| JD Lee | 19 Aug 2014 3:56 p.m. PST |
Will superglue work on Plastic Soldier Company models? I have read both yes and no. I am looking for a definitive answer weighing both pros and cons.
Thanks |
| JimDuncanUK | 19 Aug 2014 3:57 p.m. PST |
If they are plastic then use a plastic glue! Superglue is not 'super'. |
| Rrobbyrobot | 19 Aug 2014 4:23 p.m. PST |
I use Testor's model cement on plastic models. Which is what PSC's models are. Use the right tool for the job… |
| Yesthatphil | 19 Aug 2014 5:26 p.m. PST |
These two T70s were assembled (as usual) with Loctite Power Flex Gel (superglue) … I always use super glue as it is faster than old school poly cements and plastic glues. I have never had a problem. That said, Power Flex is a very good product and not all cyanoacrylates are the same – cheap ones are usually just that. I can't imagine ever going back to those old plastic kit days but it is obviously preferable for some people. Curiously, it was actually a professional kit assembler who first advised me to try superglue rather than plastic model cement: he has to make a living building kits so needs to use the most efficient materials (he thinks superglue is the right tool for the job  ) Phil
P.B.Eye-Candy |
| John the OFM | 19 Aug 2014 6:30 p.m. PST |
Why not use adhesives that are SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to glue the media you are using?
Super glue is generic. Model cement is designed to glue plastic models.
QED and end of discussion. I use bottled MEK/acetone by Testors, and not the tube crap. |
| Martin Rapier | 19 Aug 2014 11:23 p.m. PST |
As above, use polystyrene cement. The right tool for the right job, and as itmelts the plastic, also functions as gap filler. |
| Yesthatphil | 20 Aug 2014 2:58 a.m. PST |
Prejudice and preference aside , just to clarify … OP Will superglue work on Plastic Soldier Company models Answer … ? yes (obvious and unquestionable) Phil |
| JD Lee | 20 Aug 2014 6:45 a.m. PST |
Ok, both will work but the plastic glue is more permanent. |
| JimDuncanUK | 20 Aug 2014 7:40 a.m. PST |
I have had old (really old) superglued items fall apart whereas I have very old plastic kits which were assembled with plastic cement and are rock solid. |
| Yesthatphil | 20 Aug 2014 9:14 a.m. PST |
Just coming on 20 years so far for my first superglue assembled batch and no issues – not sure how that could have happened … However, yes, I have even older plastic cemented models from before superglues were released (actually I have never had a kit fall apart, so maybe I'm on the wrong thread here …) … The old technology certainly works if you really want to stick with it ( geddit … ) Happy for people to take their pick as ever … Phil |
| DyeHard | 20 Aug 2014 9:35 a.m. PST |
Wow, more glue questions. For styrene to styrene, use a glue just for that plastic.
These are sold everyplace models are sold. It is really a welding process. The glue holds a solvent (MEK and Xylene common)this solvent melts the plastic and lets it flow together. The solvent then vaporizes letting the parts harden into, essentially, one part. And that is the best "glue" one can use. SuperGlue is CyanoAcrylic or CA for short. It is a plastic that reacts with air to go from a liquid to a solid. It is very thin and runny so it "wets" the surfaces of parts very well, going into all the tiny cracks and holes. Once it is a solid the air has a very hard time getting back into the cracks and holes so things stick together. It will work fine on styrene plastic, but not as well as solvent-welding it does. |
| Garand | 20 Aug 2014 8:09 p.m. PST |
The only times I use superglue on plastic is when gluing dissimilar media (metal, resin), or as a filler. I never do plastic-on-plastic assembly work with it. Damon. |
| BigNickR | 24 Aug 2014 1:52 p.m. PST |
I only use superglue to attach metal to styrene. model cement works FAR better to attach two styrene parts together |
| Texas Grognard | 29 Aug 2014 7:24 a.m. PST |
Will "Superglue" or CA (cyanoacrylate) glue work on plastic models? Yes. CA's will work on any polystyrene plastic model. However I do not like using CA's to glue up polystyrene models like PSC, Zvezda, Bolt Action, or others. I find that assembling them with liquid plastic model glue like Testors Plastic Cement works much better. Its a whole lot more forgiving than superglue giving more time to position parts for proper fit and positioning. With Superglue once your part is set its their for good unless you want to use acetone which can be really nasty or nail polish remover which while isn't as harsh it is still messy. However feel free to use whatever method works for you. Salut mon ami! Bruce the Texas Grognard |
opens the box on one of the re-released European Buildings series.