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Repairing Broken Breyer Models
(Info Received From Breyer at BreyerFest 2009)
Breyer models are made of cellulose acetate. The
composition of cellulose acetate will not allow it to be
glued with everyday adhesives like Elmers, model cement, or
Crazy Glue. For best results, we recommend that you
use acetone to repair your models, or a product high in
acetone. This will soften the plastic and allow the
broken pieces to actually bond together. Nail polish
remover sometimes works, but is usually too diluted to work
well, and it won't work if it contains skin softeners or
moisturizers such as aloe or lanolin. Acetone* and
acetone products can usually be found at hardware stores.
Follow these steps to insure a good bond:
1. Make sure that the surface of the break is clean.
If any foreign substance such as dirt or other glue is on
the break, the plastic will not bond.
2. Put a small drop of the solvent on each part and allow it
to stand 10-30 seconds. Do NOT over apply the solvent,
or you may risk causing damage to the broken part by
over-softening; the pieces will no longer fit together
properly. Also be careful not to get any of the
solvent anywhere else on your model. This will remove
paint!
3. Carefully put the two pieces together and hold for at
least one minute.
4. Let the bond set for at least an hour. Make certain
that there is no pressure or strain on the broken area.
5. The break in a leg can be strengthened by putting a small
pin in it. Drill a small hole (slightly small than the
diameter of the pin) in each face of the break. Be
sure that you check the fit of the pin and the alignment of
the leg BEFORE applying the solvent. Follow steps 1-4
as above. You might want to practice using a pin on an
old, beat-up model before trying it on a favorite one.
Remember that although repaired, the break site is still
going to be a weak spot. Avoid stress and strain on
that area.
* As with any chemicals, be sure to read manufacturer's
warning labels carefully.
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