For my TOEG Squats, I'm custom-making all my infantry bases (!), and I need some cheap brush-on liquid poly cement.

Essentially, I have the gloopy stuff which I generally like, but for this job it takes too long to set fully and impairs my workflow in that I can't clean up the base edges for a good while afterwards (as the plastic is still slightly soft for a good number of hours and makes a mess when filed/sanded).

The really thin brush-on stuff would be much better I think, but I don't know where I can get some decent stuff online quickly and cheaply in the UK... So any pointers would be greatly appreciated please!

Hi!

Just found this page:

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1213_1.html

don't know what's cheap in your world, though

why use poly cement anyway? what's wrong with superglue or the white stuff (don't know name, the one usually used for wood)?

cheers

Thanks, that seems cheap enough until you add the £4.00 shipping!

I'm using Plasticard (which is hard styrene) for the bases, and each base will be made of an upper peice (with holes drilled in) and a lower peice (blank).

The white glue doesn't stick them together very well or very quickly. If when I file the edges of the finished bases they flex at all, they are likely to split and require regluing. I really only use white glue for terrain and sticking sand onto models.

Superglue is usually fine, and I have some ridiculously thin stuff, but it dries too fast for this task. Also, with superglue that thin, I usually end up sticking my fingers to the models... Given how many bases I need to make, I'd like to avoid that if I can!

Because super glue is considerably more expensive than poly cement. And the wood glue/PVA does not melt and re-bond plastics in the same way as poly cement.

Not sure on a UK supplier for brush on, i just use the stuff from a tube when building custom bases form plasticard (in same way you describe), sorry

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I'm considering Ambroid Pro Weld... Not super cheap but is does sound like it will suit my needs weld and it is a big bottle. Does anybody have experience with this stuff? I imagine is is pretty nasty (even by CA or gloopy Poly Cement standards).

Most RC or model shops (ie Model Zone) will stock a brush-on polystyrene cement. I use Contacta Professional because I also like the weld, and the precision applicator is very handy.

I get mine from Model Zone. Unfortunately they don't have Ambroid Pro Weld on the website. I paid £4.25 from the shop a while ago. It really is good stuff but it is very corrosive towards plastics, a lot more than contacta liquid, just don't get it on the model part. One thing you need to get used to is having the two surfaces very close together as it uses capillary action to suck the glue into the joint, if you try to brush it on it evaporates off and doesn't stick very well.

Thanks guys, it sounds like that's definitely what I need then! The plan is to line up the base halves very carefully, and then bond them quickly with Pro Weld once they are in place.

Am a bit concerned about what's in it though, as I will likely be doing quite a number of bases and I therefore anticipate a reasonable amount of fumes...

Humbrol poly liquid will be available from any shop that sells model kits - so thats your best bet. I'm sure ebay can flog cheap bottles with low postage

On the fumes part - make sure you keep your workroom well ventilated or you'll be gluing your models whilst high as a kite!

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I use Plastruct's Plastic Weld when I use plasticard. I get it in the USA but its a big enough brand it might be available overseas? And yea, it has major fumes = outdoor use only

http://plastruct.com/Pages/OnlineProductDetail.lasso?-op=%27eq%27&CCode=PPC-2

Hi Kealios,

Thanks for the recommendation! I went with Ambroid Pro-Weld, which is also American, and I think the plastruct stuff is the re-branded version of it. Even has the same bottle!

The stuff needs to be kept somewhere cool and dark though and I try and avoid using it when it is warm. The principal (and I believe maybe only) ingredient is Dichloromethane. This is a very volatile chemical and is a known carcinogen. It is also the principal ingredient in the paint stripper Nitromors, and probably others too.

So I am very careful with it and, despite it's dangers, it has so far been excellent. It allows me to bond plasticard in seconds and doesn't cause the pieces to warp like the Poly Cement does. Do keep a window open though, and don't use in in small rooms or in hot environments either!