Knowing Adhesives: Chemical Solvents

Hobby Chemical Solvents function like neither Cyanoacrylate Super Glue or 2 part Epoxy Adhesive.  They bond polystyrene plastic model kit parts by chemically melting the plastic then by evaporation the softened plastic becomes cold welded together.  Chemical solvents will not create multi-media bonds such as a wood to metal or paper to plastic.   A chemical solvent bond is achieved without heat and one chemical agent that achieves this is, Methyl Ethel Ketone.

MEK, as Methyl Ethel Ketone is known to modelers and hobbyists is the primary ingredient in  “gooey” plastic polystyrene model airplane tube glue.  This is the primary modeling adhesive that novice hobbyists usually build their first model with.  MEK is flammable, corrosive and toxic.  It can be bought at most hardware stores by the quart/liter and it will strip the paint off just about everything it comes into contact with.  MEK evaporates very quickly and when exposed to skin it feels cool to the touch. When using MEK it should be applied in the smallest amount to a plastic model with an old paint brush and by the process of “capillary action” it will flow onto the part to be joined.