Maya Ellison
There are many types of plastic and many types of glue, and choosing the wrong combination can result in a weak bond or damage to the object. The best glue to use depends on the type of plastic and the nature of the repair. For example, super glue is great for small repairs and quick fixes, but it won't adhere to certain plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In such cases, a special plastic bonding system like LePage Super Glue All Plastics is required. Other common adhesives for gluing plastic include epoxy, which is strong enough to fill gaps and can be drilled or machined, and plastic bonder, which creates a powerful bond with just one drop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of glue | Cyanoacrylate glue (CA), super glue, epoxy, plastic bonding systems, plastic bonder, poly cement, acrylic solvent adhesive, ABS solvent adhesive |
| Type of plastic | Acrylic, ABS plastics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrenes (PS) |
| Preparation | Degrease the plastic with soap or isopropyl alcohol, sand the plastic with 120-200 grit sandpaper, use an activator |
| Application | Apply glue to both plastic surfaces, press them together, use a clamp, tape, or rubber bands to hold the pieces together, leave undisturbed for 24 hours |
| Cleanup | Remove excess glue with a damp paper towel, dried adhesive can be scraped away with a razor blade, use acetone for remaining residue |
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What You'll Learn
Degrease the plastic with soap or isopropyl alcohol
To effectively glue two plastic surfaces together, it is important to first degrease the plastic. This can be done with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol.
Firstly, wipe off as much surface grease from the plastic item as possible with a paper towel or reusable cloth. Next, wash the plastic item with regular dish soap and hot water. Depending on the item, you can either submerge it in a sink or basin filled with hot water and dish soap, or use a sponge soaked with hot, soapy water to scrub and wipe it. You can also add a small amount of dish soap directly to the sponge for extra degreasing. Rinse the item with plain water to remove traces of soap.
If the plastic item is still greasy, you can use isopropyl alcohol, which is a very effective degreaser. You can either use a spray bottle to spritz the alcohol onto the plastic, or spray it onto a washcloth and then wipe the plastic. It is important to note that ethanol should be avoided, as it often contains impurities that can remain on plastics. Isopropyl alcohol is purer and is considered "excellent" for cleaning plastics.
In addition to soap and water or isopropyl alcohol, there are other household items that can be used to degrease plastic, such as baking soda, white vinegar, or a baking soda paste. You can also mix vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap with hot water to create a powerful degreasing solution. Soak a cloth in this solution and scrub the greasy plastic surfaces, then rinse with plain water.
After degreasing the plastic, it is important to dry it thoroughly before moving on to the next steps of gluing the plastic together.
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Sand the plastic to create a rough surface for the glue
Sanding plastic creates a rough surface, providing a better base for glue to bond to. This is especially important for plastics, as different types of plastics require different types of glue, and choosing the wrong combination can result in a weak bond.
To sand plastic, you should use sandpaper with a grit of 120-200. You can also use steel wool or emery cloth, but remember to only rub it briefly. The purpose of sanding is to create a rough surface for the glue to adhere to, so you don't need to sand the plastic for too long.
It's also important to ensure that the plastic is clean and dry before you start sanding. You can use soap or isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease or dirt from the surface of the plastic. Make sure to dry the plastic thoroughly after cleaning to ensure that the sanding process is effective.
Once you've sanded the plastic, you can apply the glue. Look for a glue that is specifically designed for use with plastic, as ordinary adhesives may not form a permanent bond. Apply the glue to both surfaces and press them lightly together. You can use clamps, tape, or rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.
In some cases, you may not need to sand the plastic before gluing. For example, if the plastic already has a rough finish, sanding may not be necessary. However, if the plastic is glossy, sanding can help create a better surface for the glue to adhere to.
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Apply glue to both surfaces and press together
When gluing plastic together, it is important to select the right glue for the specific type of plastic. Different plastics require different types of glue, and choosing the wrong combination can result in a weak bond or even damage the object. For example, while cyanoacrylate glue (CA glue or super glue) may work for some plastics, it will not adhere to polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). In such cases, a special plastic bonding system like LePage Super Glue All Plastics is required.
Before applying the glue, it is important to prepare the plastic surfaces. Remove any grease from the plastic by washing it with soap, using a specialised plastic cleaner, or soaking it in isopropyl alcohol. Dry the surfaces thoroughly, and avoid touching them with your bare hands to minimise oil residue. Next, sand the surfaces with 120-200 grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the glue to bond to. Steel wool or emery cloth can also be used, but remember to only rub briefly.
