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Hey guys, I just got my first metal mini, and I don't want to screw it up by using the wrong glue or anything. Can anyone give me some pointers or link a good tutorial?

Thanks tons

Shrapnelbait wrote:
Hey guys, I just got my first metal mini, and I don't want to screw it up by using the wrong glue or anything. Can anyone give me some pointers or link a good tutorial?

Thanks tons

Use zap-a-gap. Your standard plasti-weld/citadel glues work by melting the plastic to create the bond - it doesn't work well with metal.

Use cyanoacrylate glue, also called superglue. Also, for small connections like arms and the like I recommend pinning. Drill a hole in each of the two pieces you want to glue together, making sure the holes match up. Then insert a piece of wire or brass rod to connect the parts, making sure it's not too long or too short. Glue it all together. I'm sure there are tutorials out there if you want them.

 Cream Tea wrote:
Use cyanoacrylate glue, also called superglue. Also, for small connections like arms and the like I recommend pinning. Drill a hole in each of the two pieces you want to glue together, making sure the holes match up. Then insert a piece of wire or brass rod to connect the parts, making sure it's not too long or too short. Glue it all together. I'm sure there are tutorials out there if you want them.

Exactly what Cream Tea has said, superglue and pinning. You may also want to score some lines into the two connecting areas to increase surface area - every little helps.

Also, sometimes the parts just won't stick due to the weight of the metallic part. In these cases I like to put some green stuff between the two parts to make it stick together so that the glue has time to start working!

Oh and it's important to wash the metallic minis with some soap before you do anything. There can be a lot of various crap on the mini that will make it more difficult to paint.

I have found that pinning is usually not necessary.
Rather, use the point of your hobby/razor knife and score both surfaces irregularly and many times. This will create a rough surface into which the superglue will soak, and when it hardens it will create hardened hooks and teeth that hold the two pieces together. I have dropped an old metal avatar onto a wood floor and it has not come apart, and it was glued together in this way 20 years ago or more...

Unless you're dealing with something especially large and/or heavy, pinning is probably not necessary. Most any super glue should be fine, I use Loctite.

And when in doubt, sand/file gently the locations you're going to glue.