When it comes to gluing in DIY projects, no one recipe fits all. Different adhesives are chemically formulated to operate with various materials. For example, we have wood glue, which is excellent for carpentry but less effective on metal. Even superglue, our go-to solution for almost anything, has limitations, which is why you'll need the best plastic glue if you need to repair your plastic toys and bowls at home.
Superglue, which contains cyanoacrylate, is an excellent alternative for common repairs. It also dries practically fast. However, it does not function well on flat surfaces and is only intended for usage with polyethylene or polypropylene plastics.
When utilizing Epoxy, a multi-purpose adhesive for a variety of materials, you must combine a hardener and resin. They typically take longer to harden than superglue, allowing you more time to work on them.
In addition, always check the box because certain adhesives are water-resistant while others are water-safe. Finally, to assess the strength of the best glue, consider its tensile strength, which is measured in pounds per square inch. A higher PSI suggests a stronger adhesive, but this varies depending on the materials being glued.
What are the 5 Best Plastic glues?
Rank | Product Image | Brand Name | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | ||
2 |
| ||
3 |
| ||
4 |
| ||
5 |
|
1. Y’allCanDiy Super Glue for Plastic
If you're looking for a dependable, heavy-duty adhesive that can handle everything from Legos to miniatures and 3D prints, the Y'allCanDiy Super glue for Plastic is a true game changer. This versatile adhesive is suitable for a wide range of plastic surfaces, including PLA, ABS, PVC, toys, and automobile parts. Whether you're working on DIY kits or sophisticated craft projects, this glue guarantees a solid, long-lasting bond every time.
The adhesive is perfect for anyone with a busy schedule because it is easy to use and dries rapidly. Its 20g (.7 oz) bottle is tiny, and a little goes a long way, making it a budget-friendly choice for both novice and experienced crafters. Furthermore, the glue's formula is intended to operate with a variety of materials, making it one of the greatest options for multi-surface bonding.
Overall, Y'allCanDiy Super Glue for Plastic stands out as one of the best plastic glues due to its versatility, short drying time, and dependable performance. If you routinely work with plastic, this is a must-have item for your craft or repair kit!
Pros:
Cons:
2. Gorilla Super Glue -Best for Home DIY Projects
Gorilla adhesive gel is the best option if you need adhesive that dries clear and fast. It hardens in about 10–45 seconds, so you won't be trapped holding plastic components together for long. However, the Gorilla adhesive maker recommends that you wait at least 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before using it or applying any weight/pressure to the plastic. Its tensile strength ranges from 500 to 1,500 PSI, depending on the materials you're trying to bond together.
It has a thick composition that allows you to regulate where it smears and is not water-resistant, making it suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, even vertical ones like walls. It also has an anti-clogging metal pin to help keep the glue from clogging after opening. You can obtain a single 20-gram bottle or buy it in bundles of 2 or 10.
Since it combines rubber particles to provide a very strong impact-resistant adhesive, Gorilla gel glue is among the best plastic glues for a great deal of do-it-yourself applications. You can use it for minor appliance repairs or to patch small holes in garden hose pipes. It reacts with water molecules, forming a chemical bond that successfully connects rubber, metal, leather, paper, wood, porcelain, and plastic. However, even though it is the greatest adhesive for plastic, it does not work on polyethylene, polypropylene, or smooth surfaces; thus, it should be sanded for maximum results.
You won't be able to move the parts after five minutes of mild handling, so work quickly and make sure both surfaces are in the proper position. It bonds within a minute of application.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix—Best Value for Money
Loctite Epoxy 5-Minute Instant Mix works well on practically any surface, including most stiff plastics, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, tiles, china, fiberglass, stone, and concrete. This low-cost glue performs as well, if not better, than some more expensive adhesives in a variety of applications, including surface repairs, gap bonding, and lamination. It's simple to use because of the self-mixing syringe; with a single push, the linked plunger blends the resin and hardener for application.
They set in 5 minutes after being combined, so use it right away. The mixture produces a high-impact, strong bond that is weather, solvent, and water resistant. This glue sets in seconds, but it should be left to dry for 24 hours before being sanded or painted to maintain its optimal strength.
This superglue appears to be a standard epoxy with a two-step technique, but it is actually a superglue with a primer to help you prepare smooth plastics. You do not always have to mix the two formulations; you can apply the plastic primer first, let it to dry, and then apply the Loctite Epoxy glue.
As one of the greatest plastic glues, it may be used on a variety of polymers, including polypropylene and polyethylene. This plastic bonding technique is water resistant but not waterproof, with a tensile strength ranging from 290 to 2,900 PSI.
Furthermore, it dries clear, does not shrink while drying, and can be sanded or drilled once hardened. It is not safe to use on surfaces that may come into contact with food or drinkable water.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Gorilla Super Glue- Best for Plastic to Rubber
- Two ways to dispense for greater control and versatility
- Fine bristle brush for controlled coverage with less mess
- Precision tip nozzle for quick, easy dispensing
- Impact tough: Unique rubber particles increase impact resistance...
