Ever stared at a pile of unassembled Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, feeling a pang of dread about the glue you’ll need? You’re not alone! Picking the perfect adhesive can feel like a battlefield of its own, with so many brands and types promising miracles. Will it hold those delicate weapon arms? Will it make your paint job gooey? These are the questions that keep hobbyists up at night.
Choosing the wrong glue can lead to frustrating breaks, messy seams, and a less-than-perfect army. But fear not, brave commander! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different types of glue available and know exactly which one is best for your next project. We’ll break down the pros and cons so you can build your forces with confidence and get back to conquering the galaxy.
Our Top 5 Glue For Warhammer 40K Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Glue For Warhammer 40K Detailed Reviews
1. GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set
Rating: 8.9/10
Embark on your Warhammer 40,000 journey with the GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set. This fantastic starter kit gives you everything you need to begin building and painting your very own Space Marines. You get three awesome, easy-to-assemble Space Marine models. Plus, it includes six essential paints and a starter brush to bring them to life. These models even have cool squad markings and Ultramarines symbols already on them, making painting a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s a great way to start collecting Space Marines.
- The models are push-fit, so you don’t need glue.
- It includes all the basic paints and a brush you need.
- The molded details like squad markings are a nice touch.
- It’s perfect for beginners wanting to try the hobby.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only comes with three models, so you might want more quickly.
- The paint selection is basic, and serious hobbyists will need more colors.
- The miniatures are unassembled and unpainted, requiring some effort.
This set is an excellent entry point into the exciting world of Warhammer 40,000. It provides a solid foundation for new hobbyists to experience the thrill of building and painting their first Space Marines.
2. WARHAMMER 40K – Dark Angels – DEATHWING Knights
Rating: 8.7/10
The WARHAMMER 40K – Dark Angels – DEATHWING Knights are a squad of five super-tough warriors. They are the best of the best for the Dark Angels chapter. These knights fight in the front lines. They can break through enemy defenses with ease.
What We Like:
- These knights are super strong in close combat.
- They have cool weapons like heavy maces or power swords.
- Their tall shields offer great protection.
- They can defeat even the strongest enemies.
What Could Be Improved:
- The miniatures come unpainted.
- You need to put them together yourself.
If you want to add some powerful melee fighters to your Dark Angels army, the DEATHWING Knights are a fantastic choice. Get ready to lead them into battle!
3. Warhammer 40k: Space Wolves – Arjac Rockfist
Rating: 9.5/10
Arjac Rockfist, the legendary champion of Logan Grimnar, is a mighty addition to any Space Wolves army. He is a true hero of the Imperium. This model brings incredible power and presence to the tabletop.
What We Like:
- Arjac is Logan Grimnar’s personal champion. He brings a lot of lore and character to your army.
- His Anvil Shield is amazing. Enemies can’t get past it easily.
- He carries the Foehammer, a powerful weapon. It crushes his enemies.
- You can build him holding his hammer or throwing it. This gives you cool display options.
What Could Be Improved:
- The model can be a bit tricky to assemble. Some small parts are hard to glue.
- The throwing hammer option might not be as useful in every game. It depends on your strategy.
Arjac Rockfist is a fantastic miniature for any Space Wolves player. He looks great and hits hard on the battlefield.
4. Ork Gretchin Plastic Warhammer 40k New
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to add some sneaky green mischief to your Warhammer 40,000 army with the Ork Gretchin Plastic Warhammer 40k New! These little guys are the backbone of many Ork Waaaghs, and this new plastic kit lets you build them easily. They’re perfect for swarming the enemy or just adding a splash of Ork flavor to your collection. You can even customize them with different weapons and poses!
What We Like:
- Easy to assemble and paint, making them great for beginners.
- You get a good number of Gretchin in the box, so you can build a horde.
- They’re a classic part of the Ork faction, adding a lot of character.
- The plastic material is durable and holds paint well.
What Could Be Improved:
- The detail on some of the smaller parts can be a bit fiddly.
- They aren’t the most powerful unit on the battlefield by themselves.
- The instructions, while clear, could offer more painting tips for those new to the hobby.
These Gretchin are a fantastic and affordable way to bulk out your Ork forces. They bring a lot of fun to the tabletop and are a must-have for any Ork player.
5. Warhammer 40k – Space Marines Primaris Lieutenant
Rating: 9.0/10
The Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines Primaris Lieutenant in Blue is a fantastic addition to any Space Marine army. This miniature acts as a crucial support leader. It guides your squads on the battlefield with its impressive combat skills and smart tactics. You can equip this Lieutenant with different weapons. This makes it ready for close-up fighting or long-range shooting.
What We Like:
- Excellent support for your Space Marines.
- Versatile weapon options for different combat styles.
- Adds a strong leader figure to your army.
- The 2023 edition offers updated details.
What Could Be Improved:
- Miniatures come unpainted and need to be put together.
