Breaking a resin miniature can feel discouraging, especially if it happens after painting or during gameplay. Many hobbyists immediately assume the model is ruined. In reality, most broken resin miniatures can be repaired, often leaving little to no visible damage.
In this guide, we explain how to fix broken resin miniatures, what tools work best, and how to prevent future breaks.
Why Resin Miniatures Break
A common question is:
Why do resin miniatures break
Resin is rigid, not flexible. It holds sharp detail extremely well, but thin parts do not bend like plastic. Most breaks happen due to:
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drops onto hard surfaces
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pressure applied to thin parts
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poor glue joints
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improper storage or transport
Understanding the cause helps prevent repeat damage.
What You Need to Repair Resin Miniatures
You do not need advanced tools to fix most breaks.
Basic repair tools:
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cyanoacrylate super glue
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hobby knife
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tweezers
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paper towel
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optional: modeling putty for gaps
For small breaks, simple glue is usually enough.
Step 1: Inspect the Break
Before gluing anything, look closely at the broken area.
Check:
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where the part separated
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if resin fragments are missing
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whether paint chipped around the break
Clean breaks are the easiest to repair.
Step 2: Clean the Broken Surfaces
A frequent question is:
Do I need to clean broken resin before gluing
Yes.
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remove dust or debris
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scrape away loose paint if needed
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ensure surfaces are dry
Clean contact points create stronger joints.
Step 3: Test Fit Before Gluing
Always dry fit the broken part first.
This helps you:
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confirm correct alignment
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avoid crooked repairs
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apply glue accurately
Rushing this step often leads to visible misalignment.
Step 4: Apply Glue Carefully
Use a small amount of super glue.
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apply glue to one side only
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press parts together gently
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hold for 10–20 seconds
Too much glue weakens the joint and can damage surrounding paint.
Step 5: Let the Joint Fully Cure
Even if the glue feels set:
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avoid handling the miniature immediately
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let the joint rest for at least 15–30 minutes
For fragile parts, waiting longer improves durability.
How to Fix Broken Painted Resin Miniatures
Another common concern is:
Can you fix a resin miniature after painting
Yes.
After gluing:
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touch up chipped paint with a small brush
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reseal the area with varnish if needed
Careful repairs are often invisible once finished.
What If a Piece Is Missing
If a small piece is lost:
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use modeling putty to rebuild the shape
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smooth it once cured
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repaint the area
For tiny details, minor reconstruction is usually sufficient.
Reinforcing Fragile Repairs
For parts that break repeatedly:
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consider pinning with a thin metal pin
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reinforce joints during reassembly
This is especially useful for large wings or weapons.
Common Repair Mistakes
Avoid:
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using plastic cement
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applying glue repeatedly without cleaning
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forcing misaligned parts
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handling repairs too soon
Most failed repairs come from impatience.
How to Prevent Resin Miniatures from Breaking
Prevention matters as much as repair.
Best practices:
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handle models by the base
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store miniatures securely
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transport models in padded cases
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avoid pressure on thin parts
Simple habits dramatically reduce breakage.
Final Thoughts
Broken resin miniatures are rarely a disaster. With the right approach, most repairs are quick, strong, and barely noticeable. Resin models reward careful handling, but even when accidents happen, they are usually fixable.
Learning how to repair resin miniatures gives confidence and extends the life of your collection.