# Best Plastic Cement for Model Kits: Solvent Glues That Weld Styrene Source: https://modelbuildlab.com/best/best-plastic-cement Updated: 2026-09-14 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 Plastic cement does not stick parts together so much as weld them: the solvent melts both styrene surfaces, and they cure into a single piece of plastic stronger than the surrounding sprue. That chemistry is why seam lines can vanish under sanding and why the right cement matters more than clamping force. But formulas differ widely. Extra-thin types wick into a held joint by capillary action, thicker tube cements give working time and fill small gaps, and each has a place on the bench. Brush quality, drying speed, and fume strength vary just as much. This guide compares the leading solvent cements, explains where each type earns its spot, and flags the ones worth keeping within arm's reach. ## Picks ### 1. Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement Glue Fine Tip 40ml Our score: 9.1/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Tamiya 87038 Extra Thin Cement with fine tip brush, 40ml, a watery glue that wicks into joints by capillary action. Pros: - Extra thin formula flows into seams for nearly invisible bonds - Brush in the cap applies glue precisely along joints - 40ml bottle lasts through many kit builds Cons: - Evaporates quickly if the cap is left off - Too thin for filling gaps between poorly fitting parts Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B000BMYWYC ### 2. Plastruct Plastic Weld with Applicator 2oz Bottle Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Plastruct Plastic Weld with applicator in a 2oz bottle, a strong solvent cement for styrene, ABS and scratch-building. Pros: - Powerful solvent welds styrene and ABS for tough joints - Applicator helps place glue accurately on small parts - Popular with scratch-builders and model railroaders Cons: - Strong fumes require good ventilation during use - Aggressive solvent can mar surfaces if spilled Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00FDFWJD8 ### 3. GSI Creos MC129 Mr. Cement S, Mr. Hobby Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) GSI Creos MC129 Mr. Cement S from Mr. Hobby, a fast-evaporating thin cement for precise seam bonding. Pros: - Thin, fast-setting formula bonds seams quickly and neatly - Japanese Mr. Hobby quality favored by many scale modelers - Minimal residue keeps joints tidy for painting Cons: - Fast evaporation leaves little time to reposition parts - Can be harder to find in general US craft stores Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B002DTDLUC ### 4. Tamiya TAM87012 Plastic Cement 20ml Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Tamiya TAM87012 Plastic Cement 20ml, a thicker plastic glue for larger joints and parts that need time to position. Pros: - Thicker body gives more working time to align parts - Good for structural joints like wings and hull halves - Brush cap spreads glue evenly across contact surfaces Cons: - Can ooze from seams if too much is applied - 20ml bottle is smaller than the extra thin version Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B002CDPZDK ### 5. Mr. Hobby MC124 Cement For Plastic Model 40ml Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Mr. Hobby MC124 Cement for Plastic Model 40ml, a standard-viscosity Mr. Hobby glue for general kit assembly. Pros: - Standard viscosity works for both large and medium joints - 40ml bottle offers good value for regular builders - Brush cap spreads glue evenly across joining faces Cons: - Thicker than Mr. Cement S for capillary seam work - Can soften plastic detail if used too heavily Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B000WI8VFQ ### 6. Testors Plastic Cement Liquid 1 Oz Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Testors Plastic Cement Liquid 1 Oz, a classic American liquid glue for bonding styrene model parts. Pros: - Widely stocked in US hobby and craft stores - Liquid formula welds styrene for a strong, clean joint - Affordable choice for casual and younger builders Cons: - Applicator may be less precise than fine brush caps - Solvent odor means you should work with good airflow Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B004Z0PFTC ### 7. Testors Plastic Cement (5/8 oz Tube) Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Testors Plastic Cement in a 5/8 oz tube, a thick tube glue that has been a starter staple for decades. Pros: - Thick glue fills small gaps while bonding parts - Tube format is familiar and easy for young beginners - Very affordable and widely available Cons: - Messy strings and blobs are easy to leave on visible parts - Slow drying compared with thin liquid cements Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00BH0NN1A As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.