The term “plastic” probably covers one of the broadest area of variations than any other material. From softer materials like Polyester and LDPE to harder materials like Polypropylene, all fall under the category of being a plastic.
Thus, choosing the best glue for plastic to plastic can be a complicated matter.
But, fear not!
We are right by your side. In this guide, you’ll get all necessary facts along with our list of top picks, to ensure that you don’t make a wrong purchase, even by mistake.
Here is the short table of plastic glue.
[amazon table=”4765″]Quick View
- Different Types Of Plastic Glues
- Best Glues For Plastic To Plastic Review
- 1. Loctite 681925 Super Glue for Plastic to Plastic
- 2. Super Glue 15187 for plastic
- 3. J-B Weld 50133 Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe
- 4. Loctite, Ultra Gel Control Waterproof Super Glue for plastic
- 5. Testor, Cement Glue for leather, glass, metal
- 6. Gorilla, Transparent Super Glue for Metal
- 7. Tamiya 87038, Extra Thin Cement Glue for Rubber
- 8. Damn Good, UV Glue Plastic Weld to plastic
- 9. Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H glue for Ceramic
- How To Choose The Right Glue For Plastic To Plastic
- Final Words
Different Types Of Plastic Glues
Cyanoacrylate Adhesives
Popularly known as super glue, these adhesives are derived from Cyanoaceylic acid. They form a quick and durable bond between a variety of surfaces through a fast polymerization process, with the help of a catalyst.
For Cyanoacrylate adhesives, the catalyst is moisture. The acrylic monomer (cyanoacrylate) of the adhesive turns into solid plastic when triggered by the catalyst (moisture). This phenomenon happens almost instantly, and once formed, creates a sufficiently strong bond.
UV-Activated Adhesives
These types of adhesives are activated by UV lights. The adhesive stays in a liquid form until it is exposed to a certain range of UV (e.g. 365-nanometer/395-nanometer). These products are generally equipped with a penlight to generate and precisely focus the UV onto the liquid.
UV-activated adhesives offer superior flexibility than other types of glues.
Contact/Cement Adhesives
Cement adhesives use polymers that contain the ability to bond even after they are dried through a process called auto-adhesion. Thus, they provide better impact resistance, can be molded into certain shapes (e.g. for laminating), and is more effective in bonding surfaces that liquids can’t penetrate.
They are largely used to assemble automobile parts, laying floor tiles, and setting counter-tops at kitchens and washrooms.
Polyurethane Adhesives
These adhesives are constructed using either a polyester or polyether-based formula. They are praised to be one of the most flexible adhesives, as they can be used for a variety of purposes, allowing you to bond a wide range of materials (e.g. bonding films, SMC, etc.)
Best Glues For Plastic To Plastic Review
1. Loctite 681925 Super Glue for Plastic to Plastic
[amazon box=”B000Y3LHXW”]If you want a “one size fits all” type glue with amazing features, you’re in the right place.
The package contains a 2-gram tube of Cyanoacrylate super glue and a 4-milliliter tube of primer. The primer tube is secured by a screw cap and uses a felt-tip brush to smoothly pre-activate the surface.
The glue is designed to be compatible with cork, cardboard, chipboard, Plexiglas, along with tough plastics like polystyrene, Teflon, polycarbonate, etc. It also works on ABS, Mylar, Delrin, FRP, phenolic surfaces, FRP, and stainless steel.
It can be used to repair figurines, plastic toys, broken jewelry, camera, and metal model cars. You can also use the product to fix O-rings, rubber seals, and wiper blades of a windshield.
The product follows a dual step admission process. First, prepare the surface with the Heptane primer and wait approximately 60 to 120 seconds. Then apply 1 drop of glue for per square-inch. The clamping time for the glue is 30 to 45 seconds, along with a drying time of 25 minutes.
The glue is resistant to shrinking, clamping, water, common solvents, shop fluids, and strong impacts.
- Uses Cyanoacrylate bonding that can perform on waxy plastics.
