If your hobby is making model planes, airplanes, action figures, or anything of this nature, then you’re in luck.

This guide will give you a list of 5 adhesives that are best used for model making.

I’ll also compare two types of model glue so that you see which is better.

When constructing models, you need glue that’s easy to use, and you can apply with maximum precision.

Finesse is an integral part of building models, and the right glue needs to have a finely-tuned applicator.

The substance needs to be clear when dry and has a strong bond.

Keep reading for more information on model glues and glues for plastic toys.

Types of Glue for Repairing Plastic Toys

Model building also refers to plastic toys, and this is where I’ll tell you about the various types of glue you can use for this:

Model Cement

This is the most straightforward type of glue for model building. It’s a gel-like substance that contains toluene, a chemical compound that creates a membrane between two plastic surfaces.

Model cement is very cheap, and it dries quickly and clears. The bond it forms is also excellent, and you won’t have a problem with it for many years.

However, model cement can be quite messy and yellows with age.

If too much time passes, it may also lose its adhesive power, but that won’t happen too soon. You can rest at ease!

Super Glue

Super glue is a good option for model building and plastic toys, especially if they’re made from porous materials.

Superglue doesn’t do well with smooth surfaces, even when it comes to plastic toys.

However, it’ll bond to porous surfaces in 40 seconds and cure within a few minutes.

The substance is waterproof and impact-resistant. Its tensile strength is also quite elevated and can hold a lot of weight.

Super glue is inexpensive and easy to apply, but it’s not temperature-resistant.

Its solvent resistance and impact resistance aren’t that good either.

I only recommend super glue for small toy repairs!

Rubber Cement

Rubber cement does not last long because you can peel off the adhesive layer afterward.

However, this aspect makes the adhesive perfect for temporary repairs. If you need to pull apart the adhesive layer later, rubber cement will allow you to do that.

This adhesive is very flexible and recommended for all toys, even ones that can move.

Rubber cement should do pretty well with plastic toys, but water resistance, high temperatures, or UV light is very low.

It wasn’t made for outdoor application, so stick to keeping the toys indoors after repairing them!

Rubber cement is also a great glue for miniatures and other types of toys.

Not recommended glues include regular gorilla glue, wood glue, white glue, PVA glue, hot glue, epoxy glue, canopy glue, cyanoacrylate glue, plastic glue, solvent cement, and Elmer’s glue, tacky glue, epoxy resin, and Krazy glue.

Best Glues for Model Building

Below you can find my recommendations for the best glue for model building.

1. Testor Corp Plastic Model Glue

This glue is my number one pick for a variety of reasons. First, it boasts a high resistance to solvents, water, extreme temperatures, and even UV light. It’s one of the best UV glues around.

When it comes to model building, Testor is used even by professionals. Its reputation is golden thanks to its many benefits.

The glue will dry quickly, allowing you to work faster and finish the repairs much quicker.

You won’t have to wait for the components to dry because the drying time is almost instant.

You can also use Testor Corp Model Glue to bond Styrofoam to wood, which is versatile.

Unfortunately, the cap doesn’t have a threat, so you can easily pull it off. There’s no precision applicator included, though.

2. TAMIYA 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue

Many professional toymakers use this glue because of its thin consistency, which makes it easy to work with.

It can flow between the gaps and reach all those difficult spots, bonding most materials quickly enough.

TAMIYA comes with a precision applicator that improves your finesse and accuracy when building models.

Most importantly, this adhesive sets quickly, so you won’t need to clamp every piece for too long.

It’s very resistant to solvents and works on most plastic types.

However, TAMIYA is more expensive than other glues on this list, and it’s also not ideal for weighty applications.

3. Devcon 90225 Duco Plastic and Model Cement

Devcon adhesive is especially good because it can bond plastic and polystyrene together.

You can use it for model making and toy repairs, so there’s no need to buy two different types of glue.

Once applied, it’ll dry relatively quickly, but you’ll have enough time to work with it. The color is transparent, and it doesn’t yellow in time either.

However, Devcon requires clamping the items for 2 hours. The curing time is 24 hours, so this glue isn’t the type that works very fast.

It has a PSI of 300, and this is pretty good for toy making. Its temperature resistance is decent enough, though it’s not resistant to solvents.

There’s a precision applicator included in the pack, which should make everything easier.

However, Devcon is very flammable at first. Once it cures, it becomes safe to have around.

4. Starbond EM-02 Super Glue

A thin, water-resistant, and glossy superglue is hard to find. Starbond is just that!

This thin superglue makes it easy to apply even in cracks and gaps.

If your toy has cracked recently, Starbond is just the thing to fill that crack. The precise applicator only makes things easier!

Being a super glue, Starbond dries almost instantly and cures within a few minutes.

You’ll have almost no repositioning time, though. I also recommend extreme care when working with it because it can bond to your skin easily.

Removing it from the skin is a hassle, but it can be done with hot water, soap, and acetone.

5. Gorilla 7700111 Super Glue Gel

Gorilla Super Glue Gel has excellent bonding strength and is very easy to use.

You won’t make a mess even using it on vertical surfaces. Its anti-clog cap also comes in handy because it keeps the glue intact in the container.

Gorilla Super Glue Gel also has high tensile strength, great durability, and high impact resistance.

It doesn’t require clamping because it’ll be dry and cured in 45 seconds. While it can bond most porous materials, super smooth plastic isn’t a good idea.

You can bond rubber, metal, wood, ceramic, plastic, paper, and leather. It’s one of the best glues for rubber to plastic around.

It works on enough materials that you won’t have a problem repairing plastic toys or building models.

There may not be enough time to reposition the materials, though.

Model Cement or Super Glue?

In this article, I’ve talked about super glue and model cement. But which is the better adhesive for model making?

Superglue may be stronger than model cement, but it doesn’t do well with moving parts.

It’s not so flexible, you see.

However, super glue does dry clear and very quickly, but this means it can also bond to your fingers quickly.

Model cement is thicker and easier to apply than super glue. While it takes longer to cure, the bond is strong and durable.

You’ll also have more time to work with the glue since it cures slower. Model cement is more flexible than super glue, so it works better for moving parts.

Model cement is also more resistant to solvents and extreme temperatures than super glue.

In the end, I recommend model cement for model making!

Wrap Up

Thanks to its high tensile strength, quick-drying formula, and high resistance to water, heat, and solvents, Testor Corp Plastic Model Glue is my top pick for model making.

It’s also great at repairing plastic toys because it dries very fast. You don’t need to wait for individual pieces to dry before moving on.