Check a miniature’s material before choosing tools, adhesive or preparation steps. Plastic, cast resin, printed resin and metal products can require different handling, and a generic “miniature glue” label does not establish compatibility.
Read the kit instructions first
Identify whether the model is push-fit, requires adhesive, arrives in several materials or is already assembled. Inspect attachment points before removing parts, and dry-fit the major joints. The correct sequence can preserve access for painting and prevent attaching an optional weapon you did not intend to use.
| Material or construction | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Polystyrene kit | Whether the specified plastic cement suits the exact plastic |
| Resin kit | Manufacturer cleaning, adhesive and dust-control instructions |
| Metal kit | Part cleanup, joint fit and any recommended support or adhesive |
| Mixed materials | An adhesive approved for both surfaces |
| Push-fit kit | Assembly order and whether glue is optional or discouraged for a particular joint |
Use manufacturer-specific advice
The Army Painter identifies its Plastic Glue as polystyrene cement that joins compatible plastic by fusing the surfaces. Warcradle recommends super glue for its resin models. Those statements should not be stretched into a claim that one adhesive works on every resin or every plastic sold for miniatures.
The Army Painter’s preparation guide also distinguishes cleaning needs and warns about dust from resin work. Follow the kit and product instructions for the actual material, including appropriate workspace and protection. Do not use a routine designed for a plastic sprue on an unknown resin part.
Compare work, not just sculpt detail
A kit with fewer pieces may be quicker to assemble but offer less posing choice. A material with crisp detail can still have delicate projections or need more preparation. For a first project, favor a clearly documented kit whose required operations you are comfortable performing. Buy extra tools only when the instructions identify a task your existing tools cannot do safely and cleanly.
Sources and method
This is a researched decision guide. Product facts were checked against the primary sources below on November 2, 2026. Selection advice and worked examples are editorial reasoning. This guide does not include hands-on testing.