- Provides a Heptane primer to easily bond low-energy plastic surfaces.
- Offers a clear dry to provide a better look after fixing.
- Materials bonded using the glue can be drilled and sanded.
- Can be effective on plastics like polyethylene that are hard to clamp.
2. Super Glue 15187 for plastic
[amazon box=”B000LGPD64″]
For those of you who use super glue on a regular basis but hate making unnecessary trips to the store, we have just the right product.
The product contains 12 tubes of Cyanoacrylate adhesive, improved by a quick-dry feature. Each tube has 2-grams of super glue.
The manufacturer provides a reusable container, protected by a multi-layered, hard plastic shell. It also has a carrying handle to increase portability. However, some users had issues with opening the carrier.
Each plastic tube has a shelf life of 12 months. They are designed using a dual cap system. The outer screw cap ensures the glue is protected when not in use, while a precision nozzle helps you to apply the product exactly as you want.
It’s the best glue for hard plastic to plastic. But it can also be used on china white, ceramics, and wood, along with metal and rubber which present a surface hard to permeate for a liquid.
You can use the product to fix kitchen accessories, mud pottery, wooden toys, etc. The water resistant glue is safe to be painted on and get sanded after application.
- Provides a reusable carrier, protected by a multi-layered, hard plastic shell.
- Offers a water-resistant glue to protect the fixed product in wet situations.
- Includes an ergonomic nozzle to avoid dripping and spilling.
- Compatible with surfaces (e.g. metal) hard to permeate by a liquid.
- Provides a pack of 12 tubes with a quick-dry feature.
3. J-B Weld 50133 Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe
[amazon box=”B009EU5ZNO”]Here’s a challenge for you: find another glue that looks as unique and performs as creatively as this product.
This Urethane adhesive consists of a panel designed to hold and use a dual syringe system, along with a maximum liquid capacity of 25-milliliters.
Each syringe uses a pressure pump feature to push out the liquid. The product provides an ergonomic cap with a flattened, gapped top. You can use the cap to seal the entire panel or each syringe individually to prevent leakage and loss of quality.
The glue can be used on tricky surfaces like Carbon Fiber Composites, Thermoplastic metals with coating, PVC leather, fiberglass, ceramic tiles, and Aluminum.
The application system is easy and flexible. With this quick-dry glue, you can mix the components in a 1:1 ratio by using the included mixing tray and stir stick.
The glue offers a clamping time of 15 seconds and a setting time of 15 minutes. However, for a full adhesion, waiting 24 to 30 hours is recommended.
- Provides a panel structured design to hold and use a dual syringe system.
- Can withstand up to 3770-pounds of pressure per square inch.
- Provides a tray and a stir pole with the package for easy mixing.
- Compatible with complicated surfaces like Fiber Composites.
- You can sand over the glued material only half an hour after application.
4. Loctite, Ultra Gel Control Waterproof Super Glue for plastic
[amazon box=”B003Y49R7G”]In terms of impact resistance and ease of use, this glue is hard to beat.
The adhesive infuses rubber nanoparticles into Cyanoacrylate’s acrylic resins to improve the glue’s shock absorption capabilities. The product contains 4-grams of liquid.
It can also be considered as the best super glue for plastic to plastic, seeing the truly innovative design of the tube.
A curved squeezer is attached to each side of the tube, decorated with an ergonomic and versatile combination of outer and inner layers. This feature helps you to perform a drip free and measured application process.
The tube is attached to a precision nozzle, protected by a twist cap.
This glue can be used on polystyrene, acrylic, etc. You can also use the product on metal, rubber, PVC leather, and fabrics. However, Loctite warns that the glue may not be as effective on polypropylene, polyethylene, and Teflon.
The product offers superior resistance against moisture, temperature, water, impact, and vibration. It’s gel chemical structure provides you enhanced flexibility while putting together parts of the material.
- Uses rubber nanoparticle infusion to enhance the glue’s shock resistance.
