A Matter of Opinion: The Glue that Binds

Yes folks, that right. There is more than one type of glue out there, and don't let your local GW store tell you any different. No matter how much they want to sell you that pretty little (emphasis on 'little') bottle with their logo on it, shop around and try out a few brands before you pick a favorite!

Or just read this article and take it from my experience on what has and hasn't been able to glue my models, and my fingers, together reliably.

Since this is one of the "A Matter of Opinion" series of articles, please note that the only glue brands and types I'll be offering any opinions on will be ones I've had personal experience with. Lets dive in, shall we?

Super Glue
Insert Brand Name Here. No matter what the brand it is, I don't care for super glue. I do not like the viscosity of it, nor the bonding times associated with it. I would glue my fingers to the model more often than not trying to hold the glued pieces together. You might say that I used too much, I'd say that the glue ran. You could always hasten the bonding time with a little hit of Zip Kicker, but then you've just killed the strength of the bond, in my opinion. Yay, let's make an already brittle bond worse! No, thank you.

Games Workshop Plastic Glue
Credit where credit is due, this isn't a bad product. It does the job it sets out to do, just as well as any other plastic-specific glue out there. I don't care too much for the drying/bonding time on it though, a little long for my tastes. The price point on this little bottle of glue, though is the sticking point (hah-hah) for me. Too much cash for too little product. The brush-tip on the end of it is nice though.

Games Workshop Super Glue
Once more the price point kills it as a contender for me, as does the fact that it's super glue. See above comments on any other brand of super glue.

Super Glue Gel
Once more, Insert Brand Name Here. I like Gel types of super glue and have used many brands through the years. I like the viscosity of them, I like that they do not run and drip all over the place, and I like that they have a certain amount of hold to them even before they set. You don't have to use your fingers like vices 90% of the time, and save a bit of the skin on your fingertips in the process. I will say that if you like the Gel style of super glue, try the Loctite brand in the blue and gray hard bottle.

Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel
God's gift to my hobby. Obviously this is just my opinion, but hey, that's the point of this article, right? I differentiate this from their standard Gel because I honestly believe it bonds better, as I have tried both. This one comes in a blue and black hard bottle. The applicator tip is nice and precise, and even better, you're squeezing the sides of the container, which then pinch an internal tube, giving you much more control over the amount of glue you use, as well as limiting any potential mess. The price is a bit higher than some other Gel brands, but I feel it's worth it, and you do get a decent amount for your money.

Gorilla Glue
Okay fine, I 'll admit I have never personally used this glue on a model myself… For good reason! While Gorilla Glue may be all that and a bag of chips for wood and other household projects, do not use this on your models. And yes, I wouldn't be even including it in this list if I haven't actually been asked about it by someone who shall remain anonymous. Gorilla Glue actually activates with trace water particles in the surfaces your binding it with, which is little to none in most of our cases. Worse than that though, it EXPANDS to fill gaps, pores and holes in said surfaces that it's binding together. We do not like this, Sam, I am.

Testors Model Master Plastic Cement
God's OTHER gift to my hobby. I use this when I don't ever want a model to come apart. You may then be wondering why I would want a plastic model to come apart in the first place. Simple, what if I make a mistake and need to repose? The window to do something like that with this stuff is much narrower, beyond the fact that it sort of melts the plastic together to form that super-strong bond. I mostly use this for basing applications and vehicle construction.

PVA Glue
Yes, I included basic, white glue here because of the variety of applications I use it for. Of course, most of those applications usually have something to do with either basing my figures, or a display base. These include basic flocking, ballast as well as snow applications.

Green Stuff
THIS IS NOT GLUE. It may be tacky before it cures, but it will not form a bond between two surfaces once it cures. Please, just… just don't. Not glue, people, I can't stress that enough.

Just in case you missed it among the listings, my two favorites are the Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel and the Testors Model Master Plastic Cement. These two are my work horses of choice when it comes to The Glue that Binds. That doesn't mean they have to be yours, or that I'm right and you're wrong, etc. I'd actually enjoy some opinions on what works best for you, and why!

After all, it's only a Matter of Opinion.

- Tim