Now you are ready to apply the glue. Spread a thin layer of glue on both plastic surfaces and press them lightly together. Use a clamp, tape, or rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. If you are working with flexible plastics, such as shoes or toys, consider using an adhesive specifically formulated for these materials, like Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive. This type of adhesive dries clear and creates a flexible bond that is resistant to UV and sunlight exposure.
If you are gluing plastic pipes, you may want to use PVC primer and glue, as it is designed specifically for that material. For optimal results with acrylic, an epoxy should be used, although cyanoacrylate may also work. Infinity SuperTAC 500 Plastic Bonding Glue Sticks are another great option for bonding a wide range of plastics, including PP, PE, PET, and PV.
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$6.29
Seal the pieces tightly with a clamp, tape or rubber bands
To seal two pieces of plastic together, you must first select the correct adhesive. Different plastics require different glues, and choosing the wrong combination may result in a weak bond or damage to the object. You can use plastic glue, epoxy, or silicone sealant to create a strong bond. You can also use hot glue or super glue for a quicker fix.
Before applying the adhesive, you must prepare the plastic pieces. First, remove any grease from the plastic by washing it with soap, using a specialised plastic cleaner, or soaking it in isopropyl alcohol. Then, dry the pieces thoroughly. Avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands to minimise oil residue. Next, sand the surfaces to be glued with 120-200 grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the glue to bond to. You can also use steel wool or emery cloth for this step. Finally, clean the sanded surfaces with a cloth to remove any dust.
Now, you are ready to apply the adhesive. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific adhesive you are using. If using an activator, apply it to both surfaces, allow it to dry, and then proceed with the adhesive. Apply the glue to both plastic surfaces and press them lightly together.
To ensure a tight seal, you can use a clamp, tape, or rubber bands to hold the pieces together until the adhesive bonds. If using a clamp, be careful not to squish the plastic so that it becomes uneven when it sets. You can also use tape or rubber bands to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. Make sure to apply even pressure to the connected plastic for about a minute to allow it to set, and then gently release the pressure.
Once the glue is applied and the pieces are held together securely, allow the glue to fully cure before using the plastic. Different glues have different drying times, so check the packaging for specific instructions. Wait at least one hour before using the repaired plastic.
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Clean up any excess glue with a damp paper towel
Gluing plastic together can be tricky. There are many types of plastic, and choosing the wrong glue can result in a weak bond or even damage the object. For example, achieving the best results with acrylic requires an acrylic solvent adhesive, while an epoxy should be used for ABS plastics.
Once you have selected the correct glue for your project, follow these steps to glue plastic together:
- Degrease the plastic with soap or isopropyl alcohol. Dry thoroughly.
- Sand the plastics with 120-200 grit sandpaper so the glue has a rough surface to bond to.
- Apply glue to both plastic surfaces and press them lightly together.
- Use a clamp, tape, or rubber bands to hold the pieces together until the adhesive bonds.
After gluing, it is important to clean up any excess glue with a damp paper towel to avoid leaving behind a sticky residue. Here are some tips for cleaning up different types of glue:
PVA Glue
Use a wet cloth to remove the glue before it forms a skin. Alternatively, use a very sharp chisel after the glue has set.
Super Glue
Allow the glue to dry, then carefully scrape off any excess with a dull knife or edged tool. You can also use a paper towel to absorb the glue. Place the paper towel under the stained item and heat the stained area with an iron for 10-20 seconds. This should transfer the glue from the item to the paper towel.
Hot Glue
Use ice to freeze the stained area. Once frozen, the glue should be easier to separate from the fabric using a dull-edged tool or kitchen knife. Scrape away the excess and repeat if necessary.
Other Glues
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to remove excess glue. Dip a cloth or paper towel in rubbing alcohol, vodka, or vinegar, and spread it over the glue stain. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then use your finger or something plastic to scrape off the residue.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to stick plastic together will depend on the type of plastic you are working with. Different types of plastics require different types of glue. The most common adhesives for gluing plastic are super glue, plastic bonding systems, and epoxy.
The best glue to use on flexible plastics is Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive. It’s a clear liquid adhesive that’s waterproof, dries clear, and creates a flexible bond that won’t break down or yellow from UV/sunlight exposure.
The strongest adhesive to use is Loctite Plastic Bonder. Its specialised acrylic formula combines two components to produce a strong, impact-resistant bond that sets in less than half an hour.
For optimal results, an epoxy should be used. However, cyanoacrylate glue may also work well.
First, degrease the plastic with soap or isopropyl alcohol and dry thoroughly. Then, sand the plastic with 120-200 grit sandpaper so the glue has a rough surface to bond to.
