Introduction

Assembling 1/72 scale figures is a highly detailed and rewarding hobby that requires precision, patience, and the right tools. Whether you’re building soldiers from ancient civilizations, modern military units, or historical figures from different eras, having the correct materials can make all the difference. Among these, the choice of glue and tools is essential for achieving neat, durable, and professional results. In this article, we’ll explore the best glue types, tools, and tips to help you assemble your 1/72 figures with confidence and skill.

Why the Right Glue Matters

The glue you choose for assembling your 1/72 figures plays a significant role in how secure and clean the joints are, as well as how easy it is to work with delicate parts. Different materials like plastic, resin, or metal may require specific types of glue for a strong and seamless bond.

Types of Glue for 1/72 Figures

When it comes to miniature assembly, there are a few types of glue that stand out. Each type serves a different purpose, depending on the material of the figures and the parts being joined.

1. Plastic Cement (Polystyrene Cement)

  • Best for: Plastic models
  • Why Use It: Plastic cement works by melting the plastic surfaces slightly, creating a bond that fuses the parts together. It’s perfect for plastic figures because it forms a very strong, seamless bond, making joints almost invisible.
  • How to Use: Apply a small amount to both surfaces, press them together, and hold for a few seconds. For detailed parts, a thin cement with a precision applicator is ideal.
  • Pros: Creates a strong, permanent bond and doesn't leave a noticeable residue.
  • Cons: Only works on plastic, and it can be messy if applied too heavily.

2. Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate)

  • Best for: Metal, resin, and mixed-material figures
  • Why Use It: Super glue, or cyanoacrylate (CA), is versatile and fast-drying. It’s suitable for bonding resin, metal, or a combination of materials like metal arms onto plastic torsos. It’s also useful for gluing small or delicate parts.
  • How to Use: Apply a tiny amount to one surface and press the parts together. Super glue sets quickly, but you may want to use tweezers for better control.
  • Pros: Strong, fast-drying, and works on a variety of materials.
  • Cons: Dries too quickly for adjustments and can leave a visible glue line if not applied precisely.

3. PVA Glue (White Glue)

  • Best for: Terrain or figure bases
  • Why Use It: PVA glue is great for securing terrain materials like sand, static grass, or small rocks to bases. It dries clear and is non-toxic, making it safe to use on larger areas.
  • How to Use: Apply a thin layer of glue to the surface and sprinkle on your terrain materials. Let it dry completely before moving or painting the base.
  • Pros: Dries clear, easy to clean up, and non-toxic.
  • Cons: Not suitable for structural joints between figure parts.

4. Epoxy Resin Glue

  • Best for: Heavy or load-bearing parts
  • Why Use It: Epoxy glue is a two-part adhesive that forms an incredibly strong bond, ideal for large or heavy pieces that need extra reinforcement. It’s especially useful when attaching large metal parts or if you're building a figure that needs to withstand handling.
  • How to Use: Mix the two components, apply to both surfaces, and press together. You’ll need to hold the parts in place for a while as the epoxy sets, but it offers superior strength once dry.
  • Pros: Extremely strong and durable.
  • Cons: Takes longer to set and requires precise mixing.

Essential Tools for 1/72 Figure Assembly

Aside from glue, having the right tools is essential for assembling your 1/72 figures with accuracy and ease. Here’s a breakdown of the most important tools you’ll need:

1. Hobby Knife

  • Why You Need It: A sharp hobby knife is crucial for cleaning up mold lines, trimming excess plastic, and making precise cuts. The sharper the blade, the easier it is to make fine adjustments without damaging the figure.
  • Pro Tip: Always keep spare blades on hand. A dull blade can cause accidents or ruin fine details.

2. Tweezers

  • Why You Need It: For handling tiny parts like weapons, helmets, or accessories, tweezers are essential. They give you the precision to place and hold small pieces without damaging them or smudging glue.
  • Pro Tip: Look for tweezers with a fine, pointed tip for better accuracy, and make sure they have a comfortable grip for long periods of use.

3. Sprue Cutters

  • Why You Need It: When your figures come attached to a sprue (the frame holding the model parts), sprue cutters are necessary to cleanly remove the parts without damaging them. Unlike scissors, sprue cutters are designed to cut the plastic cleanly and flush to the part.
  • Pro Tip: Use the flat side of the sprue cutter against the figure to get the cleanest cut, and file or sand any remaining rough edges afterward.

4. Fine-Point Brushes

  • Why You Need It: Precision is key when painting small details on 1/72 figures, and fine-point brushes allow you to apply paint with control, especially on features like eyes, badges, or weapons.
  • Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality brushes (sizes 0 or 00) for detailed work and always clean them thoroughly after each session.

5. Sanding Sticks or Files

  • Why You Need It: After cutting parts from the sprue or trimming off mold lines, you’ll need to smooth out any rough areas. Sanding sticks or files come in handy for refining edges and getting a smooth surface ready for painting.
  • Pro Tip: Use a fine-grit file to avoid scratching the surface of the figure, and always sand gently.

6. Pin Vice and Drill Bits

  • Why You Need It: A pin vice with small drill bits is useful for drilling tiny holes into parts for pinning or adding more realistic details like gun barrels or flagpoles.
  • Pro Tip: Use pins made from thin wire to reinforce joints, especially for metal or resin figures where the weight might strain glued connections.

Bonus: Gluing Tips for 1/72 Figures

  • Less is More: When using glue, especially super glue or plastic cement, less is more. Apply just enough to create a bond, but not so much that it seeps out from the joints. Excess glue can damage the surface detail and is difficult to remove cleanly.
  • Test Fit First: Before gluing any parts, test fit them together. This ensures that the pieces align properly and that no additional trimming is needed.
  • Hold the Position: For parts that need to be held in place while the glue dries, use clamps or elastic bands to secure them. This is especially helpful when working with larger, more complex assemblies.
  • Use a Precision Applicator: Some glues come with built-in applicators, but for extra control, use a fine-tipped applicator or a toothpick to apply glue only where you need it.

Conclusion

Choosing the best glue and tools for your 1/72 figure assembly is crucial for achieving a high-quality, professional finish. From selecting the right type of glue to ensuring you have the proper tools like sprue cutters, tweezers, and precision brushes, each step contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable experience. With the right materials and techniques, your miniature figures will not only look great but will also be sturdy and long-lasting.

Take your time, practice patience, and enjoy the process of bringing your miniatures to life—one careful step at a time.

FAQs

  1. What type of glue should I use for plastic 1/72 figures?
    Plastic cement is the best choice for plastic figures because it melts the plastic and creates a strong, seamless bond.
  2. Can I use super glue on plastic figures?
    Yes, but it’s better suited for resin, metal, or mixed-material figures. Plastic cement is preferred for plastic-only models.
  3. What’s the best way to clean up mold lines on 1/72 figures?
    Use a hobby knife or fine-grit sanding stick to gently remove mold lines and smooth out the surface.
  4. How do I prevent glue from showing on my figures?
    Use a fine applicator to control the amount of glue applied. Less is more when working with small-scale figures.
  5. Should I drill holes for pinning on resin or metal figures?
    Yes, using a pin vice to drill small holes and inserting pins can provide extra strength, especially for heavy or fragile parts.

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