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So, you’ve put in a ton of time and effort into painting and assembling your miniatures, right? I totally get it. It can be beyond frustrating when all that hard work goes to waste because your glued base decides to fall apart. Ugh!
But fear not, my friend, because today we’re going to talk about the holy grail of miniature basing: the best glue. I mean, finding the right adhesive for the job is absolutely crucial if you want your miniatures to stay intact and look awesome on the tabletop.
Now, let me share some of my expert insights on different types of glue that you can use for basing. We’ll dive into the characteristics you should be on the lookout for in an adhesive, and hey, I might even throw in some alternative options for you to consider. Because variety is the spice of life, right?
So get ready to level up your miniature basing game! Together, we’ll find that perfect glue that will keep your minis firmly grounded and ready for action. Let’s do this!
Best Glue for Basing Miniatures
I highly recommend the Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue for basing miniatures. This glue is specifically designed for plastic models and provides a strong bond without leaving any visible residue. The fine tip applicator allows for precise application, ensuring clean and accurate results.
Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml 2 Pack
The effectiveness of Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml 2 Pack as the best glue for basing miniatures lies in its exceptional adhesive properties. This plastic cement glue is specifically designed for model making and offers a strong bond for miniature basing.
Here are three reasons why Tamiya 87038 is the top choice for this task:
- Fine Tip Applicator: The glue comes with a fine tip applicator, allowing for precise and controlled application. This is especially important when working on small and delicate miniatures.
- Extra Thin Consistency: The extra thin consistency of this glue ensures that it seeps into even the tiniest gaps and bonds the miniature securely to the base. This results in a seamless and professional-looking finish.
- Strong Bonding Strength: Tamiya 87038 provides a strong bond between the miniature and the base, ensuring that it stays firmly in place even during gaming sessions or transportation.
With its exceptional adhesive properties, fine tip applicator, extra thin consistency, and strong bonding strength, Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue is undoubtedly the best glue for basing miniatures.
Elmer’s Liquid School Glue
Elmer’s Liquid School Glue is a versatile option that dries clear and is easy to use. It has a built-in applicator, making it convenient for application. Additionally, it is non-toxic and safe for children.
However, one drawback is that it takes longer to dry compared to some other glues. It may also not be as strong for heavy-duty applications and may not be suitable for all types of materials.
I highly recommend using Elmer’s Liquid School Glue for basing miniatures. With Elmer’s Liquid School Glue, you can trust that your miniatures will stay securely attached to their bases, preventing any accidents or damage during gameplay.
Additionally, this glue is washable, making it convenient for cleaning up any accidental spills or messes.
Overall, Elmer’s Liquid School Glue offers the perfect combination of reliability and ease of use for basing miniatures.
Insta-cure gap filling 2oz Bob Smith Industries
On the other hand, Insta-cure offers a strong bond and fills gaps effectively, ensuring a smooth finish. It is versatile and suitable for various materials. However, it can be more difficult to control due to its fast-drying nature. It also has a strong odor, so proper ventilation is necessary. It may not be as user-friendly for beginners.
Here are three reasons why I highly recommend this product:
- Superior Strength: The Insta-cure gap filling glue provides a powerful bond that ensures your miniatures’ bases stay securely in place, even during intense gaming sessions or transportation.
- Versatile Use: This glue isn’t limited to just basing miniatures. It can also be used for various modeling projects, such as attaching plastic components or fixing broken pieces, making it a versatile option for hobbyists.
- Gap Filling Properties: The name says it all – this glue is excellent for filling gaps in your miniatures’ bases, giving them a seamless and professional finish. No more unsightly cracks or uneven surfaces.
When it comes to basing miniatures, the choice of glue is crucial. There are several options available in the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at some popular glues for basing miniatures and evaluate their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
The Army Painter Battlefields Basing Glue
The Army Painter Battlefields Basing Glue offers miniature enthusiasts a reliable and specialized solution for their basing needs. This water-based glue is specifically designed for miniature basing and wargame terrains. It’s viscous, non-toxic, and water-soluble, making it easy to work with and clean up.
The glue comes in a 50ml plastic bottle with a precision nozzle, allowing for precise application and minimal waste. It dries transparent, ensuring that the glued materials blend seamlessly with the base. The glue is long-lasting, and a little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective choice for miniature enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Specialized glue designed for miniature basing
- Dries transparent for seamless blending
- Cost-effective, as a little goes a long way
Cons:
- Some customers feel that it’s overpriced compared to regular PVA glue
War World Scenics Static Grass Basing Glue 500ml
I highly recommend the War World Scenics Static Grass Basing Glue 500ml for miniature enthusiasts looking for a reliable and easy-to-use glue for basing their miniatures.
