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Due to the rather unpredictable nature of plastic, it can be tricky to find the correct glue for it.
Lack of porosity and varying levels of flexibility can make it hard for adhesives to find something to bond to.
However, there are some specialist glues out there made specifically for plastic.
This guide will introduce you to the 5 best types of glue for plastic and concludes with an overview of the 3 types of glue made for plastic. Let’s get started!
On this page:
The Best Glues for Plastic with Reviews 2024
Here is a list of the best glues for plastic we found:
1. J-B Weld Plastic Bonder - Best Industrial Strength Glue
- Quick setting 2-part epoxy with a 1:1 mixing ratio for strong, long-lasting repairs.
- Excellent tensile strength rated at 3770 PSI.
- Sets in just 15 minutes to a tan color and can be sanded after 30 minutes.
- The longer you mix it the thicker it becomes, making it easier to work with and apply.
- Works on acrylic, thermoplastics, thermoset, coated metals, carbon fiber composites, concrete and more.
- J-B Weld Plastic Bonder is the best all round epoxy glue for plastic currently available. No matter the size of your repair project, this product will tackle it.
2. Gorilla Clear Epoxy - Best All Round Glue for Plastic
- Gorilla 2 part epoxy creates a permanent, gap-filling bond.
- Bond strength rated at 3300 PSI.
- Comes in an easy to use syringe for even application with separate barrels for the hardener and resin.
- Sets in just 5 minutes to a clear color for a seamless fix.
- Alongside plastics it can bond acrylic, metals, woods, ceramics, glass and more.
- Solvent and water resistant, great for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Gorilla 2 Part glue has excellent durability which makes it an solid choice for household and even automotive repairs.
3. Loctite Ultra Gel Super Glue - Best Glue for Small Plastic Projects
- Loctite Ultra Gel is a rubber toughened super glue with a water resistant bond, no-drip consistency and impact resistance properties.
- Bottle with easy squeeze sides allow for accurate dispensing, especially useful when filling minor gaps
- Also features a self-piercing, screw-on cap that stops the nozzle from clogging and keeps the glue fresh.
- Requires zero clamping and dries clear in color
- Suitable for use on a number of surfaces, some of which include; plastics, hard plastics, wood, rubber and fabric.
- Loctite are well-known for their adhesives that work particularly well with plastic. The Loctite Ultra Gel super glue is no different. The plastic bonding system bonds with nearly all materials meaning it is especially good for small plastic projects and quick fixes around the house.
- NOTE: Not recommended on acrylic as it may cause a chemical burn on the surface.
4. J-B Weld PlasticWeld Epoxy Putty - Best Glue for Molding
- J-B Weld 8237 is a hand mixable fast setting epoxy putty that forms a polymer compound that can be used to repair pretty much anything made from plastic.
- It can be shaped and molded depending on the application, for example for gap filling.
- Tensile strength rated at 350 PSI.
- 20 – 25 minute cure time to an off-white color.
- Once cured it can be drilled, sanded, sawed and painted.
- Suitable for both semi-flexible and rigid plastics, PVC, ABS, CPVC pipes, vinyl siding, automotive trim & bumpers, fiberglass parts and more
- J-B Weld 8237 epoxy putty stands out of its excellent malleability and gap filling properties. If you need to make structural repairs, this product has your back.
5. J-B Weld Black Plastic Bonder Body Panel - Best for Glue Automotive
- J-B Weld Plastic Bonder is a quick setting, 2-part liquid urethane adhesive that produces lasting repairs with a tensile strength rated at 3770 PSI.
- Dries gloss black
- Easy to use with a mixing ratio of 1:1.
- Sets in 15 minutes and fully cures in 30 minutes to a hard, permanent gloss black bond.
- Once cured it can be sanded.
- Suited for use both indoors and out for lasting repairs on a number of materials including; plastics, PVC, thermoplastics, carbon fiber composites, concrete, coated metals and more.
- J-B Weld Plastic Bonder delivers the high-quality performance the J-B Weld brand are known for. It can do anything from filling gaps to joining objects with a permanent bond. It performs particularly well when it comes to automotive and industrial use.
Buying Glue for Plastics
When it comes to gluing plastic, there are three kinds of glue you must take into consideration.
Each glue offers something slightly different, each with their pros and cons depending on the application. By picking one up without prior research you run the risk of using the wrong glue and being left with an unsatisfactory bond or maybe even no bond at all.
Types of Glue
Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate Adhesives)
Super glue, originally known as a cyanoacrylate, is an extremely popular adhesive that can be found in almost every household. They come in a few different types each designed for different surfaces such as plastic, metal, wood and more.
Super glues are great for their quick setting abilities which removes the need for clamping plastic together. Compared to epoxy adhesives, they are a lot easier to use as there is no mixing required. Also, because it’s a clear substance they don’t leave a noticeable repair mark, instead, repairing your plastic material in a seamless fashion.
The quick setting ability of super glue can be a drawback in some cases as it doesn’t give the user much time to reposition the plastics being glued. To avoid this make sure you align the plastic materials accurately before applying. Super glue also isn’t temperature resistant meaning it may falter in severe cold or hot weather.
Finally, avoid joining plastics in areas that are likely to undergo shear forces.
Go with a super glue such as Loctite Ultra Gel Control if you’re looking for an easy to use plastic adhesive for small repair jobs that require a delicate touch.
Epoxy Glue
This glue type is a liquid adhesive that comes in 2 parts, typically a resin and a hardener. Both are mixed in a 1:1 ratio to create an epoxy glue that can be applied to the plastic surfaces you want to bond.
They provide a much stronger bond than super glue, this is not one that can be easily reversed! Set times are also slightly longer so you have more time to position your objects to get a precise fit.
Due to a high tensile strength rating, you won’t have to worry about where you use epoxy glue either as it will stand up to a variety of conditions both indoors and out.
As with most powerful glues, it shouldn’t come into contact with the skin. Add in the need to mix both the resin and hardener and using an epoxy glue can be rather awkward. Ensuring an even spread during the application process will take concentration and despite your best efforts there is bound to be some excess that runs down the side of the joint that will need cleaning up.
Epoxy glue is the appropriate choice for those looking for a maximum strength glue that can withstand extreme conditions and shear force. For those needing to fill gaps and make structural repairs to plastic, refer to the putty below.
Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty is a solid adhesive typically sold in a stick form. The application process is easy, just pinch off the amount you want, kneed it then apply. The putty consistency makes it especially good for structural repairs due to its malleability.
It is also great when it comes to filling gaps in plastic due to its high cohesive strength. Once the gap has been filled and the epoxy is fully cured simply sand the area to remove any excess and leave behind a neat finish. If needed you can also tap, drill or paint the area.
If you are just looking to join one object to another you’ll be better off with super glue or epoxy glue. However, if you’re looking for a gap-filling adhesive that provides impressive structural strength with the capacity to stand up to harsh conditions, putty is for you. The ability to be shaped and molded depending on the application make it incredibility useful for a lot of repairs.
Wrapping it up
The above products are what we believe to be the 5 best glues for plastic currently on offer to consumers.
When looking for glue you must consider the time it takes to set and what can be done to it after it has cured. It is also important to pay attention to how the glue is applied, the bond strength and which materials it works best on.
In our opinion, the J-B Weld Plastic Bonder is the best on the market. Why, because it meets all the above criteria when it comes to gluing plastic. It sets quick but not so quick that you don’t have time to adjust the plastic material. Has an amazing tensile strength rated at 3770 PSI, the application process is a breeze and of course performs especially well on a variety of plastics. Give it a try and let us know how you got on, you won’t be disappointed!
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