
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is a popular adhesive used in model-making. It is composed of acetone, ethyl acetate, and MEK, which are all common ingredients in nail polish removers. Due to the similarity in ingredients, some people have found success in creating their own extra-thin cement by mixing different types of nail polish removers. Additionally, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement has been noted to smell similar to clear nail polish or acetone. While the use of nail polish remover as a substitute for cement in model-making may be effective, it is important to note that it is not a direct replacement for concrete or other types of cement in construction or flooring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mr. Cement's composition | Acetone, ethyl acetate, MEK, butyl acetate, synthetic resin, organic styrene solvent |
| Nail Polish Remover's composition | Acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate |
| Mr. Cement's uses | Plastic model kit building and painting, scratch-builds, seamline removal |
| Nail Polish Remover's uses | Removing nail polish, cleaning concrete floors |
| Cost comparison | Creating your own Mr. Cement from nail polish remover is significantly cheaper than buying branded products |
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What You'll Learn

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is made from acetone and butyl acetate
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is a popular product used in the assembly of plastic models. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), its composition is 50% acetone and 50% butyl acetate. Acetone is a well-known ingredient in nail polish removers, and butyl acetate is a similar chemical also used in nail polish removers. Therefore, it is possible to create a similar mixture to Tamiya Extra Thin Cement by combining two types of nail polish removers: one with 100% acetone and another non-acetone formula that contains methyl acetate or butyl acetate.
This do-it-yourself mixture has been tested and proven effective by online model-making communities, offering a significant cost-saving alternative to the branded product. However, it is important to note that Tamiya Extra Thin Cement also includes other ingredients, such as methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and perfume, which are not typically found in nail polish removers. These additional ingredients may contribute to the product's distinct smell and performance characteristics.
The quick-drying version of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement has a different composition, consisting of 40% acetone, 40% ethyl acetate, and 20% methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Ethyl acetate is another chemical commonly found in nail polish removers, further highlighting the similarity between these products.
When working with any of these chemicals, it is crucial to prioritize safety. As these substances are organic solvents, adequate ventilation is essential during use. Additionally, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and avoid any contact with sparks or open flames.
In summary, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is made from a combination of acetone and butyl acetate, with potential additional ingredients like MIBK and perfume. The similarity in composition to nail polish removers has led to the creation of cost-effective alternatives by model-making enthusiasts. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when working with these chemicals, whether in the context of model-making or nail polish removal.
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Homemade cement from nail polish removers
Creating homemade cement from nail polish removers is possible, and it can be done by mixing two types of nail polish removers in equal parts. The process is straightforward and can be achieved by following these steps:
Ingredients and Materials
Firstly, gather the required ingredients and materials:
- Nail polish removers: You will need two types of nail polish removers, one with a 100% acetone formula and the other a non-acetone formula. The non-acetone formula should mainly consist of methyl acetate, which is similar to butyl acetate. These nail polish removers can be easily found at your local drugstore or hardware store.
- Mixing equipment: Ensure you have something to mix the solution with, such as a stirring rod or a similar tool.
- Container: You will need a container, such as a small bowl or jar, to mix and store your homemade cement.
Mixing Process
Now, you can start the mixing process:
- Measure equal parts of both nail polish removers: Pour equal amounts of the 100% acetone formula and the non-acetone formula into your container. The specific amount will depend on how much cement you want to create, but a 1:1 ratio is essential for the desired consistency.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly: Use your stirring rod or similar tool to mix the two nail polish removers together until they are fully combined. Stirring ensures that the acetone and non-acetone formulas are properly blended, resulting in a homogeneous cement mixture.
- Store the mixture: Once mixed, you can store your homemade cement in a sealed container. Label the container appropriately, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Usage
This homemade cement from nail polish removers can be used for various applications, especially in the realm of modelling and miniature painting. It is known to work well for joining plastic model kits and is a more affordable alternative to branded products. However, it's important to exercise caution when working with any chemicals, including acetone and nail polish removers, and always follow safety guidelines.
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Removing nail polish from cement with a wire brush
Removing nail polish from cement can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove nail polish from cement using a wire brush:
Step 1: Act Quickly
If you notice a nail polish spill on cement, it is essential to act quickly. The faster you address the spill, the easier it will be to remove. Nail polish dries quickly and can become firmly attached to the cement surface, making it more challenging to remove once it has dried.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Materials
To remove nail polish from cement, you will need the following materials:
- Acetone or nail polish remover: Look for a product that contains acetone, the active ingredient in nail polish remover. You can find acetone or nail polish remover at your local drugstore or hardware store.
- Cleaning solution: Any safe cleaning solution suitable for concrete surfaces will work. A mixture of dish soap or laundry detergent with water is an effective option.
- Bucket: You will need a bucket to mix your cleaning solution and water.
- Water: Water is necessary to dilute the cleaning solution and create a effective cleaning mixture.