This glue is specifically designed for applying static grass to model railway or wargame layouts and dioramas. The glue comes in a resealable bottle with a nozzle, making application precise and mess-free. It dries clear, ensuring minimal visibility and a professional finish.
The War World Scenics Static Grass Basing Glue is available in various sizes: 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml.
Pros:
- Quick drying
- Can be used for broad landscapes or fine details
- Adheres well to various media
- Can be painted over or added to manufactured terrain
- Requires very little glue for desired results
Woodland Scenics Scenic Glue 8OZ, Transparent
I highly recommend the Woodland Scenics Scenic Glue 8OZ, Transparent for miniature enthusiasts in need of a reliable and versatile glue for basing their miniatures.
This specially-formulated adhesive is designed for applying landscape materials and provides a high-tack, non-odorous solution for securing various materials to your miniature bases.
With its transparent color and matte finish, it dries clear and blends seamlessly with your scenic elements. The 8 fluid ounce bottle provides ample supply for multiple projects, making it a cost-effective choice for miniature hobbyists.
Pros:
- Specially formulated for applying landscape materials
- High-tack adhesive provides a strong bond
- Dries clear with a matte finish
- Versatile and suitable for various art and craft projects
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for securing fixed objects or upright trees
Mod Podge CS11203 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, 32 Oz, Gloss
The Mod Podge Sealer is a reliable adhesive option for basing miniatures due to its versatile applications and durable finish. This 32 oz bottle of Mod Podge provides a convenient size that will last for multiple projects.
The clear, glossy finish it provides is stunning and adds a professional touch to any miniature. One of the key benefits of this adhesive is its quick-drying formula, which allows for efficient and timely completion of projects.
It can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood, paper, canvas, tin, and terra cotta, making it a versatile choice for different miniature basing needs.
Furthermore, it’s easy to clean up with just soap and water, making the post-application process hassle-free.
Pros:
- Convenient and versatile size
- Dries quickly
- Provides a stunning, durable finish
- Can be used on multiple surfaces
Cons:
- Difficult to use, resulting in the formation of bubbles
- May dull the color and shine of the project if not applied properly
Barge All Purpose Cement, Neutral
This adhesive is known for its strong bond, easy application, and long-lasting durability. It’s an ideal choice for securing miniature figures to their bases, ensuring that they stay in place even during gaming sessions or display.
The Barge All Purpose Cement is particularly effective on materials such as rubber, wood, and cork, making it versatile for different types of miniature bases. Its waterproof formula adds an extra layer of protection, guarding against any accidental spills or moisture.
With its impressive performance, Barge All Purpose Cement is a reliable glue option for miniature enthusiasts looking for high-quality adhesion.
Pros:
- Strong bond with just one coat
- Easy-to-spread and non-smearing formula
- Versatile for different materials
Cons:
- Strong odor when not dry
Revell 39604 Contacta Professional Glue 25g
I highly recommend using the Revell Contacta Glue for basing miniatures. This liquid cement is specifically designed for plastics and comes with a precision applicator that allows for pin-point accurate bonding.
The extra-fine hollow needle ensures micro-fine gluing of tiny details and clear part edges, making it perfect for miniature basing.
The Revell Glue is a reliable and versatile glue that offers several advantages. First, it’s easy to use with minimal dripping or over-applying. The precision applicator allows for targeted application, ensuring precise and neat results. The glue has a low odor, making it more pleasant to work with.
However, there are a few things to consider before using this glue. It’s important to keep the needle clean to prevent clogs. Some users may find this challenging at first, but once you learn the trick, it becomes easier to work with.
The glue isn’t fast-setting, so parts need to be held together for a while until the bond is fully formed.
Pros:
- Precision applicator allows for pin-point accurate bonding
- Easy to use with minimal dripping or over-applying
- Low odor for a more pleasant working experience
Cons:
- Needle can clog if not kept clean
- Glue isn’t fast-setting, requiring parts to be held together for a while
What is Basing for Miniatures
Basing is the process of creating a foundation for your miniature models, providing them with stability and enhancing their overall appearance. It involves attaching the miniature to a base and adding various materials such as sand, rocks, or grass to create a realistic environment.
