What Is the Best Glue for Miniatures?
Choosing the right adhesive makes assembly faster, joints stronger and clean-up easier. There is no single best glue for miniatures: the right choice depends on what the model is made of and what you are doing with it. This guide compares the three adhesives most hobbyists use, CA super glue, plastic cement and PVA, and explains what glue to use for miniatures made of resin, metal and plastic, and for basing.
Quick answer
- Resin, metal and mixed-material miniatures: use CA (cyanoacrylate) super glue.
- Polystyrene plastic kits: use plastic cement for the neatest, strongest joints.
- Basing materials such as sand, gravel and static grass: use PVA.
- Magnets, cork, rocks and small repairs: use CA glue.
If you only keep one bottle on your painting desk, make it a medium-viscosity CA glue. It is the most versatile of the three and the best glue for assembling miniatures made from different materials. See our CA super glue for miniatures.
Comparison table
| Adhesive | Best for | Works on | Setting time | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA super glue | Resin and metal miniatures, magnets, repairs | Resin, metal, most hard plastics, wood, cork, stone | Seconds | Joints can be brittle under impact; too much glue can leave a white residue |
| Plastic cement | Polystyrene plastic kits | Polystyrene only | Minutes to position, hours to cure fully | Does not bond resin, metal or most other plastics |
| PVA | Basing and scenery | Sand, gravel, flock, static grass, card, wood | Slow; dries over hours | Not strong enough for assembling models |
CA glue
CA glue, also sold as super glue, cures in seconds when it meets the moisture present on almost every surface. It bonds a wide range of materials, which is why it is the go-to adhesive for resin and metal miniatures and for models that combine several materials.
Use it sparingly. A thin layer on one surface bonds better and faster than a large drop, and excess glue is the main cause of the white fogging that can appear around a joint. Hold the parts together for a few seconds, then leave the joint to reach full strength before handling the model heavily.
CA glue is less forgiving than plastic cement: once the parts touch, there is little time to adjust them. Dry-fit the parts first, so you know exactly how they sit.
Looking for a reliable bottle for everyday assembly? The A-Case Hobby Pack contains five 20 g bottles of medium-viscosity CA super glue for miniatures, with a precision nozzle and a needle built into the cap.
Plastic cement
Plastic cement is not a glue in the usual sense. It is a solvent that softens the surface of polystyrene parts so they fuse together as they dry. The result is a welded joint that is often stronger than the surrounding plastic and leaves a tidy seam that is easy to clean up.
Because the plastic stays soft for a short time, you can adjust the position of arms, heads and weapons before the joint sets. Liquid (thin) cement flows into a joint by capillary action once the parts are held together; tube cement is thicker and is applied before joining.
Plastic cement only works on polystyrene. It will not bond resin, metal or most other plastics, so it cannot be used as a universal miniature adhesive.
PVA
PVA, or white glue, is water-based, cheap and slow-drying. It is the standard adhesive for basing: brush it onto the base, dip the base into sand or gravel and leave it to dry. Diluted PVA can also be used to seal loose basing material.
PVA dries flexible and relatively weak, so it is not suitable for assembling miniatures. It is also useful for scenery projects made from card, wood or foam.
Resin miniatures
The best glue for resin miniatures is CA glue. Plastic cement cannot bond resin, and PVA is far too weak.
- Wash resin parts in warm, soapy water before assembly to remove release agent residue, then let them dry completely.
- Remove supports and flash, and dry-fit the parts before applying any glue.
- Pin larger or heavier parts with a short piece of wire for extra strength.
Metal miniatures
Metal miniatures also need CA glue. Metal parts are heavier than plastic or resin, so the joint carries more load.
- Lightly scuff smooth contact surfaces to give the glue more grip.
- Use medium or thick CA for parts that do not sit perfectly flush.
- Pin heavy arms, weapons and large components wherever possible.
Basing
Basing often uses more than one adhesive:
- PVA for sand, gravel, flock and static grass.
- CA glue for cork, slate, rocks, resin base toppers and magnets under the base.
- Plastic cement for polystyrene base details, when both parts are polystyrene.
Thin vs medium vs thick CA
- Thin CA runs into tight joints by capillary action and sets almost immediately. It is best for parts that already fit well, but it can flood small details.
- Medium CA is the all-rounder: it flows enough to reach small contact points without running across the model, and gives a little more time to position parts. It suits most assembly, repairs and magnetising.
- Thick (gel) CA fills small gaps and stays where it is applied, which makes it useful for vertical surfaces and uneven joints. It sets more slowly than thinner grades.
Activator and debonder
Activator (also called accelerator or kicker) makes CA glue cure instantly. It is useful for filling gaps or fixing parts that cannot be held in place, but it can make the joint more brittle and may cause white fogging.
Debonder softens cured CA glue so parts can be separated, excess glue can be removed or fingers can be freed. It can damage some plastics and painted surfaces, so test it on a hidden area first.
FAQ
What is the best glue for miniatures?
For resin, metal and mixed-material miniatures, CA super glue is the best all-round choice. For polystyrene plastic kits, plastic cement gives the strongest and neatest joints. PVA is best for basing.
Can I use super glue on plastic miniatures?
Yes. CA glue bonds most hard plastics, including polystyrene, and is useful when plastic parts meet resin or metal. Plastic cement usually gives a cleaner welded seam on polystyrene-only joints.
Does plastic cement work on resin miniatures?
No. Plastic cement only fuses polystyrene. Use CA glue for resin miniatures.
Is PVA strong enough to assemble miniatures?
No. PVA is designed for basing, scenery and porous materials. It is too weak and flexible for miniature assembly.
Why does super glue leave a white residue?
The white fogging appears when CA vapour settles on nearby surfaces as the glue cures. Use less glue, work in a well-ventilated area and let the joint cure fully before priming.