Quick Answer
Use Hard Plastic Solvent to fuse High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) miniatures together, creating a bond stronger than superglue. Apply sparingly, press parts together, and use the brush to smooth seams.
Why Solvent Beats Superglue for HIPS Plastic
Superglue simply sticks two surfaces together, but the bond can snap under stress. Hard Plastic Solvent chemically melts the plastic, fusing the pieces into one solid part. This is especially important for wargaming miniatures that see frequent handling during games.
The solvent also works as a seam smoother: after joining parts, a light brush over the join line melts the surface slightly, hiding the seam without filler or sanding.
Choosing the Right Application Method
The included brush applicator gives you control for small parts like arms, heads, and weapons. For larger flat surfaces, you can apply a thin coat to both faces before pressing them together. Avoid soaking the plastic—too much solvent can distort detail or soften the part.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
- 1. Prepare Your Parts: Dry-fit the pieces to confirm alignment. Clean any mold release residue with warm soapy water and let dry completely. A poor fit leads to gaps—trim flash with a hobby knife before applying solvent. Check fit before gluing; a dry test prevents misalignment.
- 2. Apply Solvent Sparingly: Dip the brush into the Hard Plastic Solvent and wipe excess on the bottle neck. Brush a thin layer onto one of the mating surfaces. Too much solvent can soften the plastic and ruin surface detail—less is more. Use the brush to control solvent amount; avoid pooling.
- 3. Press and Hold: Press the parts together firmly for 10–15 seconds. A slight wiggling motion helps the solvent spread. The plastic will begin to fuse almost immediately. Do not move the joint for at least 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond. Hold steady; premature movement weakens the weld.
- 4. Smooth the Join Line: While the solvent is still slightly wet, run the brush along the seam. The solvent will melt the surface, filling small gaps and hiding the join line. For larger gaps, apply a tiny extra drop and brush again. Brush the seam while wet for a seamless finish.
- 5. Let Cure Fully: Allow the assembly to cure for at least 1 hour before handling roughly. For load-bearing joints (like a weapon arm), wait 24 hours for maximum strength. Rushing leads to snapped parts during painting or gaming. Patience prevents breakage; cure times vary by part size.
Product Facts
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Hard Plastic Solvent: DON'T SUPERGLUE HARD PLASTIC MODELS! Our Hard Plastic Solvent is designed specifically for our plastic (High Impact Polystyrene or HIPS). Whereas superglue just 'sticks' two parts together and is prone to come apart under duress, solvent literally fuses the two pieces together. Using solvent instead of superglue gives you a permanent weld that won't snap during gameplay, and the applicator brush lets you smooth join lines for a cleaner finish.
Hard Plastic Solvent