Why Is It Important to Have the Right Glue
Having the right glue for basing miniatures is crucial to ensure a secure and long-lasting bond between the miniature and its base. The bond between the miniature and its base is essential for stability and durability.
Here’s why it’s important to have the right glue:
- Strong bond: The right glue will create a strong bond between the miniature and the base, ensuring that it stays firmly in place even during gaming sessions or transport.
- Surface compatibility: Different materials require different types of glue. The right glue will be compatible with both the miniature and the base material, whether it’s plastic, metal, or resin.
Types of Glue
When it comes to basing miniatures, there are several types of glue that can be used.
Each type of glue has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
White Glue One: commonly used type of glue for basing miniatures is white glue. White glue, also known as PVA glue or craft glue, is a versatile adhesive that provides a strong bond and dries clear.
Super Glue: Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a popular choice among miniature hobbyists for its strong and fast-drying properties. It’s suitable for bonding various materials, including metal, plastic bases, and resin. When using super glue, it’s important to ensure a clean and dry surface to maximize adhesion.
Wood Glues: For basing miniatures, I find wood glues to be a reliable option. Wood glues are known for their strong bond and versatility, making them ideal for attaching miniature figures to their bases. Wood glues can adhere to a variety of materials commonly used in miniatures, such as plastic, metal, and resin. This ensures that your miniatures stay securely attached to their bases, regardless of the material. Wood glues typically have a longer drying time compared to superglue. This allows for more flexibility and adjustment when positioning the miniatures on the bases, ensuring precise placement.
Characteristics to Look for in a Good Adhesive
Strength of Bond
Using a high-quality adhesive with a strong bond is crucial for basing miniatures effectively. When looking for an adhesive with the strongest bond, consider the following characteristics:
- Dedicated Glues: Look for glues specifically designed for miniature basing. These glues are formulated to provide a strong bond that can withstand the rigors of gaming and handling.
- Hot Glue Guns: Hot glue guns are a popular choice for basing miniatures due to their ability to create a strong bond quickly. The heat melts the glue, allowing it to penetrate the materials and create a secure connection.
- Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue): Cyanoacrylate, commonly known as super glue, is another adhesive that provides a strong bond. It dries quickly and forms a durable bond between different materials.
While air-dry glues may be suitable for some applications, they often lack the strength required for basing miniatures. It’s important to choose an adhesive that offers the strongest bond to ensure your miniatures stay securely in place.
Ability to Work with Uneven or Smooth Surfaces
A good adhesive for basing miniatures should have the ability to effectively adhere to both uneven and smooth surfaces. When it comes to basing miniatures, the surface isn’t always uniform. Some miniatures have textured bases, while others may have smooth surfaces. It’s important to choose a glue that can handle both types of surfaces to ensure a strong bond.
When selecting a glue for basing miniatures, it’s important to consider the following characteristics:
- Compatibility with various materials: Look for an adhesive that can bond to different materials commonly used for miniature bases, such as plastic, resin, metal, or wood. This will allow for flexibility in your projects and ensure a secure attachment.
- Resistance to sand and water: Miniature bases often require the addition of sand or water effects for realistic terrain. Opt for a glue that can withstand exposure to these elements without compromising the bond, ensuring the longevity of your creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Household Glue for Basing Miniatures?
Yes, regular household glue can be used for basing miniatures. However, specialized modeling glue or super glue may provide better adhesion and durability.
How Long Does It Take for the Glue to Dry Completely?
It usually takes around 24 hours for the glue to dry completely. However, factors such as temperature and humidity can affect drying time.
Can I Use Super Glue for Basing Miniatures?
Yes, super glue can be used for basing miniatures. It dries quickly, providing a strong bond. However, be cautious with plastic miniatures as super glue can cause damage. Always test on a small area first.
Are There Any Specific Safety Precautions I Should Take When Using Glue for Basing Miniatures?
When using glue for basing miniatures, it’s important to take certain safety precautions. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, work in a well-ventilated area, and use gloves if necessary. Prioritize your safety while achieving innovative results.
Can I Use Hot Glue for Basing Miniatures?
Yes, hot glue can be used for basing miniatures. It provides a strong bond and dries quickly. However, it may not be the best choice for delicate or small parts, as it can be difficult to control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to basing miniatures, it’s important to choose the right glue that meets the specific requirements of the project. Whether it be a super glue for quick adhesion or a PVA glue for flexibility and durability, each type has its own advantages.
By considering the characteristics of a good adhesive and exploring other options beyond specialty glues, hobbyists can achieve the best results in their miniature basing endeavors.
