# Best Tamiya-Style Cements: Extra Thin and Brush-Applied Solvent Glues Source: https://modelbuildlab.com/best/best-tamiya-style-cements 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 The little square bottle with a brush in the cap changed how most people build plastic kits. Tamiya Extra Thin popularized the workflow of holding two parts together and touching the seam with a loaded brush, letting capillary action pull solvent through the entire joint for a clean, weld-strength bond with no squeeze-out. Today, several companies make cements in the same style, and they are not interchangeable: solvent blends differ in aggressiveness and evaporation speed, brushes differ in fineness, and some formulas suit quick tacking while others allow longer working time. This guide compares Tamiya's own cements with rival brush-in-cap options, so you know which bottle to reach for on delicate parts, long seams, and everything in between. ## 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. TAMIYA Extra-Thin Cement 40ml Quick-Setting TAM87182 Our score: 8.9/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) TAMIYA Extra-Thin Cement 40ml Quick-Setting TAM87182, a faster curing version of Tamiya's popular thin glue. Pros: - Quick-setting formula lets you handle parts sooner - Extra-thin consistency wicks into tight joints easily - Ideal for small parts that are awkward to hold in place Cons: - Shorter working time than the standard extra thin cement - Strong solvent odor requires ventilation Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0CFNPJ34K ### 3. Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement SP Super Power Plastic Cement Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement SP Super Power Plastic Cement, a very fast and strong thin glue for plastic model joints. Pros: - Super Power formula bonds very quickly for fast assembly - Thin consistency flows along seams like extra thin cements - Great for holding stubborn parts that spring apart Cons: - Very fast set gives almost no time for adjustment - Aggressive formula can mark plastic if you over-apply Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B06ZZH8PD5 ### 4. 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 ### 5. 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 ### 6. 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 ### 7. 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 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.