From Humbrol to Tamiya - Let's talk about plastic model cements! (and my experiences with them)

I get asked quite often what my opinions are on certain brands of plastic cement. Whilst I do tend to talk about the glues or cements I use during any particular build video, I realised that I didn't have a stand-alone video where I discuss my current experiences and favourite brands!

So here it is!

Join me in this video as I talk about my experiences with model plastic cement, discussing the different brands I've used, highlighting what I think are the strengths and weaknessess of each of them.

Whilst I haven't used that many brands so far, I do primarily talk about Humbrol, Tamiya and Revell. I also give examples of some of the plastic model kits that I have painted with these specific cements - including my first kit the Airfix Hawker Hurricane and a few others yet to be featured . . .

See my thoughts on my first ever model, the Airfix Hawker Hurricane MkI/IIb in 1/72 scale here:

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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts.
Model Minutes holds no responsibility for any accidents, damage or injury that could occur as a result of attempting to replicate any steps depicted in this video.

Unless specifically indicated, all products have been independently purchased.

All music used from the YouTube audio library.

#modelkit #scalemodel #cement #cements #polycement

[stevesstuff]

An easy way that I figured out to stop the Revell Contacta from drying out in the needle applicator when not being used, is to tip the tub forward on it's 'stand' so that it now points down, and rests on the tip of the plastic needle cover. This keeps liquid cement all the way down the length of the needle, preventing it from drying up!
When you want to use it, tip it back, and when you remove the plastic cover, the glue doesn't rush out everywhere; It just works as it should! :-)

[Ryan_hs]

my first glue was the revell needle glue as a man in the store recommended it and i’ve never used any other

[hackmodeller]

The Tamiya extra thin cement is a lifesaver.

[LRBerry]

Going back to the 70s, in my much younger days, the poly cement tube was a staple to my model building. I have recently got back into model building and I am using the Revell contacta pro. As you say in the video, this is really good for the precise placing of the glue.

[LouisArnold_]

what about the other types of tamiya cement, the white/orange one and the extra thin fast setting

[bk]

4:20 - pressure buildup in those buggers is an issue, especially in warmer months, so I'd suggest first unscrewing the yellow cap a bit to 'vent' things before first use for the day, same goes for the occasions when the needle gets unblocked with a lighter... Also - when the glue runs out, that same yellow cap allows for either refilling with glue (ie from the Contacta with a brush applicator) or for various washes and DIY panel liners ;)

[NealDench]

Good luck finishing the jar of liquid poly, Matt. I’m still using mine, bought about 40 years ago! It still works though, so I’m going to finish it as well, but after that I’ll give the Tamiya a go. (To be fair, there were many years in between where I did no modelling, but it takes a while to use up!)

[bartomiejwiatr]

Sir ! Excuse me, sir. Do you want to talk about our lord and savior- Tamiya Extra Thin ?

[TheNavalGuy]

Yes can’t wait for this! Now that I have quite a bit more experience in modeling, I now understand that different glues and cements are crucial. As of now, I use the Revell contacta, Tamiya cement and extra thin cement and the academy cement. Out of all of them the Tamiya and the Revell ones are the best in my opinion.

[SimbianMinistry]

The Contacta needle - I fit a piece of wire (I use the trimmed end of a guitar string) into the lid, through a hole I make in the end of it. Inserts into the needle when I put the lid back on - so I never get blockages any more.

[gartsherriejunction]

Useful video. In answer to your question about other glues to use then the following spring to mind: Tamiya Cement; EMA Plastic Weld. Mind you these 2 glues are used primarily with gluing polystyrene sheets from Evergreen, Javis etc and are useful for scratchbuilding but also for kit models too. All the best. Mike

[glencwilson]

Returning to building models about 3 years ago after a 40 year gap the main differences were glues and paints. Extra thin was recommended to me and was a revolution and I probably use that most. Tamiya white top cement is a good alternative to the Airfix starter kit glue but has a thick brush. Anything structural like wings or wheels on aircraft do need a stronger glue.

The only glues I would add to the list are CA and PVA. CA is good for holding something in position and then using one of the others to get a 'proper' bond between parts as it is just too brittle on its own. PVA, even the cheap craft store stuff is useful for clear parts and can have produce surprisingly strong join.

[psychopenguin]

thanks for the tutorial just what i ws looking for i am revisiting model building after a hiatus of over 25 years i started with the testor tube thick glue and was looking for a thinner "neater" cement thanks for letting me know how each is used and how they perform ill be picking up Tamiya extra thin and thin

[NoLieIm]

I really like your channel I’m glad I subbed. Youre very informative and helpful as I’m just starting out and I appreciate it

[CycolacFan]

Been using the Revell Contacta for over 20 years, used various other glues but I still come back to the Revell.
Clear the nozzle with fuse wire. I keep about three inches of it wrapped around the neck.

[davidhinkson]

I've used the tube cement most of the time I've been in this hobby, mostly the Humbrol product and Testors. I first encountered the Revell Contacta when I bought a gift set with the Ford Escort RAC Rally car in 2006 and I found out that works well - thanks for clarifying the issue that crops up with it, because I was curious about that. Never used the Tamiya products before.

[lesthiele]

Hi MM, I have gone through most of the glue types, I used to have four litre of MEK and that worked the same as Tamiya Thin, I do use the Revell contacta, but now I only use Tamiya Thin, and at odd times I use their white top, thanks again for the review, keep safe and well, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia.

[heavyruben]

I remove the needle first
Then i take a lighter and burn it ust for like 4 second
And the wipe of the soot from the needle
And then putts it in back on revells

Love to watch your channel by the way allways learn more and more!

[timgermain]

I started modeling using Testors version of the Humbrol Poly Cement. I squeezed it out onto a piece of paper or a 3x5 card then used a toothpick to spread it on the model. Now I like using Tamiya extra thin cement.

[scalesmodellingmagic]

I do use a lot of Humbrol liquid poly but I do have the fine applicator one as well as revell contacter now I am looking for some different gules like tamyia