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In my experience, when basing miniatures, I find that different adhesives work well for various needs. For bonding porous materials like cork or sand, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) glue is a smart choice, providing easy cleanup and adjustability. If heavier components are involved, Tacky glue’s strong adhesion is ideal, especially for flocking textures. Super Glue excels in versatility among materials, with the need for moisture, while Two-Part Epoxy provides excellent durability with precise mixing. The UV Curable Adhesives offer efficient bonding with dispensers. Each glue serves a specific purpose, ensuring secure and lasting bonds for miniature basing projects.
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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
Types of Adhesives for Miniature Basing
What types of adhesives are commonly used for miniature basing projects? When it comes to miniature basing, a few key adhesives stand out for their effectiveness and suitability for different materials. First up, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) glue is a go-to choice due to its versatility and ability to bond porous materials like cork or sand. Its water-based nature allows for easy cleanup and adjustment of basing elements before the glue sets. Tacky glue is another popular option known for its thickness and strong adhesion properties, making it ideal for securing heavier basing components or textures like flocking.
Moving on to Plastic Cement, this adhesive excels in bonding plastic elements through a process called solvent welding. This makes it particularly useful for attaching plastic basing components such as miniatures or terrain pieces. Plastic Cement creates strong and durable bonds specifically designed for plastic materials, ensuring a reliable attachment that can withstand the rigors of gaming and handling.
Super Glue for Miniature Basing
Super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate, emerges as a versatile adhesive option for miniature basing projects due to its compatibility with various materials like plastic, metal, and resin. When working with porous materials such as cork or foam, opting for thick or gel versions of super glue is advisable due to their superior adhesion properties. Super glue’s requirement for moisture to initiate the bonding process makes it an excellent choice for achieving quick and robust adhesion in miniature basing applications.
To enhance the bonding process further, accelerants like zip kicker can be utilized with super glue. These substances help speed up the bonding process, ensuring a secure attachment between the miniature and the base. Super glue is renowned for its strength, fast-acting nature, and versatility in miniature basing and wargaming scenarios. Its ability to bond quickly and effectively to a variety of materials makes it a popular choice among hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. When precision and quick adhesion are paramount, super glue stands out as a reliable option for miniature basing projects.
Two-Part Epoxy for Miniature Basing
Two-Part Epoxy emerges as a robust adhesive choice for miniature basing projects due to its durability and versatile bonding capabilities. When considering the best glue for miniature basing, Two-Part Epoxy stands out for several reasons:
- Strong Bonding: Two-part epoxy works well for miniature bases because it forms a strong and permanent bond. This is essential for securing miniatures in place, especially when using heavier materials.
- Versatile Compatibility: This adhesive is suitable for various materials commonly used in miniature basing, including plastic, metal, wood, and resin. Its ability to bond different materials provides flexibility in crafting diverse bases.
- Durability: Two-part epoxy offers durability once cured, making sure that the miniature base remains intact over time. This resilience is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the base and the miniature.
- Precision Application: While two-part epoxy may require accurate mixing ratios and application, its reliable hold makes it a preferred choice for miniature basing projects. The precision in application ensures a secure bond between the miniature and the base, enhancing the overall quality of the finished project.
Hot Glue Gun for Miniature Basing
When considering miniature basing projects, utilizing a hot glue gun proves to be a versatile and efficient choice for securing various materials onto bases. Hot glue guns are valuable tools in the world of crafting, providing quick and robust adhesion for attaching items such as rocks, sand, and grass onto bases. This adhesive option is particularly beneficial when working with heavier objects or terrain pieces, guaranteeing a secure attachment.
One advantage of using hot glue guns for miniature basing is the rapid setting time of the glue. This feature allows for swift assembly of terrain features without the need to wait for extended drying periods. However, it is essential to exercise caution when working with hot glue guns to prevent burns and guarantee precise application, especially when dealing with delicate or intricate miniature details.
Compared to traditional white glue, hot glue guns offer a stronger bond and quicker adhesion, making them a preferred choice for many hobbyists engaged in miniature basing projects. Additionally, hot glue guns are suitable for various materials commonly used in basing, including plastic components. Overall, incorporating a hot glue gun into your miniature basing toolkit can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in securing elements to bases.
UV Curable Adhesives for Miniature Basing
How can UV curable adhesives enhance the efficiency of securing miniature basing materials? UV curable adhesives offer a rapid and precise solution for attaching basing materials to miniatures. Here are four key points to take into account when using UV curable adhesives for miniature basing:
- Quick and Efficient Bonding: UV curable adhesives cure almost instantly when exposed to UV light, allowing for a swift bonding process. This speed can greatly reduce the time spent waiting for the adhesive to set, streamlining the overall basing process.
- Precise Application: Equipped with a dispenser, UV curable adhesives enable controlled and accurate application onto the desired areas. This precision is important when working with intricate basing materials or when attaching small components to miniatures.
- Extended Workable Time: The resin in UV curable adhesives remains in a liquid state until exposed to UV light, providing ample time for adjustments. This feature allows hobbyists to fine-tune the positioning of basing materials before finalizing the bond, ensuring the best placement.
- Cost Consideration: While UV curable adhesives offer efficiency and convenience, they can be pricier than traditional craft glues or water-based adhesives. Hobbyists should weigh the benefits of quick curing times and precise application against the higher cost when deciding on the most suitable adhesive for their miniature basing projects.
