Unlike materials such as wood or metal, plastic cannot be easily glued together with just any adhesive. It requires specialized glues designed to work with its unique properties. When researching the best glue for plastic, numerous types are available. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, suitable for different types of plastics.
In this blog post, we aim to help you navigate the world of plastic adhesives, understand the different types available, and find the perfect glue for your specific needs.
Types of Glues for Plastic Bonding
Here are some of the most common types of glues used for plastic bonding:
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)
This fast-acting adhesive bonds almost instantly upon contact. It’s great for small repairs and works well with rigid plastics.
However, it’s not the best choice for flexible plastics as it can become brittle and break under stress.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxies consist of two parts that must be mixed before application. They offer a strong bond and are suitable for rigid and flexible plastics.
Epoxies are also resistant to water and heat, making them a good choice for outdoor applications.
Construction Adhesive
This is a heavy-duty adhesive designed for bonding construction materials like wood, metal, and, yes, plastic.
It’s not as fast-acting as super glue or epoxy, but it offers a very strong bond that can withstand heavy loads.
Model Cement
Model cement is a specialized adhesive for bonding plastic models and miniatures.
It works by melting the plastic slightly, allowing it to fuse together. This creates a solid bond but can also warp the plastic if not used carefully.
Multi-Purpose Glue
As the name suggests, this type of glue can be used on various materials, including plastic. It’s not as strong as other options but is a good choice for small, non-structural repairs.
Specialized Products
Adhesives like Loctite Plastic Bonder are specifically designed for bonding plastic. These products often offer a balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to elements.
Each of these glues has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs.
Best Glue for Specific Plastics
Not all plastics are the same, and the type of plastic you’re working with will influence the glue you should use. Here’s a rundown of the best adhesives for specific plastics:
1. Hard Plastics: Hard plastics include items like buckets, crates, or plastic furniture. These items require a strong adhesive that can withstand heavy use.
Epoxy is often a good choice for these types of plastics due to its strength and durability.
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) can also be used for smaller, quick repairs.
2. Flexible Plastics: Flexible plastics are found in items like shoes, toys, or certain types of tubing. These plastics require an adhesive that can flex with the material without breaking.
Specialized products like Loctite Plastic Bonder or flexible epoxy are often the best choices for these plastics.
3. Industrial or Construction Uses: An adhesive is often the best choice for heavy-duty applications.
These adhesives are designed to bond a variety of materials, including plastic, and can withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions.
Best Adhesive For Plastic
In this section, we are providing you with our top picks for plastic adhesives, followed by some useful tips and other considerations.
Best Super Glue For Plastic
MITREAPEL Super CA Glue with Spray Adhesive Activator:
- Simply apply a few drops of CA glue on one surface and spray the activator on the other, wait 10 seconds, and bond the pieces together in 5-12 seconds.
- Our two-part CA glue with activator ensures clean and professional results for industrial and personal projects.
- Our instant bond adhesive, with the CA glue activator, provides a cure time of 5-12 seconds, while without it, it can take up to 2 minutes.
- The aerosol super glue accelerator offers controlled, fine mist application, and the viscous liquid prevents messy projects.
- Suitable for wood, glass, stone, and metal, but avoid using it on nonstick surfaces and polyethylene products.
Best Epoxy Glue For Plastic - Non polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) Plastics
Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy, 5 Minute Set.
- Provides a strong, permanent, and fast bond while effectively filling gaps. Suitable for various surface applications.
- Ideal for demanding repairs that require a durable bond, gap-filling, and resistance to solvents.
- Dries clear, allowing for clean and easy finishing.
- Sets in just 5 minutes, providing ample time for repositioning to achieve the perfect fit.
Best Construction Adhesive for Plastic
Liquid Nails FuzeIt All Surface Construction Adhesive
- Offers twice the strength compared to using fasteners alone.
- Instant grab with a 15-second grab time, allowing for material repositioning.
- Suitable for both interior and exterior projects, including dishwasher use.
- Low-VOC and low-odor, certified by GREENGUARD GOLD and free of plasticizers.
Best Plastic-Specific Glue
- Easy 1:1 mix ratio with a re-sealable cap for multiple uses.
- Sets in 15 minutes, cures in 30 hours. Tan color when set and cured.
- Tensile strength of 3770 PSI.
- Suitable for Thermoset & Carbon Fiber Composites, Thermoplastics and Coated Metals, Plastic & PVC, Concrete, Ceramic & Tile, Fiberglass, and Aluminum.
Best Plastic Adhesive for Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP)
3M TALC Scotch-Weld (3MSC9) Scotch-Weld Structural Plastic Adhesive
- Creates strong bond on low surface energy plastics (LSE) such as polyolefin with minimal or no surface prep required
- Resists many chemicals, water, humidity and corrosion
- Formulated to bond multi-material assemblies such as LSE plastics, thermoplastics composites and metals
- Medium viscosity allows controlled dispensing
- 3 minute work life with 3 hours handling strength
Conclusion
Choosing the right glue for plastic can be daunting, given the variety of options available. However, you can make an informed decision with a clear understanding of the different types of plastics and the specific adhesives designed for them.
Remember, the key to a successful bond is not just the type of glue but also proper preparation, application, and patience. Always prioritize safety when working with adhesives, and don’t hesitate to contact manufacturers if you have any doubts or questions.
