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One formula definitely does not fit all when it comes to glues for your DIY projects. Adhesives are chemically designed to work with certain materials. Wood glue, for example, is great for carpentry but won’t be effective on metal. Even Super Glue—possibly your default option for just about anything—has its limits, as cyanoacrylate, which is its active ingredient, doesn’t adhere well to smooth surfaces.
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Trickier still, gluing plastic depends largely on the target material. A glue that works well bonding plastic to plastic may be a poor choice to adhere plastic to metal or wood. Most DIYers maintain a collection of adhesives to get the job done right the first time. So don’t get stuck using the wrong product. Read on to better understand the properties of the glues on the market and why the choices below rate as the best for all your plastic bonding needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Loctite Epoxy Five-Minute Instant Mix
- BEST FOR PLASTIC TO PLASTIC: Testor Corp Cement Glue
- BEST FOR PLASTIC TO METAL: J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy
- BEST FOR PLASTIC TO WOOD: Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy
- BEST FOR ABS PLASTIC: Plastruct Plastic Weld
Types of Glue for Plastic
Strong glues designed for plastic come in several different types, including cyanoacrylate (Super Glue), model cement, epoxy, and multi-purpose.
Cyanoacrylate
While some adhesives rely on evaporation to form a bond between two objects, cyanoacrylate (commonly known as Super Glue) uses anionic polymerization to form a chemical bond when it comes in contact with hydroxyl ions in water.
This essentially means that Super Glue only requires water to bond to a substance. Since almost any surface has at least some moisture on it from humidity in the air, Super Glue can form a strong bond between virtually all surfaces. The one exception is hard, smooth plastics; for optimum results in projects like automotive body repairs, use sandpaper to scuff smooth plastic before applying Super Glue. Also, keep in mind that cyanoacrylate can discolor or degrade acrylics, so it wouldn’t be ideal for gluing plexiglass windows for example
Model Cement
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Model cement relies on solvents like butanone, toluene, or dichloromethane (DCM) to melt plastic on application and a filler, such as polystyrene, to then weld the plastics together. This method of joining materials makes model cement only effective on plastic. It cannot be used with metal, wood, ceramic, stone, or concrete. As the name implies, this adhesive is commonly used for joining plastic components while building models; it’s also used to connect ABS pipe together and in plumbing with PVC pipe.
Epoxy
Epoxy normally comes in two tubes with separate or connected plungers, depending on the brand. One tube is filled with a resin, the other with a hardener. When the two are pushed out of the tubes onto a surface and combine, they create a very strong, durable, and water-resistant adhesive. Epoxies are best for metal, ceramics, rubber, wood, and certain plastics.
While some epoxies form an incredibly strong bond in only five minutes, others can require more than two hours of clamping, 12 hours of drying time, and one to two days until they are fully cured. When used properly, epoxies are extremely versatile and can be seen in many industries, including electronics, medical devices, and aerospace; DIYers rely on waterproof epoxies for boat and dock repairs.
Multi-Purpose
Multi-purpose glues—including carpenter’s glue, white glue, school glue, and wood glue—are intended for porous materials like wood, paper, cloth, pottery, and non-structural wood bonds. They aren’t effective for non-porous materials like plastic and metal because polyvinyl acetate (PVA), the active ingredient, relies on evaporation and a porous surface to form a bond between two objects. Though great for everyday use, multi-purpose glues may require clamping in place for up to an hour so water can evaporate from the glue, leaving the polyvinyl acetate behind to form a bond. Full curing takes between 18-24 hours.
Our Top Picks
The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best glue for all your plastic projects.
Our Verdict
For a variety of plastic repair projects, we recommend the Pratley Powda Bond Adhesive, a combination Super Glue and filler powder. For an affordable weather-, water-, and solvent-resistant bond, consider the Loctite Epoxy Five-Minute Instant Mix.
How We Chose the Best Glue for Plastic
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We researched the best plastic glue in a variety of categories offered by the top brands with high customer satisfaction. The top picks for bonding plastic were chosen based on type, compatible materials, curing time, quantity, and ease of application.
The list features different types of glue for plastic including Super Glue, epoxy, and model cement. We prioritized options with included applicators that cure within 24 hours. Several of the best glues to use on plastic are weather- and water-resistant. We included plastic to plastic glue and glues that bond with other materials including metal, wood, composite, stone, brick, and concrete. Each pick for the best plastic adhesive is available in volumes between 13.9 and 59.14 milliliters.
FAQs
For best results, it’s wise to fully understand how to properly use glues designed for bonding plastic. Find answers to some of the most common questions about these adhesives below:
Q: What is the difference between plastic glue and Super Glue?
Plastic glue is a broader category of glues that Super Glue (cyanoacrylate) belongs to because of its ability to bond with some plastics. Epoxies, model cement, and multi-purpose glue (polyvinyl acetate) could also be considered plastic glue.
Q: Does Gorilla Glue work on plastic?
According to the manufacturer, Gorilla Glue can work well with many types of plastics, but it’s not recommended for use with polypropylene or polyethylene plastics, or with rubber that has a high oil or plasticizer content. The company does make specific products for these materials, however.
Q: What should I do if I get plastic glue on my hands?
If you get plastic glue on your hands, soak them in warm water and massage the skin to try to remove the glue. If this fails, apply acetone (nail polish remover) to remove the glue, making sure to wash well after use and apply lotion, as acetone is drying to skin.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
