Published by Access Models — 21 April 2026
Walk into any model shop and you'll see a wall of adhesives. For plastic kit builders, though, the choice almost always comes down to one brand: Tamiya. Their range of plastic cements is the industry standard — but with several types available, picking the right one matters more than you'd think.
This guide breaks down every Tamiya cement, explains when to use each, and helps you avoid the mistakes that ruin otherwise good builds.
[IMAGE: Flat lay of all Tamiya cement types lined up — regular, extra thin, and quick-setting bottles]How Plastic Cement Actually Works
Unlike super glue, which sits on top of surfaces, plastic cement works by chemically melting polystyrene. It dissolves a thin layer of plastic on each part, and when the solvent evaporates, the two pieces fuse into a single, seamless bond. That's why it only works on polystyrene — it won't bond resin, metal, or clear parts (for those, you need super glue or specialist adhesives).
This welding action is what makes plastic cement so valuable. A properly cemented joint is stronger than the surrounding plastic, and with a bit of sanding, completely invisible.
Tamiya Cement Types Compared
Tamiya Liquid Cement (87003) — The Standard
The Tamiya Liquid Cement 40ml is the original and still the most versatile option. It comes in the familiar white-capped bottle with a built-in brush applicator.
Best for:
- General assembly of plastic kits
- Larger joints where you need working time to adjust parts
- Beginners — it's forgiving and easy to control
- Gap-filling when used with plastic shavings (sprue goo technique)
Working time: Around 30–60 seconds before the bond starts to set, with full cure in 24 hours. This gives you time to reposition parts, which is ideal when you're aligning fuselage halves or hull sections.
Tip: Apply a thin coat to both surfaces, press together, and hold for 10 seconds. The brush applicator makes it easy to control the amount — less is more with this cement.
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (87038) — The Precision Choice
The Tamiya Extra Thin Cement 40ml is the green-capped bottle that experienced modellers reach for most. It has a much thinner consistency that flows into joints by capillary action.
Best for:
- Fine, precise work — photoetch, small parts, detail pieces
- Capillary application: hold parts together, touch the brush to the seam, and the cement wicks in
- Cleaner joints with less visible residue
- Experienced builders who want speed and precision
Working time: Very short — just a few seconds. The thin formula evaporates quickly, so parts need to be pre-positioned before application.
Tip: Don't apply this like regular cement. Instead, dry-fit the parts together, then run the brush along the outside of the join. Capillary action draws the cement into the seam automatically. This technique gives the cleanest results possible.
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Quick-Setting (87182)
The Tamiya Extra Thin Quick-Setting Cement 40ml — recognisable by its blue-green cap — is the newest addition to the range. Same thin consistency as the standard Extra Thin, but with a faster-evaporating solvent.
Best for:
- Rapid assembly — when you want to move on quickly
- Tacking small parts in place before reinforcing
- Builders who find regular Extra Thin too slow
- Sub-assemblies where you need to keep momentum
Working time: Almost instant. Parts bond within 2–5 seconds, so this is not the cement for adjustable fits. Know where the part goes before the brush touches the seam.
Tip: Keep the lid on when not actively using it — the quick-evaporating formula means an open bottle thickens faster than the others.
[IMAGE: Close-up comparison of the three bottle types side by side with cap colours visible]Comparison Table
| Feature | Liquid Cement (87003) | Extra Thin (87038) | Quick-Setting (87182) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Medium (brushable) | Very thin (capillary) | Very thin (capillary) |
| Application | Brush onto surfaces | Wick into seams | Wick into seams |
| Working time | 30–60 seconds | 5–10 seconds | 2–5 seconds |
| Bond strength | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Residue | Moderate — needs cleanup | Minimal | Minimal |
| Best for | General assembly, beginners | Precision work, clean joints | Speed building, tacking |
| Skill level | Beginner–Intermediate | Intermediate–Advanced | Intermediate–Advanced |
Plastic Cement vs Super Glue: When to Use Each
This is one of the most common questions we get at the shop. The short answer: plastic cement for polystyrene, super glue for everything else.
Use plastic cement when:
- Joining polystyrene parts (i.e., most plastic kit components)
- You want an invisible, structural bond
- You plan to sand and paint over the joint
Use super glue (cyanoacrylate) when:
- Bonding resin, metal, or photoetch parts
- Attaching clear parts (canopies, windscreens) — plastic cement will fog them
- Joining dissimilar materials (metal to plastic, for example)
- Working with non-polystyrene kits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Too Much Cement
Excess cement dissolves surrounding detail. A thin application is always better — you can add more, but you can't take it back. This is especially true with the liquid cement, where the brush can carry more than you need.
2. Touching Cemented Joints Too Soon
Even with quick-setting varieties, the full cure takes hours. Moving parts during the initial set can weaken the bond or leave visible marks. Patience pays off.
3. Using Plastic Cement on Clear Parts
The solvent will cloud transparent plastic instantly, and there's no fixing it. Always use PVA or specialist clear-part adhesive for canopies and windows.
4. Forgetting to Ventilate
All plastic cements contain solvents. Work in a ventilated area, and take breaks during long building sessions. Your lungs will thank you.
Pro Tips: Getting the Most From Your Tamiya Cement
- Make sprue goo: Drop plastic sprue offcuts into a jar of liquid cement. After a day, you'll have a thick paste that's perfect for filling gaps — it shrinks less than commercial putty because it's literally the same material as your kit.
- Use the right tool set: A good Tamiya Basic Tool Set and a pair of Tamiya side cutters will make assembly much cleaner.
- Store bottles upright: Prevents the solvent from attacking the cap seal and evaporating prematurely.
- Replace regularly: Once cement starts to thicken, its bonding performance drops. A fresh bottle is always better than a half-evaporated one.
Which Tamiya Cement Should You Buy?
If you're just starting out, grab the Tamiya Liquid Cement — it's the most forgiving and handles 80% of tasks. Once you're comfortable with dry-fitting and capillary application, add the Extra Thin to your bench. The Quick-Setting variant is a luxury, not a necessity — but if you build often, you'll appreciate the speed.
Many experienced modellers keep all three on hand and switch depending on the job. At a few pounds per bottle, that's a small investment for significantly better results.
Shop Tamiya Cement at Access Models
We stock the full range of Tamiya cements alongside modelling tools and accessories from all the major brands. Browse our complete glue and adhesive range to find exactly what your next project needs.
Visit us at 43–45 Castle Gate, Newark — or shop online with free UK delivery over £50.