# Best CA Glue Accelerators for Modeling: Instant Cure Without the Wait Source: https://modelbuildlab.com/best/best-glue-accelerators Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Model Build Lab. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://modelbuildlab.com/how-we-research#our-score CA glue is fast, but sometimes fast is not fast enough. When you are holding a photo-etch part with tweezers at an awkward angle, even a ten-second cure feels endless, and gap-filling CA can take minutes to harden fully. Accelerator, or kicker, cures cyanoacrylate on contact: mist or brush it on and the joint sets instantly, ready for sanding. That speed comes with trade-offs. Aggressive kickers can cause foaming, weaken joints, bloom near clear parts, or attack some paints, and delivery matters as much as chemistry since a broad spray wastes product where a brush pinpoints it. This guide compares hobby-safe accelerators by cure behavior, applicator type, and odor, so you can work faster without wrecking the finish. ## Picks ### 1. Bob Smith Industries Insta-Set Super Glue Accelerator 2 fl oz - Fast Drying Liquid Activator for Cyanoacrylate Adhesives Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Bob Smith Industries Insta-Set Super Glue Accelerator 2 fl oz, a liquid activator that instantly cures CA adhesives. Pros: - Instantly sets CA so parts can be handled right away - Liquid pump format is easy to control on small areas - Pairs naturally with Bob Smith Insta-Cure glues Cons: - Overspray can cause white frosting on nearby surfaces - Strong smell means working in a ventilated space Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B083ZBDHX4 ### 2. TotalBoat TotalBond CA Glue Activator Spray for Super Glue - 2 oz Bottle Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) 2 oz pump spray bottle of TotalBoat TotalBond CA glue activator. Sets thin, medium or thick CA on contact, which helps when holding a small model part in place until the glue grabs is not practical. Pros: - Listed for thin, medium and thick CA glue, so one bottle covers every viscosity on the bench - Pump spray instead of an aerosol can, described as giving better control and less mess - Stated as usable on hard plastics, metal, fiberglass and wood, and in cold or low humidity conditions Cons: - 2 oz bottle only in this listing, which is small if you spray accelerator on every joint - The listing says hard plastics but does not address clear parts or painted surfaces Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0CXTZ7T1B ### 3. 2 oz Zip Kicker (Aerosol Spray) CA Accelerator Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) 2 oz Zip Kicker aerosol spray CA accelerator, a spray-can version for quick, even coverage on super glue joints. Pros: - Aerosol delivers a fine, even mist over larger glue areas - Zip Kicker formula is a trusted RC and hobby staple - Great for curing thick CA fillets and gap fills fast Cons: - Aerosol mist is hard to limit to tiny spots - Overspray can frost clear or painted surfaces nearby Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00P8DY0IM ### 4. Starbond Instant Set Accelerator (Activator) with Sprayer for CA Glue Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Starbond Instant Set Accelerator (Activator) with sprayer, made to cure Starbond and other CA glues on contact. Pros: - Pump sprayer offers control without aerosol propellant - Pairs well with Starbond thick and medium CA glues - Instant set speeds up gap filling and sanding work Cons: - Sprayer bottle volume is unlisted, so plan on checking refills - Heavy application may leave residue on the joint Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00BUVAY9K ### 5. MITREAPEL Activator (2 x 13.5 fl oz) Spray Accelerator for CA Super Glues (2 Pack) Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) MITREAPEL Activator spray accelerator for CA super glues, a 2 Pack of large 13.5 fl oz cans for heavy users. Pros: - Two 13.5 fl oz cans last a very long time for regular users - Aerosol spray covers wide joints quickly - Useful for woodworking and modeling in one workshop Cons: - Large cans are more than most scale modelers will use - Broad spray is imprecise on tiny detail parts Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B08V6TTSSQ ### 6. FastCap 98209 12 oz Adhesive Spray Activator for 2P-10 Glue Adhesives Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) FastCap 98209 12 oz adhesive spray activator for 2P-10 glue adhesives, a woodworking-grade CA accelerator. Pros: - Designed to pair with FastCap 2P-10 professional glue - 12 oz can gives long-lasting supply for heavy projects - Fast cure helps when building wooden ship kits Cons: - Woodworking focus makes it bulky for plastic kit use - Formulated for 2P-10, so results vary with other CA brands Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0006IUWC2 ### 7. MITREAPEL CA Glue with Activator (0.80oz-3.30fl oz) Instant Bond Professional Cyanoacrylate Adhesive and Super Glue Accelerator for Woodworking, Ceramic, 3D Printing, Glass, DIY&Craft, Plastic,Repair Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Two-part kit with a 0.80 oz bottle of MITREAPEL CA glue and a 3.30 fl oz aerosol activator. A smaller version of the kit this pick replaces, for builders who want glue and accelerator from one box. Pros: - Glue and aerosol activator come together, so the two parts are matched out of the box - Listed cure of 5 to 12 seconds with the activator, against up to 2 minutes without it - Aerosol activator is described as a fine, easy to control mist for clean application Cons: - Smaller than the kit it replaces: one 0.80 oz glue and one 3.30 fl oz activator - The listing warns against use on nonstick surfaces and polyethylene products Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B07Y6HG8B6 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.