FineScale Modeler: Glues for plastic models and how to use them

Ever wonder how to glue plastic model parts? In this installment of Scale Model Basics, we update one of our older videos and show you how to use plastic cement, two-part epoxy, and super glue on your plastic model. We also show you how to glue clear parts on your model with white glue (or clear-part cement) to keep them from fogging.

00:30 Intro different types of glue
01:12 How to use tube plastic cement
03:46 How to use thin cement
07:49 How to use super glue
09:44 How to use white glue (clear-part cement)
12:44 How to use two-part epoxy
15:02 Safety advice for super glue (BE CAREFUL!)

Thanks for watching!

[georgewinters]

Thank you for a comprehensive explanation on glues, I am about to begin car modelling as a retiree and I have aparticular model I want to work up to, you have saved me heaps of grief by showing what glues do what 😊👍

[tomhiggins]

Excellent teaching Can I ask the best glue to fixing resin please .

[harveywaitchison]

Wow, you have steady hands, I could never do this extremely delicate work. Great video, thanks. 🇨🇦

[highorbit]

I also put weak tape on glass while handling and I get nice shiny glass

[lewismumby]

Great summary 👍🏻. I’ve now spent more time than I should looking for a clear but very strong adhesive for clear plastic parts. Going to try the 2 part epoxy….

[Dylanesque]

True story.
I bought a small plastic bottle of Gorilla instant glue and used 0 times because it had set in the bottle.
Wasn't cheap either.
And the shop didn't refund my money.
.
I've also used paint thinners, applied with a fine paint brush, to glue clear plastic components such as windows.
Worked a treat.

[jf]

Tamiya thin cement is actually cellulose thinner aka...Lacquer thinner here in the states.

[rocshpe]

Ty. U r the 1st that introduced timestamps on your video making it more accessible for neurodivergent people

[asar]

Great tips, thank you. Tip on the gloves: Before mixing, put 2x layers of gloves. If the first glove is contaminated, remove it, and you already have another on your hand to keep going and don't have to deal with sweaty hands and more working time with the epoxy.

[AndrewC]

Thank you for the tutorial! You answered many of my questions! 🙂

[Harmonca]

That last 4 minutes is probably the best music I’ve ever heard.

[Regan_Tatham]

thank you for demonstrating the clear parts cement this will be a huge help

[paulpardee]

Excellent video! It should also be noted that you can develop an epoxy allergy if exposed to it too much, so the gloves aren't just a convenience/cleanliness thing. They are an absolute must.

[michaelcooke]

Nice tutorial. Videos like this one are extremely helpful; especially, for beginning modelers. Thanks for sharing.

[highorbit]

nice work thanks for giving info in print I learned more than just music videos teach

[mrasoft]

Excellent video. You gave a clear overview what glues nowadays can be used and best of all you also showed how to apply the glue to the parts in question. I bought your book 'Essential Skills for Scale Modelers' a few weeks ago and I did miss a section about glues. Glad this video is around and it can be considered as a supplement to the book.

[montybrewster]

Thank you FSM, that was a very clear & informative video. Many thanks.

[Captain-Nostromo]

Building models, the best hobby in the world 😎
Both plastics and balsas
Type Guillows 😁

[tammylovescats]

Thanks for showing the different types of glue.

[corkcamden]

Be careful when using vinyl-faced clamps on a painted surface; I wasn't. I used an alligator clamp, or clip if you prefer, which had the jaws covered with a protective vinyl coating. One side of the jaws was in contact with a painted surface. After an hour or so, I removed the alligator and found the vinyl had reacted with the solvent in the paint, leaving an ugly, eroded area of paint. I knew vinyl could react with solvents used in paints, but had to re-learn this property of most vinyls at the cost of a fixable, but still ruined, area of paint. Thanks for posting this very helpful video, Aaron! Best of health to you from the hills of Virginia! Cork