- Wire brush: A stiff-bristled wire brush will be essential for scrubbing away the nail polish residue.
- Sponge or rag: Use a sponge or rag to apply the cleaning solution to the affected area.
- Protective gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the acetone or nail polish remover.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Agent
Pour a small amount of nail polish remover directly onto the affected area of cement. Allow it to soak into the nail polish for a few moments. If you are working on a vertical surface, you may want to soak a sponge with the remover and tape it to the spill, letting it sit for an hour before scrubbing.
Step 4: Scrub with a Wire Brush
Using your wire brush, begin to scrub the affected area vigorously. The wire brush will help dislodge the nail polish residue and lift it from the cement. You may need to apply more nail polish remover as you work to keep the area moist and prevent the cement from absorbing too much of the remover.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat
Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning agents. Evaluate your progress and repeat the process as needed until the nail polish is no longer visible.
Additional Tips:
- If you are struggling to remove the nail polish completely, consider using a stronger concentration of acetone or nail polish remover. You can find 100% acetone products at hardware stores.
- For particularly stubborn stains, you may want to try using a steam cleaner after applying acetone. The steam may be able to penetrate the porous cement and lift out any remaining nail polish.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using acetone or nail polish remover, as these products can produce strong fumes.
Removing nail polish from cement may take some time and effort, but with persistence and the right tools, you can successfully restore the appearance of your cement surfaces.
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Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner and Plastic Cement are the same
Several sources, including comments on Reddit and a hobby forum, claim that Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner and Tamiya Extra Thin Plastic Cement are the same product. According to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is composed of 50% acetone and 50% butyl acetate. On the other hand, the Airbrush Cleaner is listed as a 49/51 mix of the same chemicals. The slight variation in the ratio may be a strategy to sell the same product under different labels.
Some users have tested the theory by purchasing the Airbrush Cleaner, which is available at a lower price point, and using it in place of the Extra Thin Cement with successful results. The Airbrush Cleaner works as a solvent, effectively gluing or welding plastic surfaces together, just like the Extra Thin Cement.
While the two products appear to be functionally identical, there are some differences to note. The Airbrush Cleaner has a very strong smell, which some users find overwhelming and headache-inducing. Additionally, the Airbrush Cleaner may not be suitable for use with certain materials, such as rubber seals, as it contains chemicals that could potentially damage them.
In conclusion, while the Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner and Plastic Cement may share the same formula, users should be cautious of potential side effects and material compatibility when opting for the cheaper alternative.
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Nail polish as an alternative to cement
While nail polish is not the same as cement, it can be used as an alternative adhesive in certain applications. For example, in the context of model-making and miniature painting, some hobbyists have discovered that nail polish can be used as a substitute for plastic cement. This is because nail polish contains similar chemical components to certain types of cement, such as acetone and organic styrene solvent, which give it adhesive properties.
A popular example of this is the use of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, which is a well-known brand of plastic cement used in the hobby of assembling and painting plastic models. According to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is composed of 50% acetone and 50% butyl acetate. Interestingly, some model-makers have found that they can create their own version of this product by mixing equal parts of two types of nail polish removers: an acetone formula and a non-acetone formula (which often contains methyl acetate or butyl acetate). This "DIY cement" has been reported to work quite well, offering similar results to the branded product at a much lower cost.
In addition to its use as a substitute for plastic cement, nail polish has also been employed in the process of seamline removal and scratch-building. For instance, some hobbyists have used nail polish as an adhesive to join ABS/ABS and ABS/PS plastics, achieving successful bonds that are even stronger than those created with regular cement. This suggests that nail polish can, in certain cases, outperform traditional cements in terms of adhesive strength.
It is worth noting that while nail polish can serve as an alternative to cement in specific applications, it may not always be the ideal solution. For instance, in the context of removing nail polish stains from concrete surfaces, simply using nail polish remover may not be effective. In such cases, additional steps may be necessary, such as using a wire brush or paint thinner to scrub away the stain. Therefore, while nail polish and nail polish remover can be used as substitutes for cement in certain scenarios, it is important to consider the specific requirements and characteristics of each project to determine the most suitable material.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mr. Cement is a type of nail polish remover that can be used to remove nail polish from concrete floors. It contains acetone, which is a key ingredient in many nail polish removers.
Mr. Cement contains acetone, a solvent that helps dissolve nail polish. This makes it easier to remove the polish with a scrub brush and a mixture of water and cleaning solution.
Mr. Cement is a quick and easy way to remove nail polish from concrete. It is also cost-effective, as a small amount of the product goes a long way.
It is important to wear protective gloves when using Mr. Cement, as acetone can be harsh on the skin. Do not scrape dried nail polish from the concrete, as this can cause damage.
Mr. Cement is available at most drugstores and hardware stores, as well as online retailers. It is a common product and should be easy to find.










































