Gluing resin miniatures is one of the most important steps in the assembly process. A well-glued model feels solid, stays together during gameplay, and lasts for years. A rushed or incorrect glue job, on the other hand, often leads to broken parts and frustration later.
In this guide, we explain how to glue resin miniatures correctly, what to pay attention to, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Why Resin Miniatures Require the Right Glue
Resin behaves differently from plastic. Plastic miniatures often use plastic cement that melts parts together, but this does not work with resin.
Resin miniatures require cyanoacrylate (super glue), which creates a strong surface bond between parts.
Using the wrong glue is one of the most common causes of weak joints.
What You Need to Glue Resin Miniatures
You only need a few basic tools:
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cyanoacrylate super glue
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paper towel or cotton swabs
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toothpick or pin for precise application
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optional: tweezers for small parts
Avoid thick glue application. Less is more.
Step 1: Dry Fit All Parts First
Before applying glue, always test fit the parts.
This helps you:
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understand how pieces align
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identify contact points
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avoid crooked assembly
Dry fitting saves time and prevents mistakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Contact Surfaces
For a strong bond, the surfaces must be clean.
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make sure parts are dry
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lightly sand smooth contact points if needed
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remove dust before gluing
Clean, flat surfaces create stronger joints.
Step 3: Apply Glue Sparingly
Apply a small amount of glue to one side only.
Tips:
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use a toothpick for control
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avoid flooding the joint
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press parts together firmly
Excess glue does not make the joint stronger and can damage surface details.
Step 4: Hold the Parts in Place
After joining the parts:
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hold them together for 10–20 seconds
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avoid movement during curing
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allow joints to rest before adding more parts
Patience here leads to better results.
Step 5: Assemble in Logical Stages
Do not glue everything at once.
A good order:
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torso and legs
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arms and weapons
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head and accessories
This improves alignment and reduces stress on joints.
Step 6: Let the Glue Fully Cure
Even though super glue sets quickly, full strength takes longer.
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wait at least 10–15 minutes before handling
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avoid stress for several hours
This prevents accidental breakage.
Common Gluing Mistakes
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using plastic cement instead of super glue
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applying too much glue
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rushing assembly
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handling parts before the glue cures
Most resin assembly issues come from these mistakes.
What to Do If a Joint Breaks
If a part breaks off:
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clean the surfaces
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reapply a small amount of glue
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hold firmly until set
Resin joints can usually be repaired easily if handled carefully.
Final Thoughts
Gluing resin miniatures correctly is simple once you understand the basics. With proper preparation, the right glue, and a little patience, resin models become strong, reliable, and enjoyable to use on the tabletop.
Taking your time during assembly pays off in the long run.