- Requires separate purchases of glue and paints.
This Primaris Lieutenant is a valuable asset for any Space Marines player. It brings both tactical advantage and a commanding presence to your tabletop battles.
Choosing the Right Glue for Your Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
Building and painting Warhammer 40,000 armies is a rewarding hobby. The right glue makes assembling your miniatures much easier and ensures your models look great. This guide will help you pick the best glue for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for glue, consider these important features:
- Fast-Drying: Some glues dry very quickly. This helps you hold pieces together without waiting long.
- Strong Bond: You want glue that holds parts securely. A strong bond means your miniatures won’t fall apart easily.
- Precision Application: Glue that comes with a fine tip or applicator lets you apply just the right amount. This prevents messy blobs.
- Non-Damaging: Some glues can melt or damage plastic. The best glues won’t harm your miniatures.
- Flexibility: For small parts or areas that might flex, a slightly flexible glue is good. It stops parts from snapping off.
Important Materials
Most Warhammer 40,000 miniatures are made of plastic. The type of plastic affects which glue works best.
- Polystyrene Plastic: This is the most common plastic for Citadel miniatures and many others. Plastic cement is designed for this.
- Resin: Some models are made from resin. Cyanoacrylate (super glue) works well on resin.
- Metal: Older models might be metal. Super glue is also good for metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a glue better or worse for your models.
What Makes Glue Better?
- Good Applicator: A fine tip or brush helps you apply glue precisely.
- Clear Drying: Glue that dries clear looks much neater.
- Gap Filling: Some glues can fill small gaps between parts, making a smoother finish.
- Non-Toxic: Safer glues are better for your health.
What Makes Glue Worse?
- Messy Application: Thick glue that comes out in big blobs is hard to control.
- Melting Plastic: Some glues can melt the plastic, ruining details.
- Slow Drying: Waiting a long time for glue to dry can be frustrating.
- Brittle Bonds: Glue that becomes hard and snaps easily isn’t ideal.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the glue matters. Different tasks need different glues.
Plastic Cement
Plastic cement is a favorite for many hobbyists. It works by slightly melting the plastic surfaces. Then, it fuses them together. This creates a very strong bond.
- Best for: Joining large plastic parts, assembling basic infantry, and building vehicles.
- Tip: Use it sparingly. Too much can damage details.
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)
Super glue is fast and works on many materials. It’s great for quick fixes and tricky parts.
- Best for: Attaching resin or metal parts to plastic. Also good for small, delicate pieces like weapons or heads.
- Tip: It dries fast, so position parts correctly before applying. Keep it away from your skin!
Gel Super Glue
This is a thicker version of super glue. It’s easier to control and less likely to run.
- Best for: Vertical surfaces or when you need glue to stay put. Good for attaching small bits without them sliding off.
- Tip: It can be a bit slower to dry than liquid super glue.
Hobby Glue (PVA Glue)**
White glue, like PVA, is safe and easy to use. It’s not as strong as other glues but is great for certain things.
- Best for: Attaching terrain pieces, flock (grass), or small basing materials. Also useful for attaching magnets.
- Tip: It takes longer to dry and isn’t ideal for structural bonds on miniatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best glue for plastic Warhammer 40,000 models?
A: Plastic cement is generally the best for plastic models. It creates a strong, fused bond.
Q: Can I use super glue on plastic models?
A: Yes, you can use super glue. It works well for quick bonds, especially for small parts. However, plastic cement often gives a stronger, more permanent bond for larger plastic pieces.
Q: How do I avoid getting glue on my miniatures?
A: Use a glue with a fine applicator tip. Apply only a small amount of glue to one surface. Hold the pieces together firmly until the glue sets.
Q: What glue should I use for resin models?
A: Cyanoacrylate, or super glue, is the best choice for resin models. It bonds well without damaging the resin.
Q: Is there a glue that smells bad?
A: Some plastic cements can have a strong smell. If you are sensitive to smells, look for water-based or low-odor hobby glues.
Q: My model broke after gluing. What went wrong?
A: This could happen if the glue didn’t dry properly, or if the bond wasn’t strong enough. Make sure you used the right type of glue for the material and allowed it enough time to cure.
Q: Can I use super glue to fix broken plastic parts?
A: Yes, super glue is excellent for repairing broken plastic parts. It provides a quick and strong fix.
Q: How do I clean up excess glue?
A: For plastic cement, it’s best to be careful not to apply too much in the first place. If you get a small blob, you might be able to gently scrape it off once dry. For super glue, you can try using a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, but be careful not to damage the paint or plastic.
Q: What is the difference between plastic cement and super glue?
A: Plastic cement melts and fuses plastic parts together for a very strong bond. Super glue uses a chemical reaction to stick different materials together quickly.
Q: Is it okay to use glue that dries clear?
A: Yes, glue that dries clear is often preferred because it looks neater, especially if any excess glue is visible.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!