Finding the best glue for plastic is a daunting task because any ordinary glue won’t bond the slippery edges and surface of the plastic. There are different glues that you can use for plastic, but finding the right type of glue that meets all the needs and requirements of your plastic is a whole different ball game.
This post will assist you in making the right choice. We will also reveal critical features that you must consider before buying the best glue for plastic.
So, let’s get on the way without further ado!
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- Glues small pieces precisely
- Good for polystyrene plastic
- Flows smoothly for covering the gaps
- The pack consists of two tubes; each contains 0.87 ounces of glue
- A great model for a strong bond
- Available in two models
- Withstands heat of more than 150-degree Fahrenheit
- Withstands heat of more than 150-degree Fahrenheit
- More effective and super sealant
- Easy to apply
- Sets quickly
- Delivers industrial strength
- Great multipurpose adhesive
- Easy to use
- Supports many stress surfaces
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Tamiya 87038 glue is the best overall glue for plastic because its extra thin cement flows smoothly, and you can glue together the pieces of polystyrene plastic.
It comes with a pinpoint tip so you can use it for erasing the gap between small pieces of plastic. Furthermore, the fine tip makes it easy to use.
You can also use this adhesive for DIY projects, model building or other crafts projects.
Glue for Plastic – Buying Guide & FAQs
What Type of Glue Use for bonding Plastic
Plastic lacks porosity and roughness, which makes it difficult for the glue to find anything on which to bond. That’s because different types of glues and adhesives either dissolve or don’t bond well with plastics. It will help if you have an adhesive that works specifically with plastic and the types of plastic you’re using.
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How Does Plastic Glue Works
This glue contains solvents that work when you push the glue out of the tube (the solvents also prevent the glue from sticking to the tube). These solvents either evaporate into the air when you push them out of the tube, or they are absorbed by the surface on which you apply them.
Once the solvent is vaporized, the molecules of polystyrene lock together and form a very strong chemical bond. The unpleasant smell dissipates when dry because of the vaporized solvents.
Glues for different types of plastics
There are different types of plastics, and you need to understand their nature before you start looking for the appropriate glue. There are plastics with the recycling symbol and they are marked with “PS” or “6.”
These polystyrene plastics are used for simple and basic level items, including plastic bowls, disposable cutlery and fashion bags. The best glue for this type of plastic is poly cement glue.
Other types of plastic, such as drainpipes, are used for commercial or industrial purposes. Some special kinds of plastic are used to make different types of medical equipment and even bulletproof vests. Biocompatible adhesives are used for such plastics.
Glue for hard plastic
High density or hard plastics are used to make containers, buckets or crates. These plastics are polypropylene or polyethylene. Your regular white or wood glue, or common adhesives, are not going to work with these materials.
A cyanoacrylate adhesive is ideal here because it is resistant to water and it dries fast and clear. This glue is best for automotive plastic, eyeglass frame plastic and laptop plastic. You can also use this to fix fridge plastic.
Glue for clear plastic
The glue for clear or flexible plastics are frequently used in households, and you can apply them on toys or shoes, etc. Vinyl adhesives are ideal for working with these materials because they are waterproof and they won’t break with UV exposure.
This glue is suitable for nylon plastic, plastic toys, plastic models and miniatures, as well as foam to plastic applications.
Gluing plastic to plastic
To glue plastic with plastic, make sure that you get rid of any grease from the surfaces that you want to join. You can do so with the help of soap or isopropyl alcohol. For minimizing the oil residue, you need to avoid touching the surfaces after they are washed.
Next, with the help of sandpaper, you need to create a rough surface for the glue to bond effectively. Emery cloth or steel wool will work, too. Now prepare your glue and apply it using a needle tip or small brush. Then hold the surfaces tightly together until dry.
Gluing Plastic to other materials
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Depending on your projects, you will also have to work with other materials in combination with plastic. Here are a few of the most commonly used materials in combination with plastics and the glue that will work the best for each combination.
Here, an epoxy plastic bonder will produce the best results. Epoxies work better with ABS, PVC, Plexiglas, polycarbonate and polystyrene. But epoxies do have a slow drying time.
- Glue for plastic to wood
Super glue is going to work wonders here due to its cyanoacrylate content. It has a very speedy drying time, and it is not runny, which means that you can apply it with ease. It is resistant to water and will hold for a long time.
Vinyl adhesive is the best choice – it is a clear liquid bond that you can use for flexible or clear plastics with fabric. It is water and UV proof and works outdoors as well.
A butyl formula based glue makes it better than standard super glue to work on smooth surfaces. Make sure that you sand the plastic surface before you apply the glue, and hold the two surfaces together tightly for optimal results. This glue is good for acrylic plastic.
Tips for gluing plastic
Make sure that you thoroughly clean the plastic surface prior to applying the glue. You can wash the surface with soap or any plastic-specific cleaner. You can also use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning purposes.
It is better to create a rough surface before you apply the glue. You can do this by sanding it using sandpaper (120 to 240 grits). An emery cloth or steel wool can also work. But keep in mind that you only need to rub it briefly.
For better precision, you need to use small application tools. A needle tip or a small paintbrush will be quite handy.
When using 2-part adhesives or epoxies, you need to be very precise with the blending ratio for ideal results; follow the instructions carefully.
You can use clamps, tape or elastics to hold the surfaces together; curing times for different glues can range from a few seconds to 24 hours.
Make sure to get rid of any spillage or excess glue with the help of isopropyl or denatured alcohol. Spirits are also handy in such scenarios.
Best Glue for Plastic
The top best product [hide]
Tamiya 87038 Glue
- Best gap eraser
- Bonds with finesse & accuracy
- Pointed tip for convenient use
Testors 3509C Glue - for ABS Plastic
- Comes with four precision tips
- Easy to use
- Quick-drying
Amazing GOOP 160012 Adhesive - for Automotive Plastic
- Perfectly bonds to glass, metal, vinyl, plastic or leather
- Paintable and waterproof
Loctite 681925 Glue - for Hard Plastic
- Multi-purpose bonding system
- It comes with a 0.14 ounces activator
- Water-resistant & dries transparent
GLUESMITH Adhesive - for Polypropylene Plastic
- Shelf life of 2 years
- Premium coating of the bottle prevents clogs
- Suitable for hard plastic
Tamiya 87038
Tamiya 87038 is our best pick for gluing plastic. The best advantage of this glue is that it comes with a pointed tip so you can easily use it to glue small pieces of plastic. This extra thin adhesive can fill and erase gaps between small pieces of plastic by capillary action. Tamiya glue flows smoothly for delivering finesse and accuracy. Additionally, the glass bottle is nice and heavy, but you can grip it comfortably.
Conclusion
There are different types of plastics, and each type of plastic requires a different type of glue in various projects. The right kind of glue for the right kind of plastic will ensure that you get the desired results in the required time frame. Before applying these adhesives to your plastic surfaces, make sure to sand them for better results, and hold the two pieces together firmly.
Have you ever used any of the glues and adhesives mentioned above? Which one did you find most useful? Share your thoughts by leaving your comments and suggestions below!
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