As any Warhammer enthusiast knows, having the right glue is critical for assembling and repairing miniatures. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which glue works best for your needs.
Plastic Glues – The Top Choice for Plastic Miniatures
The vast majority of Warhammer miniatures are made of polystyrene plastic. For assembling these plastic miniatures, using a solvent-based plastic glue is by far the best option. These types of glues work by partially dissolving the surface of the plastic, creating a super strong bond that fuses the plastic pieces together.
Plastic glues are specially formulated to work with polystyrene plastics, making them ideal for constructing Warhammer miniatures. The bond created is incredibly tough and resistant to chipping or breaking. You’ll have an easier time snapping the plastic itself than breaking a glued seam with plastic cement.
Some of the top plastic glues recommended by Warhammer enthusiasts include:
Citadel Plastic Glue by Games Workshop
As Games Workshop’s official glue for their miniatures, Citadel Plastic Glue is specially designed for assembling Warhammer models. It creates strong, long-lasting bonds between plastic pieces. It goes on thick and dries fairly slowly, giving you time to align pieces and tweak poses. The handy precision nozzle allows controlled application. It’s available in a range of colors to seamlessly blend in with your miniatures.
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement
A favorite of scale model builders that’s also great for miniatures. Tamiya cement is water-thin for easy application and quick bonding. The thin viscosity allows the glue to penetrate the microscopic pores in the plastic for maximum hold. It also prevents foggy build-up. The slim precision tip is perfect for miniatures.
Testors Model Cement for Plastic Models
Testors makes several plastic cement formulas designed for plastic model kits. Their standard Model Cement for Plastic Models works great for miniatures too. It bonds polystyrene and ABS plastics. The liquid cement welds pieces together without leaving marks behind. It comes with a metal needle tip for controlled application.
Revell Contacta Professional Plastic Model Cement
Revell’s Contacta Professional cement is engineered to create incredibly strong, long-lasting bonds between plastic pieces. The formula is fast-drying but still allows time for positioning pieces. The thin capillary action applicator tip gives you enhanced precision control. It’s also useful for filling small gaps and sealing seams.
Super Glue – The Go-To For Metal and Resin Miniatures
For metal and resin Warhammer miniatures, super glue (cyanoacrylate) is the best choice. Super glue forms strong bonds with metal and resin. It dries quickly, so you can assemble your miniatures faster. Super glue is also useful for repairs and general maintenance.
When shopping for super glue, look for formulas designed specifically for miniatures and models. These will have precision applicator tips and viscosities optimized for small parts and fine details. Here are some top super glues for assembling metal and resin Warhammer miniatures:
The Army Painter Super Glue
This super glue comes in a selection of colors, allowing you to match the glue to miniatures for concealed bonds. The gel-like viscosity prevents runs and drips while allowing time to align pieces. The long, fine metal tip offers superior control and precision bonding.
Bob Smith Industries Insta-Cure Gap Filling Super Glue
The Bob Smith super glue has a medium viscosity ideal for miniatures assembly. It flows smoothly but remains thick enough for vertical surfaces. The formula also helps fill small gaps. Multiple bottle sizes are available, from multi-packs of 7 gram bottles to 2 oz bottles for serious hobbyists.
Zap-A-Gap Super Glue by Pacer Technology
Zap-A-Gap is a fast-curing super glue designed for plastic and metal. It creates high-strength bonds and sets in just seconds. The liquid consistency allows it to flow into joints by capillary action. Zap-A-Gap comes in a 2 oz bottle with a metal pinpoint nozzle for precision bonding.
Epoxy Putty – For Heavy Repairs and Modifications
While super glue works for minor repairs, epoxy putties are the solution when you need to glue metal pieces together or rebuild damaged plastic or resin miniatures. Epoxy putties form permanent, rigid bonds. They allow time for shaping pieces before drying solid.
Some excellent epoxy putties for repairing miniatures include:
Green Stuff Epoxy Putty by The Army Painter
Green Stuff is a two-part epoxy putty made specifically for miniature repair and modifications. Knead the putty until uniformly mixed, then shape it around repairs and let cure. It dries hard like plastic for sanding and drilling. The olive drab color blends with miniatures.
Magic Sculpt Epoxy Putty
Magic Sculpt is beloved by hobbyists for its long 2 hour working time and permanent repairs. It never dries brittle or shrinks. You can sand, drill, and paint it once fully cured. It’s available in white or terra cotta. The clay-like texture makes sculpting repairs and missing details easy.