- Provides a patented tube design for a drip free and accurate application.
- Protects the nozzle by a twist cap with a self-piercing feature.
- Can be applied on tough plastics such as polystyrene and acrylic.
- Applies a special gel structure to enhance flexibility while assembling parts.
5. Testor, Cement Glue for leather, glass, metal
[amazon box=”B0013D53CS”]If you thought once a glue a dries up, it can’t be used to bond anything, think again. This adhesive can perform a bonding process even when its dried up, hence the name “cement adhesive”.
The package contains 2 tubes, each containing 25.4-milliliters of liquid, providing you a total of 50.8-milliliters of glue. Testor also provides 4 precision drippers with the package, allowing you a long term use without requiring to buy spare nozzles.
The glue can be used on rubber, metal, glass, leather, along with ABS plastic and polystyrene. It’s particularly effective on nonporous materials which are hard to bond for regular glues.
The glue is efficient at attaching countertops of kitchen shelves and bathrooms. It also works great for attaching floor tiles.
It offers resistance against moisture and clamping. The adhesive’s clear dry feature results in a flawless fixing job.
The glue has a boiling range of 111 to 260-degree Celsius, is slightly water soluble, and offers a slower evaporation rate than ether.
- Includes 4 drippers to allow a long term use without buying spare nozzles.
- Provides a slow evaporation rate to protect loss of quantity over time.
- Applies a neoprene rubber formula to create quick and durable bonds.
- As a cement adhesive, can deliver flexibility in terms of customizing a fix.
- Compatible with materials like ABS plastic and Polystyrene.
6. Gorilla, Transparent Super Glue for Metal
[amazon box=”B001IY82FM”]This instant multipurpose glue can take a hit, that’s for sure.
The adhesive mixes rubber nanoparticles to Cyanoacrylate resins for enhancing the glue’s impact resistance. The product offers 15-grams of Cyanoacrylate adhesive.
Gorilla uses a standard cardboard packaging with a double layered plastic shield to protect the product through the shipping process. Inside you’ll find a plastic bottle with a ridged, circular neck that contains the glue.
The bottle is sealed by a blue, self-piercing cap and uses a multi-layered, precision nozzle. The cap is equipped with a metal pin which prevents the glue from clogging up after use, while the ergonomic nozzle ensures a precise and drip free application.
It can be used on a wide range of surfaces such as, PVC sheets, ceramic, fabric, paper, rubber, foam, glass, wood, concrete, and metal, making it the best glue for sticking plastic to plastic. Users have reported the glue to be particularly effective for minor household fixing and indoor DIY projects.
- The glue can be painted on and sanded after curing properly.
- The product conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standard.
- Uses rubber nanoparticle infused resins to create an impact resistant glue.
- Offers a self-piercing external cap to prevent contamination and clogging.
- Compatible with various surfaces such as paper, foam, concrete, etc.
7. Tamiya 87038, Extra Thin Cement Glue for Rubber
[amazon box=”B000BMYWYC”]Riddle us this: What is super-light yet can withstand a ton of pressure?
Answer: This product.
This ultra-light, cement adhesive uses polymers that can bond even in a dried state through auto-adhesion. As a result, you get a glue with superior shock resistance.
The ultra-thin texture of the glue allows it to access cracks and creases by a mechanism called capillary action.
As a cement adhesive it can bond even in a dried state, while the capillary action moves the super-light liquid between narrow spaces. These features combine to make the adhesive an effective gap filler.
The glass bottle contains 40-milliliters of neoprene rubber adhesive. It is sealed by an external screw cap with an attached, multi-layered, precision applicator. This unique cap design provides you an uncomplicated and accurate user experience.
The cement adhesive works particularly well on thermoplastics such as polystyrene (PS).
Model kit enthusiasts value this product for its ultra-light texture and super thin nozzle tip. These features will help you assemble small, tricky pieces of a model with maximum precision and efficacy.
