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Selecting the right glue for plastic
Do you need reliable glue for your next DIY project? Or perhaps you need to fix something you broke recently? There are several types of glue out there tailored to sticking plastics together. However, it can be difficult to know which is the best glue for plastic that suits your needs.
Some glues work differently on different types of plastics, while others vary in drying time or durability. If you need something quick and reliable, check out Testors Cement Glue.
Shop this article: Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement with Weld-On Applicator Bottle with Needle and Gorilla Super Glue
What to know about choosing the best glue for plastic
Types of glue
There are three types of glue to consider: polystyrene cement, super glue and epoxy glue for plastic.
Polystyrene cement melts the plastic slightly, effectively gluing the pieces together into one. It’s great for things like pipes or model kits, but if not used correctly, it can damage surfaces. It only takes about a minute to set and is fully cured within eight hours.
You can use super glue (or cyanoacrylate adhesive) to bond a wide range of materials. It dries fast but doesn’t fill up much space in between. So if you need a thicker bond for gap filling, super glue is not the way to go. It only takes 10 seconds to set and about 24 hours to cure.
Epoxy glue is a two-part glue that relies on the combination of two chemical components to create an incredibly strong plastic bonder. Regardless of how long it takes to dry, leave epoxy glue to cure for at least 72 hours. This can take longer depending on the job and climate.
Types of plastic
Since plastic is not a porous material, it can be tricky to find the right glue to hold your plastic together. Epoxy glue works best for most plastics, but if your project requires a more flexible bond, you’ll want an acrylic-based glue.
Tips for using plastic glue
Choose the correct glue
First and foremost, make sure to pick the best glue for the type of plastic you’re working with. Consider if the glue will be exposed to any extreme elements or temperatures since this could impact its effectiveness. Finding the best glue for the job will ensure optimal plastic bonding.
Clean surfaces
Before you start gluing, make sure all the surfaces you intend to join are clean. You don’t want dirt or grime getting in the way, and it can also impact the effectiveness of the glue’s performance.
Don’t overdo it
Less is more when it comes to using strong glues. If you apply too much, you run the risk of longer drying times and dried glue buildup. Use only enough glue to get the job done.
Clean up carefully
After you’ve wiped away any stray glue streaks, make sure you put your glue away properly. Remove any excess glue stuck in the nozzle, which can dry and seal the bottle shut. You’ll also want to store the glue in a cool, dry place that isn’t subject to extreme temperatures.
Best glue for plastic
Best polystyrene cement for plastic
Testor Corp Cement Glue Value Pack 2 Tubes
What you need to know: This pack comes with two 0.87-ounce tubes of cement glue.
What you’ll love: It’s exceptionally reliable when you need to glue plastic to plastic. Even though cement is in the name, this glue still dries clear on surfaces. And a little bit goes a long way, too.
What you should consider: It has a very strong smell.
Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement with Weld-On Applicator Bottle with Needle
What you need to know: This set features a 4-ounce can of acrylic cement and a bottle with the needle for application.
What you’ll love: This cement glue sets very quickly and creates a tight bond. It can be a little tricky to use because of the watery consistency, but it works very well once you get the hang of it.
What you should consider: Since it’s designed specifically for acrylic plastics, it may not be as effective with other types of plastic.
Best super glue for plastic
What you need to know: This translucent Gorilla glue for plastic comes in a 0.53-ounce bottle with an anti-clog tip.
What you’ll love: It’s very versatile, and you can use it on plastics as well as on other materials. It sets in under a minute and has the added benefit of being waterproof.
What you should consider: The bottle is a little misleading and looks half-empty when you get it. Rest assured, it does contain all the glue it’s supposed to hold.
Glue Masters Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate “Super Glue”
What you need to know: This super glue comes in a 2-ounce bottle with a tube tip and cap.
What you’ll love: It bonds most plastics together and can also bond plastic to other materials, like glass or metal. It’s strong, waterproof and dries clear.
What you should consider: It’s a little watery, which can make application difficult.
Best epoxy glue for plastic
Loctite Epoxy Five-Minute Instant Mix
What you need to know: Perfect for small jobs, this epoxy glue comes in a 0.47-fluid ounce self-mixing dispenser with a precision syringe applicator.
What you’ll love: This one is great for gluing plastics as well as bonding wood, metal, glass ceramics and other materials. It’s water-resistant and does not shrink.
What you should consider: It dries yellow, not clear.
Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy 5-Minute Set
What you need to know: This clear epoxy glue comes in a 0.85-ounce syringe and sets in five minutes.
What you’ll love: This glue is great for bonding plastics together as well as other materials. It fills in gaps as needed and creates a good, strong bond. It’s water-resistant and dries perfectly clear.
What you should consider: Temperature and humidity of work conditions may impact the drying time.
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