Apoxie Sculpt – A Two Part Epoxy Putty
Apoxie Sculpt is putty-like epoxy that mixes to the consistency of modeling clay. It air dries to a solid plastic and will not shrink or sag as it cures. It has excellent adhesion to metal, plastic, resin, and wood. Apoxie has a 1 hour work time and can be sanded and drilled once set. It’s non-toxic too.
PVA Glue – For Basing Miniatures and Terrain Building
PVA glue, also known as white or wood glue, is the best choice when it comes to basing miniatures and assembling terrain for your Warhammer army. PVA glue is non-toxic and washes easily from brushes and hands.
For basing, PVA is perfect for adhering materials like sand, small rocks, and static grass. It air dries clear and remains somewhat flexible when dry, similar to rubber cement. This allows bases to remain durable if dropped.
PVA glue is also ideal for terrain building. It bonds wood, cardboard, foam, and other common hobby materials. The slow drying time allows parts to be repositioned. PVA glue can also be diluted with water for different consistencies. Some good PVA glue options include:
Elmer’s White School Glue
A classroom staple that works great for miniatures. It’s non-toxic, dries clear, and remains flexible when dry. Dilute it with water for thin applications. The fine precision tip makes it easy to control glue application.
Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
Aleene’s glue has an extra sticky, gel-like consistency perfect for adhering terrain materials. It dries clear and remains somewhat flexible. The tackiness helps hold materials in place as it dries. It washes off easily when wet.
Woodland Scenics Scenic Cement
Specifically designed for model railroad and diorama building, this PVA glue is extra thick for bonding terrain materials. The slow drying time allows working and shaping scenes. It remains pliable when dry. The formula resists yellowing too.
Epoxy Resin – For Coating and Sealing Terrain
For sealing and protecting terrain pieces, coating bases, and creating water effects, epoxy resin is the most durable choice. Epoxy resin is created by mixing two liquid components that chemically react and harden into a clear, glass-like plastic. It can be poured or brushed to seal and coat projects.
Some top epoxy resin choices for hobby applications include:
EnviroTex Lite Pour-On High Gloss Finish
Once mixed, this epoxy has a 30 minute working time, drying to a crystal clear, glass-like finish. It’s non-yellowing and resists scratches, heat, and solvents when cured. Use it to coat bases and terrain pieces for a glossy, protective seal.
EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy
This low viscosity epoxy resin works for coating as well as casting small detailed pieces. The clear optical grade formula ensures flawless results. Once mixed, it has a 6 minute work time. It cures in 24 hours to a water-resistant durable plastic.
TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Resin
TotalBoat makes a range of specialty epoxies, including this low viscosity, 100% clear formula. It self-levels nicely for smooth coatings and has excellent UV resistance once cured. It has a 1 hour pot life and cures in 24 hours.
Glue Selection Chart by Miniature Material
To summarize the best glue options for Warhammer miniatures:
| Miniature Material | Recommended Glue Type |
| Plastic | Plastic cement / polystyrene cement |
| Resin | Super glue (cyanoacrylate) |
| Metal | Super glue (cyanoacrylate) |
| Basing/Terrain | PVA glue |
| Coating/Sealing Terrain | Epoxy resin |
| Heavy Repairs | Epoxy putty |
This covers the major glue types and how they work with the main materials used to create Warhammer miniatures. Keep this guide handy while assembling your army and when making terrain and bases. The right glue will keep your meticulously painted miniatures together through many epic battles!
Glue Selection Tips Based on Miniature Size
The tiny scale of Warhammer miniatures means choosing a glue with precision applicability is key. Here are some tips on glue selection based on the size of the miniature:
Individual Infantry Models
For assembling individual infantry models, look for plastic cement and super glue with fine precision tips. Needle dispensing tips give the best control for miniature scale. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and Army Painter Super Glue both have excellent precision applicators.
Larger Models and Vehicles
Bigger models like tanks and large creatures allow more flexibility in glue choice. You can use plastic cement in standard tapered bottles or brush-on formulas. For super glue, look for gel types like Loctite Super Glue Gel that reduce run off on vertical surfaces.
Extra Small Pieces and Details
For tiny detailed pieces like shields, banners, and pilots, the glue needs to be ultra thin and precise. A super glue like Zap-A-Gap works well. For plastic, a thin solvent-based cement like Tenax-7R works beautifully.
