ Avoid Smearing – Since it softens plastic, moving parts around too much can create ugly seams. Apply and hold parts steady until set.
✅ Clamp or Hold Firmly – Plastic cement takes a few seconds to dry, so keeping parts clamped or steady for a few minutes helps ensure a strong bond.
✅ Clean Joints Before Application – A light sanding or cleaning with isopropyl alcohol removes mold release agents and dust, improving adhesion.
✅ Use Slow-Setting Variants for Large Parts – Some brands offer fast or slow-setting formulas; slow-setting cement is better for large, tricky assemblies.

Best For:
• Quick repairs and spot-gluing
• Metal, resin, rubber or mixed-material model parts
• Small, delicate parts that need instant adhesion

How It Works:
Super glue is a fast-acting adhesive that bonds instantly to surfaces by reacting with moisture. It works well for non-plastic parts in model cars or when you need a fast, strong bond for small details.

Application Tips:
✅ Use the Right Viscosity – CA glue comes in thin, medium and thick viscosities. Thin CA is great for wicking into tight spaces while thick CA gives you more working time.
✅ Use Accelerator for Instant Curing – A CA accelerator (sometimes called "kicker") can speed up drying time, especially useful for metal and resin parts.
✅ Avoid Cloudy White Residue – Super glue fumes can leave a white film on clear plastic (like windshields). Use a ventilated space and apply sparingly to avoid fogging.
✅ Be Careful with Excess Glue – CA glue bonds skin instantly, so use tweezers for small parts and apply with a fine needle or toothpick for precision.
✅ Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Keep CA glue sealed and in a fridge or airtight container to extend shelf life.

Recommended Brands:
• Bob Smith Industries (BSI) Super Gold CA
• ProTek Ultra CA
• Gorilla Super Glue

Best For:
• Heavy-duty bonding (metal, resin or large structural parts)
• Strengthening weak or repaired sections
• Attaching weights or ballast inside model cars

How It Works:
Epoxy glue consists of two parts - resin and hardener - that must be mixed before application. Once mixed, it creates an incredibly strong bond with a longer working time than CA glue.

Application Tips:
✅ Mix Precisely – Follow the exact ratio of resin to hardener, typically 1:1, for best results.
✅ Use in Small Batches – Mixed epoxy has a limited working time (usually 5-30 minutes), so only mix what you can use before it starts curing.
✅ Clamp for Best Strength – Holding parts together with clamps or tape while epoxy cures will result in the strongest bond.
✅ Choose the Right Set Time – 5-minute epoxy is great for quick repairs, but 24-hour epoxy cures harder and stronger.
✅ Sand for Better Grip – Lightly sanding metal or resin surfaces before applying epoxy improves adhesion.

Recommended Brands:
• J-B Weld ClearWeld
• Devcon 2-Ton Epoxy
• Gorilla 5-Minute Epoxy

Best For:
• Clear parts like windows and headlights
• Temporary bonds or removable applications
• Paper, fabric or diorama elements

How It Works:
PVA glue is a water-based adhesive that dries clear and remains slightly flexible. It’s not as strong as the other glues but is perfect for attaching delicate parts that need a non-permanent bond.

Application Tips:
✅ Use for Clear Parts – PVA glue won’t damage or fog clear plastic like CA glue. Apply sparingly with a brush or toothpick.
✅ Thinning for Precision – You can thin PVA glue with water for finer applications or to reduce glue buildup.
✅ Removable with Water – Since PVA glue is water-soluble before drying, you can remove mistakes with a damp cloth.
✅ Allow Ample Drying Time – PVA glue takes longer to dry than CA or epoxy, so be patient before handling the part.

Recommended Brands:
• Elmer’s White Glue
• Aleene’s Tacky Glue
• Mod Podge (for sealing diorama elements)

Material	Plastic Cement	Super Glue (CA)	Epoxy Glue	PVA Glue
Plastic to Plastic	✅ Best Choice	⚠️ Only for quick fixes	❌ Not recommended	❌ No hold
Metal to Plastic	❌ Won't bond	✅ Good	✅ Best Choice	❌ No hold
Resin to Plastic	❌ Won't bond	✅ Good	✅ Best Choice	❌ No hold
Clear Plastic (Windows)	✅ Works, but use carefully	⚠️ Risk of fogging	❌ Too strong	✅ Best Choice
Rubber Tires	❌ Won't bond	✅ Best Choice	❌ Too rigid	❌ No hold
Paper/Fabric	❌ Not effective	❌ Too brittle	❌ Overkill	✅ Best Choice