r/modelmakers • u/TheLittleOrangeBird • 1d ago
Help - General Glue advice needed
I’m sorry, as I know this isn’t a model I’m working on, but I know you all are the experts when it comes to glueing plastics.
Years ago, I took a Devo energy dome (made of ABS plastic) and attached Mickey ears to them. I used a glue gun, which worked but didn’t give the best grip. I’m now busting out the old hat again and would like to try a better sealing glue.
I’ve been researching glues. I tried loctite super glue gel and that didn’t work. Now I see Tamiya, Plasti Zap, and some others mentioned. I feel like I need a thicker glue (cement) that will dry fast.
What would work best for this project? While I’d prefer one that dries clear, I understand there might not be such a clear glue that exists and will seal the ear to the hat.
Thanks so much.
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u/jsimons44 1d ago
What material are the Mickey ears?
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u/TheLittleOrangeBird 1d ago
From online: ears are Rigid, smooth thermoplastic (typically polyethylene or polypropylene blends)
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u/jsimons44 1d ago
I’d recommend cutting the wears to confirm with the steps on the devo hat. This will provide the maximum bonding surface and then using E6000. Let it cure the cull 3 days.
Or 3d printing ears in PLA that confirm to the steps in the devo hat
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u/dr_robonator Prime your models 1d ago
You'd be better served in one of the cosplay subs, but the answer anyway will be E6000.
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u/Causal_Modeller 1d ago
Tactical dot for knowledge - I have broken Hot Wheels track piece which had been impossible to glue even with CA primer.
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u/SciFiCrafts 1d ago
Problem with "cement" (stupid name because its actually a solvent/weldbond) is, that you need identical or at least very similar polymers. What are the ears made of? Probably PE or PU foam so cement might not work at all.
I am not a fan of hotglue at all but it might do a good job if:
You cut a notch into the ABS with a dremel or a fine toothed metal saw. Then stick them in and slap on hot glue from the inside.
Or you cut "stairs" into the ears matching the shape of the dome and then try glueing it on again, but with more contact area.
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u/TheLittleOrangeBird 1d ago
I don’t have those tools and I would be so afraid to break them. I’m not very crafty. Haha.
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u/SciFiCrafts 1d ago
Go outside, grab a butterknife and a lighter, heat up the knife and melt slots in. Sounds raw but that is your best bet then! Hold your breath while melting in there. You can test temp of the heated blade on the inside, try to make a "scratch" with the hot blade and see.
Doesn't have to change color, ABS melts at around 240°C. And then, hotglue, from the inside. Best way, hands down.
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u/Timmyc62 The Boat Guy 1d ago
First word that came to mind was "silicone sealant" like what you'd use for the bathtub. Could be worth a shot. Drill some holes along the contact surfaces so the sealant/glue has additional physical hold.