Terrain and Basing
For terrain and bases, standard white PVA glues work fine since application areas are larger. Use tapered tips for control. Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue has a gel formula that works well for adhering terrain materials.
Glue Selection Based on Skill Level
The ideal glue for a beginning hobbyist differs from an expert. Here are glue recommendations based on your skill level:
Beginners
As a beginner, look for thicker “gel” type plastic cements and super glues. The gels won’t run and give you more time to align pieces. Testors and Revell make high quality plastic model cements perfect for beginners. For super glue, look for thicker gel formulas.
Intermediate Modelers
Intermediate modelers can use thinner viscosity glues for plastic and super glue. Thinner glues allow precise application of small amounts. For plastic, try Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. For super glue, The Army Painter and Zap-A-Gap are quality options.
Advanced Modelers
Experts can use ultra thin solvent glues and super glues. These allow extremely precise bonding of the smallest pieces. Advanced modelers can also use specialty glues like Tenax-7R. Bob Smith micro-tip applicator super glues work beautifully for tiny details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glue for Miniatures
Is super glue strong enough to use on plastic miniatures?
Super glue can be used on plastics but does not create the strongest bond. Plastic cement chemically melts the parts together creating a much stronger connection. Reserve super glue for metal and resin miniatures for best results.
What consistency super glue is best?
Gel super glues are easiest to work with for miniatures assembly. They reduce running on vertical surfaces. However, very thin super glues allow ultra precise application for small parts. Use thin super glue with care.
Should I avoid “frosted” super glues?
Some super glues dry with a foggy white residue. This frosted appearance indicates an inferior glue. For clear bonds, look for super glue described as “crystal clear” when dried.
How do I remove super glue from surfaces?
Use a debonder like Zap-A-Gap Debonder to dissolve cured super glue. For uncured glue, acetone nail polish remover will break bonds before drying is complete. Avoid getting solvents on painted miniatures.
Is epoxy putty difficult to work with for repairs?
Pre-mixed epoxy putties like Green Stuff and Magic Sculpt smooth on like clay, allowing easy application and shaping on miniatures before drying hard. Two-part epoxies require precise mixing but also work beautifully for repairs.
Can I use wood glue or carpenter’s glue on miniatures?
You can, but PVA glues like wood glue create a weaker plastic bond compared to solvent cements. Save wood glue for basing and terrain building where speed and strength are less critical.
What does “repositionable” mean for glues?
Repositionable glues allow you to adjust aligned pieces for a short time after application before drying. This helps get a perfect fit. Tamiya thin cement and Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue offer some repositioning time.
How do I apply super glue without getting fingerprints in it?
Use a pin vise or clamps so you don’t have to hold glued pieces with your fingers as the super glue cures. Another option is to apply glue with a toothpick instead of directly from the bottle.
Advanced Glue Techniques
Beyond basic assembly, there are some more advanced glue techniques that can aid experienced Warhammer builders:
Two-Part Epoxy For Strong, Invisible Bonds
Two-part epoxy adhesives are extra strong and great for metal miniatures. To prevent visible glue lines, glue can be applied inside joints before assembly. The epoxy wicks into the crevice through capillary action.
Baking Soda and Super Glue For Filling Gaps
Mixing baking soda into uncured super glue creates an instant filler that can repair gaps and holes. Add small amounts of baking soda until the desired consistency is reached before glue dries.
Gluing Magnets for Interchangeable Weapons Loadouts
Gluing tiny rare earth magnets into wrists and weapon handles allows different loadouts to be swapped on a single miniature. Match polarity so weapons attach firmly.
Using Clear Parts Cement for Visor Glazing
Clear plastic model cement like Testors Clear Parts Cement can glue clear plastic visors seamlessly into helmets without fogging or glue lines. It eliminates the need to try and paint visors.
Mixing Plastic Cement with Paint to Color Glue Lines
Add a small amount of paint to plastic cement and mix thoroughly. Apply along joints to color the glue line seam to match the surrounding plastic.
Conclusion
As you can see, selecting the best glue is one of the most important modelling skills for assembling amazing Warhammer miniatures. Matching glue type to the material, your skill level, and the size of the pieces being joined will result in clean, strong bonds that hold up during gameplay. Use this guide to pick the perfect glue for your next Warhammer project!