- Fast-setting: Dries in 10-30 seconds, no clamping required
Rubber can be difficult to bind up because it bends, breaking the bonds produced by the adhesive. The Gorilla Super Glue that comes with the brush and nozzle applicator is a rubber instant adhesive that solves by incorporating rubber particles into its cyanoacrylate for greater impact resistance, flexibility, and durability.
It's compatible with most plastics, metals, leather, wood, ceramics, and paper. In addition, it includes a well-designed brush and nozzle for quick and precise application. However, it sets within one minute of application and cannot be altered after that, so make sure all surfaces are in good condition and aligned before applying.
Pros:
Cons:
5. J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy- Best for Plastic to Metal
This waterproof J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine epoxy was initially intended to repair boats, repair dock parts, and fasten metal gear at the marina. Its heat resistance (550° F) and ultimate strength of 5,020 PSI indicate that it is an ultra-high strength bond that would require at least 5,020 pounds of force to separate. It is ideal for aluminum, metal, fiberglass, composites, wood, and all types of plastic.
With a minimum setting time of 4-6 hours, this two-tube epoxy is ready to mix in a 1:1 ratio, providing ample time to work with the target material and make sure everything is set correctly. Once all of the components are perfectly aligned, clamp them in place. It takes 16-24 hours to fully cure, after which it can be filed, tapped, sanded, drilled, and molded.
Consider using this adhesive to mend gaps, cracks, or chips. Once dry, it retains an off-white hue, is water-resistant, and is ideal for parts that will be submerged in water for an extended amount of time. It is also safe to use with potable water.
Pros:
Cons:
What Factors Do You Consider When Buying the Best Plastic Glue?
A) Different Types of Glue for Plastic
Before choosing the right glue, you must be familiar with the different adhesive types specifically used in gluing plastic.
i) Epoxy Glue
Epoxy is often a two-part glue system that is both long-lasting and of high quality. It is not only strong enough to attach plastic surfaces together, but it is also a multi-purpose adhesive that can bind different materials and surfaces.
Its versatility makes it useful for both large-scale building projects and creative projects for your home or workplace. This glue is very useful because it dries fully clear and can be used for filling purposes.
ii) Polystyrene Cement
Since it can be more damaging and effectively forms a strong link between the plastics, polystyrene cement—the strongest glue—is especially advised for more rigid, hard plastics. It works by causing a chemical reaction to disintegrate the hard plastic surface, which is then molded together when the model cement dries.
However, it is only recommended for working with two plastic surfaces and is not appropriate for holding other materials on plastic. Also, consider how much adhesive you apply, since too much polystyrene cement will entirely destroy the plastic substance.
iii) Cyanoacrylate Glue
Superglue, the most popular kind of plastic glue, is capable of joining a variety of objects. It can be used not only to glue plastic surfaces together, but also to attach other materials to the plastic surface.
It is one of the most versatile glues for bonding plastic, providing a heavy-duty and robust adhesive. The viscosity of superglue varies from thick to thin. It's worth noting that thick superglue moves slowly, is more durable, and takes much longer to dry. On the other hand, a thin superglue moves quickly and dries virtually instantly.
B) What do you want to glue together?
When searching for the best glue, keep in mind the kind of surfaces you wish to glue together. The type and size of the surface are also significant. The best plastic glues will adhere to almost anything as long as the surface is not oily, unclean, or wet.
However, owing of their tiny quantity and high viscosity, they are frequently ineffective for bonding broad surfaces, especially in a short period of time.
C) How much does the right adhesive bottle hold?
The plastic glue capacity is another crucial component. Most plastic glues are packaged in small bottles since a single drop goes a long way. However, this can be an issue if you plan on using this glue regularly or on a large project.
In this situation, consider purchasing a bottle of plastic glue, which typically holds about 16 ounces of product. If it isn't enough, consider buying greater amounts of the same product.
D) Is it Anti-clogging?
Moreover, check to see if your plastic glue has anti-clogging qualities. Glues are well-known for clogging the nozzle when the particles dry and gather there while being dispensed. Some manufacturers build their applicator tips with this in mind; some have anti-clogging characteristics, while others have a pin to reduce the possibility of clogging or uneven dispensing.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Plastic Glue
1. How do you bind plastic on plastic?
The best plastic bonder is poly cement (also known as plastic cement). The specialized epoxy adhesives for plastic include the Loctite plastics bonding system or Superglue plastic fusion and cyanoacrylate (also known as the instant 'glue' or 'cyano').
2. How do you do plastic bonding with two pieces of plastic?
If two separate pieces of plastic need to be joined or if the plastic has a crack, you'll need to do some plastic welding. Basically, you need to apply heat to the edges of the plastic until it is molten enough to bind both parts together.
3. How to reinforce certain plastics?
The first step in reinforcing fractured plastic is to seal the interior of the damaged area. To do this, hold both plastic edges together and heat them until they melt somewhat to fill the crack. When finished, the plastic becomes even stronger than it was before.
