The Model Answer

Microteething: The Secret Sauce to Superglue Success in Warhammer Model Assembly

Ah, superglue. The lifeblood of the hobby for Warhammer and wargaming enthusiasts throughout the known world (even Somerset!). At GamingFrome we rely on it to assemble our intricate, highly detailed, and sometimes downright impractical plastic and resin miniatures. And yet, for something so essential, it often feels like a cruel joke. One minute, it’s sticking fingers together like some eldritch curse; the next, it’s refusing to bond two flat plastic surfaces, as if defying the very laws of adhesion.

But there is a secret technique known to experienced hobbyists, a technique that separates the seasoned kitbasher from the despairing newbie cursing at their unaffixed, uncooperative bits of plastic. That technique, dear reader, is microteething.

What is Microteething, and Why Should You Care?

Microteething is the process of creating tiny abrasions or texture on a plastic or resin surface to improve the grip of superglue. The reason superglue sometimes struggles to bond smooth surfaces is because it needs surface area and irregularities to work effectively. The microscopic scratches you create through microteething increase the available bonding area, allowing the glue to seep into the imperfections and form a much stronger connection.

Yes, this means that the reason your brand-new Space Marine arm refuses to attach isn’t because the glue is defective or the Emperor has forsaken you—it’s because that smooth surface is too damn perfect (yes you are schnookums!). Perfection is the enemy of adhesion. So we must ruin it, just a little, in the name of hobby success.

The Science (or at Least, this Hobbyist’s Approximation of It):

Superglue (cyanoacrylate) bonds primarily through surface contact and moisture. However, when two surfaces are too smooth, the contact area is actually too low, preventing a strong bond. Think of it like this: if you try to glue two glass panes together with superglue, they might not stick well. But if you take sandpaper to one of those panes first, suddenly the glue has something to hold onto.

Microteething ensures that your superglue has footholds, tiny grooves that make the difference between a frustrating build session and a model that holds together like a champ. And it will speed up the ‘grab’ time, so you can move on to another model whilst the glue cures!

How to Microteeth Your Warhammer Models (other models are available):

Luckily, microteething isn’t some arcane ritual requiring a blood sacrifice to the Omnissiah (though it sometimes feels that way). It’s a simple process:

Step 1: Identify the Contact Points

Before you go all-in on microteething, figure out where the two parts will connect. If you’re gluing an arm to a torso, for instance, look at the attachment point on both pieces. ‘Offer up’ the parts, or in English – put them together without glue on them. This is where you’ll be applying the technique, and later the glue. Is it a waste of time? Absolutely not, you get to try before you ‘dry’, so no awkward misaligned joints for you!

Step 2: Roughen Up the Surface

There are several ways to microteeth your models, depending on your tools and preferences:

Hobby Knife Method – Lightly score the surface with the tip of your hobby knife (carefully mind!), making tiny crosshatch scratches. You’re not trying to gouge chunks out, just enough to break up the smoothness.

Sandpaper or Emery Board – A fine-grit sandpaper or an old emery board works wonders. A few light rubs will do the trick (suits you, Sir!).

Needle File – If you have a set of needle files (which you should, if you don’t already), a quick pass over the attachment points will microteeth them effectively.

Step 3: Apply Superglue and Attach

Now that your surfaces are properly microteethed, apply a small amount of superglue. Don’t drown the parts in glue; a little goes a long way – it’s called Super for a reason. Press the pieces together and hold for a few seconds. The difference will be immediately noticeable—the bond will be stronger, faster, and far less likely to break off later. (oo-er!)

Why Microteething Will Save Your Sanity

Without microteething, you’re gambling with your glue bonds. Ever had a model’s weapon arm fall off during a game? Or a head roll free through infantile pressure? Ever carefully glue a banner pole only to have it snap off at the slightest breeze? That’s because smooth surfaces don’t hold glue well over time.

Microteething increases durability, reduces frustration, and ensures your hard-painted models don’t start self-destructing like some sort of Chaos ritual gone wrong.

Microteething vs. Plastic Cement

“But wait!” I hear some of you saying, “Shouldn’t I just use plastic cement instead of superglue?” (see our blogpost on the trade offs between superglue v plasticglue)

Yes, plastic cement is generally superior for plastic-on-plastic bonds because it chemically melts the surfaces together, forming a nearly unbreakable weld. However, plastic cement doesn’t work on resin, metal, or mixed materials. It also does nothing for already painted surfaces, whereas microteething is beneficial in almost all superglue applications. And, if you’re serious about your painting, a little superglue goes a long way, and also means that parts can still be pinged off should the need arise to paint the underside of that otherwise unseen grenade pouch that no-one can see but you know it’s there so it gets painted too otherwise the model just isn’t finished … annnd, I’m back in the room.

Bonus Tip: Microteething for Pinning

If you’re working with heavier models (metal or large resin kits), you should be pinning your parts (check out our future blogposts on pinning!) for added strength. But did you know microteething greatly enhances the effectiveness of pinning? When drilling pinholes, microteething the contact points ensures that even before you insert the pin, the glue will bond much more effectively.

The Final Verdict: Microteething Scores Big. So, how does microteething fare on our Warhammer (other models are available) Hobby Techniques Scoreboard™?

Ease of Use: ★★★★★ (Simple, fast, and requires no fancy tools)

Effectiveness: ★★★★★ (Massively improves glue bonds)

Frustration Reduction: ★★★★★ (Fewer broken models = fewer broken spirits)

Community Respect: ★★★★★ (Veteran hobbyists nod sagely when you mention it)

Final Score: 5 out of 5, an absolute must-know technique

Microteething is one of those small but mighty tricks that will elevate your Warhammer hobby game. So next time you’re assembling your army, take a moment to rough up those contact points. Your future self will thank you when your models stick faster and stay together, battle after battle, without you having to re-glue an arm five minutes before deployment (unless you’re still using your metal and plastic Eldar Guardians, in which case kudos).

Now, go forth and microteeth your way to hobby greatness!