What glue to use for etching films?
Etched sheets are a common model-making material and are widely used in military models, architectural models and other fields. Choosing the right glue is crucial to the bonding effect of the etched sheet. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the types, characteristics and usage techniques of glue commonly used for etching sheets to help you easily complete model making.
1. Commonly used glue types for etching films

The bonding of etched sheets requires the selection of appropriate glue based on material characteristics. Here are several common glue types and their characteristics:
| Glue type | Features | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Instant glue (CA glue) | Fast bonding speed, high strength, but brittle | Small area bonding, quick fixing |
| Epoxy resin glue | High bonding strength, high temperature resistance, long curing time | Large area bonding, scenes requiring high strength |
| white latex | Environmentally friendly, non-toxic, long curing time, average strength | Temporarily fixed or non-load-bearing parts |
| UV glue | Fast curing speed, high transparency, requires UV irradiation | Transparent etching or scenes that need to be beautiful |
2. How to choose suitable glue
When choosing a glue, consider the following factors:
1.Bonding area: You can choose instant glue for small area bonding, and epoxy resin glue is recommended for large area bonding.
2.Curing time: If quick fixing is required, instant glue or UV glue is a better choice; if time is sufficient, epoxy resin glue can provide higher strength.
3.Material properties: Etched sheets are usually made of metal, and you need to choose a glue with good bonding effect on metal.
4.Usage environment: If the model needs to be used in high temperature or humid environment, you should choose high temperature resistant and waterproof glue.
3. Etching sheet bonding techniques
1.surface treatment: Before bonding, the surface of the etched sheet needs to be cleaned to remove oil and oxide layers. You can use alcohol or sandpaper to lightly polish.
2.Glue dosage: There should not be too much glue to avoid overflowing and affecting the appearance. Instant glue can be dispensed accurately using a needle.
3.Fixed method: After bonding, it can be fixed with clips or tape to ensure that the glue is completely cured.
4.Safety precautions: When using instant glue or epoxy resin glue, keep it ventilated and avoid contact with skin or eyes.
4. Recommended popular glue brands
The following are common glue brands on the market and their characteristics:
| Brand | Product name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Loctite | Instant glue 401 | Fast bonding speed and high strength |
| Tamiya | White cover glue | Specially designed for models with good fluidity |
| Pattex | Epoxy resin AB glue | High strength, high temperature resistance |
| 3M | UV glue | High transparency and fast curing |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Q: What should I do if the etched sheet easily falls off after being bonded?
A: It may be due to improper selection of glue or incomplete surface treatment. It is recommended to use epoxy resin glue and make sure the bonding surface is clean and dry.
2.Q: How to clean up the glue spillage during bonding?
A: Instant glue can be cleaned with degluing agent, and epoxy resin glue needs to be wiped with alcohol before curing.
3.Q: What kind of glue can be used for transparent etched sheets that will not affect the appearance?
A: It is recommended to use UV glue or high-transparency instant glue.
Summary
The bonding of etched sheets is an important step in model making. Choosing the right glue can not only improve the bonding strength, but also improve the aesthetics of the model. This article introduces common glue types, selection techniques and usage precautions, hoping to help you in model making. If you have other questions, please leave a message in the comment area to discuss!
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