How Tamiya Plastic Cement Actually Works

Before choosing a glue, it helps to know how plastic cement works.

Tamiya plastic cements do not work like regular glue. They:

• Slightly melt the surface of the plastic
• Fuse both parts together
• Create a welded joint once dry

This means:

• Stronger bonds than super glue on plastic
• Cleaner seams
• Less chance of parts snapping later

Now let’s look at each type and when to use it.

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement

Item 87038-A00

Best for general plastic kit assembly. This is the most popular Tamiya glue because of its versatility.

Use it for:

• Standard plastic parts
• Body panels
• Chassis parts
• Small to medium joints

Why it works well:

• Very thin, water-like formula
• Flows into joints using capillary action
• Welds parts together cleanly

Best way to apply it:

• Dry-fit the parts first
• Hold them together firmly
• Touch the brush to the seam
• Let the cement flow into the joint

Pro tip
Do not brush it on like paint. Let the glue do the work. This gives clean seams with less mess.

Tamiya Extra Thin Quick Setting

Item 87182-000

Best for fast builds and small parts. This version works just like Extra Thin but dries much faster.

Use it for:

• Small or fiddly parts
• Parts that move easily
• Quick assembly where holding time matters

Why you would choose it:

• Sets faster than standard Extra Thin
• Saves time
• Reduces part movement

Watch out
You have less working time. Make sure parts are aligned correctly before touching the seam with glue.

Pro tip
Keep both versions on your bench. Use standard Extra Thin for long seams and Quick Setting for tiny parts.

Tamiya Cement

Item 87003-600 and 87012-600

Best for larger parts and stronger bonds

This is a thicker plastic cement.

Use it for:

• Large body halves
• Structural parts
• Areas that need a bit more working time

Why it works well:

• Thicker consistency
• Slower drying time
• Creates a strong welded joint

Best way to apply it:

• Apply a small amount directly to one part
• Press the parts together
• Slight plastic squeeze-out is normal and helpful

Pro tip
That soft plastic bead along the seam can be lightly sanded later to create almost invisible joints.

Tamiya Cement for Clear Parts

Item 87188-000

Clear parts need special care. Using the wrong glue can ruin them.

Never use:

• Super glue
• Regular plastic cement (on clear parts)

These can cause:

• Fogging
• White haze
• Permanent damage

Use instead:

• Tamiya Cement for Clear Parts
• Tamiya Craft Bond

Best for:

• Canopies
• Windows
• Headlights
• Light lenses

Why it works:

• Does not fog clear plastic
• Dries transparent
• Slightly flexible once cured

Best way to apply it:

• Use a toothpick or fine brush
• Apply tiny dots, not a full bead
• Press parts gently into place

Pro tip
This glue can also act as a gap filler for clear parts and small windows.

Tamiya CA Cement

Item 87091-000 and 87139-000

Tamiya CA Cements offer greater resistance against impacts compared to conventional CA cements, but use it carefully.

Use super glue for:

• Photo-etched metal parts
• Resin parts
• Mixed materials like metal to plastic

Avoid super glue for:

• Clear plastic
• Large plastic-to-plastic joints

Pro tip
If you must use CA Cement near clear parts, keep them covered until fully cured to reduce fogging risk.

Smart Glue Application Tips Every Builder Should Know

A few small habits make a big difference:

• Always dry-fit before gluing
• Use the smallest amount needed
• Let joints cure fully before handling
• Clean excess glue immediately
• Store Extra Thin upright to prevent leaks

Bench trick
Use a fine brush or stretched sprue to apply tiny amounts of glue in tight spaces.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Plastic parts:

• Tamiya Extra Thin or Original Cement

Small fast-moving parts:

• Extra Thin Quick Setting

Large structural joints:

• Tamiya Cement

Clear parts:

• Cement for Clear Parts

Photo-etched metal parts:

• Tamiya CA Cement (carefully)