Maya Ellison
Tamiya cement is a liquid glue that acts as a solvent to chemically melt and weld plastic pieces together. It is commonly used in plastic model kit building and painting. When using Tamiya cement, it is recommended to first dry fit the pieces, then apply the cement with a wet brush to the seam, allowing capillary action to draw the cement between the pieces and create a strong weld. While Tamiya cement is effective for joining plastic pieces, it is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces as it can dissolve the paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How it works | Tamiya cement acts as a solvent, melting plastic and chemically welding it together |
| Effectiveness | It has a 3% chance of not working |
| Comparison to other cements | Tamiya cement is not as aggressive as Dichloromethane |
| Comparison to super glue | Super glue holds two surfaces together, but Tamiya cement chemically melts the plastic for a stronger bond |
| Effect on paint | Tamiya cement ruins paint |
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What You'll Learn
Tamiya Extra Thin is a liquid cement that melts plastic together
Tamiya Extra Thin is unique in that it can be used to join two pieces of plastic together with a very small amount of adhesive. The cement is applied with a brush, and the capillary action allows it to flow into the small spaces between the two plastic parts. This makes it ideal for joining small pieces that require pinpoint accuracy and finesse.
It is important to note that Tamiya Extra Thin should not be used on painted surfaces, as it will cut through the paint and ruin the finish. The best practice is to assemble the plastic pieces first and then paint the model. This allows for a strong weld between the plastic pieces and ensures that the paint job is not affected.
Tamiya Extra Thin consists of acetone and n-butyl acetate, making it a healthier alternative to other adhesives such as dichloromethane, which can be aggressive and harmful to health. With its effectiveness in hiding seams and joining plastic pieces, Tamiya Extra Thin is a popular choice among model makers and hobbyists.
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Tamiya Extra Thin is not a traditional glue
Tamiya Extra Thin is a widely popular glue used by modelers worldwide. It is a quick-setting glue that dries around four times faster than the original Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. Unlike traditional adhesives, it is not slathered onto surfaces before mating them together. Instead, it utilizes capillary action, allowing users to join two pieces, then touch the join with a wet brush, drawing the glue into the gap and welding it together. This method of application ensures that the glue does not end up where you don't want it.
Tamiya Extra Thin is a form of plastic cement, which acts as a solvent that melts the plastic surfaces being joined. This chemical process results in a weld that is stronger than the mechanical bond created by super glue. However, it is important to note that paint is considered a contaminant when using liquid cement. Introducing paint can lead to weaker joins or poor bonding. Therefore, it is recommended to assemble pieces first and then paint them to prevent issues.
The original Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is also available for situations where larger gaps and seams need to be filled. This version dries within 40 seconds of application, while the Quick Setting variant dries in under 10 seconds. The Quick Setting Extra Thin Cement is ideal for quickly gluing parts together and attaching pre-fitted pieces. Its highly liquid consistency enables it to flow into small cracks, making it useful for tight spaces.
While Tamiya Extra Thin is not a traditional glue, it offers unique advantages. Its capillary action ensures precise application and strong welds. Its ability to melt plastic surfaces creates a more durable bond than mechanical adhesives. Additionally, its quick-setting properties save time and energy during the modeling process. However, users should be cautious when working with painted surfaces, as the solvent nature of the glue can affect the paint.
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Tamiya Extra Thin is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces because it works as a solvent that chemically melts the plastic of the surfaces being joined, cutting through any paint covering the plastic. This is how it creates a strong weld between plastic pieces.
As a result, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement will ruin painted surfaces by making the paint run off, and it is not recommended for gluing painted surfaces. This is true of any glue that works by melting plastic, not just Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.
To avoid ruining painted surfaces, it is recommended to assemble plastic model kits before painting them. If gluing after painting, regular super glue can be used, but it will only glue two layers of paint together, not the plastic itself, resulting in a weaker bond.
If using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, it is best to scrape or sand away paint from surfaces to be glued. This product works by capillary action, meaning it will get into every nook and cranny, so a thicker glue is recommended if gluing painted surfaces.
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Tamiya Extra Thin is a solvent that chemically melts plastic surfaces
Tamiya Extra Thin is a solvent-based glue that chemically melts plastic surfaces. It is a type of polystyrene cement that works by melting the plastic of the surfaces being joined, creating a strong weld. Unlike traditional adhesives, it does not simply bond two surfaces together but instead fuses them into one piece of plastic. This means that any paint on the plastic surfaces will be cut through as the glue chemically melts the plastic underneath. Therefore, it is recommended to either glue pieces before painting or to scrape or sand away paint from the areas to be glued.
Tamiya Extra Thin is not a traditional glue that is slathered onto surfaces before mating them together. Instead, it uses capillary action to be drawn into the gap between two pieces that have already been joined, welding them together. Only a small amount is needed for this process, and it is praised by modellers for its strength and ease of use.
Tamiya Extra Thin consists of acetone and n-butyl acetate, making it a healthier option than other glues such as Dichloromethane (DCM). It is important to note that Tamiya Extra Thin is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces as it will dissolve the paint, leading to a weaker join or poor bonding. This is because paint acts as a contaminant when it comes into contact with liquid cement.
While Tamiya Extra Thin is a popular choice for joining plastic model kit pieces, it is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces. Instead, a regular super glue is recommended for bonding painted surfaces together. Super glue creates a mechanical bond by holding two surfaces together, whereas Tamiya Extra Thin creates a chemical weld by melting the plastic surfaces together.
In conclusion, Tamiya Extra Thin is a unique solvent-based glue that chemically melts plastic surfaces, creating a strong weld. Its capillary action and ease of use make it a popular choice among modellers, but it is important to remember that it is not suitable for gluing painted surfaces due to its paint-dissolving properties.
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Tamiya Extra Thin is a better alternative to Dichloromethane
Tamiya Extra Thin is a liquid cement that acts as a solvent to weld plastic pieces together. It is made up of acetone and n-butyl acetate, which are far less aggressive and safer for your health than dichloromethane (DCM). While dichloromethane is a strong solvent that can dissolve styrene and is commonly used by architectural model makers, it is important to note that it is not as widely available and can be more expensive.
Tamiya Extra Thin, on the other hand, is a popular choice for plastic model welding due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It utilizes capillary action to create strong bonds between plastic pieces. Users simply need to join two pieces together, then touch the join with a wet brush, allowing the cement to flow between the pieces and create a secure weld. This method of application also means that less cement is required compared to traditional glues, making it a more economical option.
Additionally, Tamiya Extra Thin is versatile and can be used on a variety of plastic types, including chrome pieces. It is also suitable for filling gaps and cleaning up sprue tabs before painting. While it is not recommended for gluing painted surfaces due to its solvent properties, it can be used with some paint without affecting its bonding ability, as long as the paint does not cause lumpiness.
In terms of cost, Tamiya Extra Thin is priced at around $8 for a 40ml bottle, which some may find expensive, especially when used in large quantities. However, it is important to consider the strength and quality of the weld it produces, as well as the fact that only a small amount is needed for effective bonding. For those seeking a more affordable option, alternatives such as Deluxe Materials' Plastic Magic or Mr. Cement are available, and mixing MEK with acetone is suggested to be equivalent to Mr. Cement.
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