I’ve gotten a few emails recently asking for more information and clarification as to how/why I use solvents to get such clean seams in my builds. Here are two illustrations that might be of help.
Also a note…there still is some confusion about the difference between “glues” and “solvents” and how they work.
A glue is a substance that bonds two objects together (think of a well chewed piece of gum stuck between two sheets of paper)…it could have solvents such as Toulene in its makeup to soften the surface of the material (plastic) it is being applied to. It uses the solvent to help grab on and hold onto the surface it was applied to. Think of Elastigirl holding her two kids running in opposite directions.
Mix that with Mr Incredible doing his workout pumping the two locomotives.
Combine the two and you have some of the properties of “glue”…a substance between two objects that holds them in close proximity to each other.
Glue remains intact and detectable after it has dried and cured. Over time it will break down and lose its ability to “hold” on to the pieces…usually because it begins to crystalize.
Solvents evaporate almost immediately after application, softening the material’s surface (plastic), causing the two to melt and meld into one with the application of a little applied pressure forcing the two surfaces together. Since there is no residue and the surfaces are joined into one uniform unit. There is no opportunity for any loss of strength or “bond” because there is no longer a seam separating the two pieces.