- Offers high impact resistance due to the adhesive’s chemical structure.
- Provides a super thin nozzle tip for accurate and detailed operations.
- Features an innovative cap design to offer an easy yet precise application.
- Performs particularly well on thermoplastics such as polystyrene (PS).
- Functions as an effective gap filler.
8. Damn Good, UV Glue Plastic Weld to plastic
[amazon box=”B06XJ28LZP”]Well, we must admit, the product showcases a damn good technology for a super glue.
It’s an UV-activated adhesive contained in a 10-millilter plastic bottle, protected by a cone shaped, external screw cap. The cap has a raised base which helps to easily unscrew the bottle. It uses a precision dripper made of transparent plastic. The package also includes a UV pen with a black twist cap.
The product works on multiple surfaces such as glass, fiberwood, stainless steel, plastic, etc. You can use it for parts fabrication processes, repairing pool liners and inflatable pool accessories, electronic potting, crafting ornaments, welding and tacking plastic materials, and hobby crafts.
The product provides a 2 step application process. First, you lay down the glue using the nozzle. The glue is consisted of liquidized polymer resins that only bond when exposed to a particular range of UV (in this case 395-nanometer LED UV). Then you use the pen to precisely solidify the glue to finish the application process.
Sometimes a photochemical promoter is used to quicken the bonding process and increase the bonding strength. The glue is also resistant to water.
- Provides a UV light activated adhesive.
- Includes an external cap with a raised base to easily access the bottle.
- Can be used for technically complex tasks like electronic potting.
- Includes a 395-nanometer LED UV pen light to accurately solidify the glue.
- Provides a flexible application process for a wide range of surfaces.
9. Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H glue for Ceramic
[amazon box=”B07BWLXRGS”]If you thought a multipurpose adhesive wasn’t enough, you’re not the only one. Which is why Bob Smith Industries paired it with a catalyst which accelerates the curing process.
The Cyanoacrylate adhesive comes in a 28-gram plastic bottle. The manufacturer also provides 2 extra, precision nozzles with the package.
The catalyst comes in a 60-milliliter bottle, equipped with a spray cap. It has an oval curve at the top surface, providing an ergonomic spraying functionality to the container.
You can use the product to assemble plastic models and toys, bonding tires of R/C automobiles, and filling in gaps and dents.
It offers a dual step application process.
Primarily, the adhesive is applied over the surface. Then the catalyst is sprayed unto it, which speeds up the bonding by increasing the alkaline condition during the process of polymerization.
The glue is impact resistant. It produces a solid output, which after being carved, sanded and feathered can perfectly mimic the appearance of plastic.
For hard-to-bond surfaces, the glue and catalyst can be used individually on mirroring parts to achieve a stronger adhesion.
- Provides a package including both a glue and an acceleration catalyst.
- The catalyst speeds up the bonding to save time and increase strength.
- The catalyst prevents spillage by bonding dripping glue from pressed parts.
- The glue offers a substantial amount of shock resistance.
- Provides 2 extra nozzles with the package.
How To Choose The Right Glue For Plastic To Plastic
Chemical Structure
The chemical anatomy of a glue plays an important part in determining whether the product is compatible with your intended use.
For example, super glues use a derivation of Cyanoaceylic acid, thus they are also known as Cyanoacrylate adhesives. They have the ability to bond a wide variety of surfaces, ranging from plastic to metal. However, they are less flexible than a UV-activated adhesive or a contact/cement adhesive.
So, for general use, super glues will work just fine. But if you plan to use a glue for assembling a model car or crafting a showpiece, adhesives with more flexibility will serve you better.
Construction Of The Container
We always recommend making sure that your glue has an external cap to prevent spillage and auto evaporation, along with a self-piercing feature (e.g. an attached metal pin) that doesn’t allow the glue to get clogged up.
You should also ensure that the nozzle has an ergonomic design which allows you to safely and precisely apply the element.
Pro tip: choose a product that comes with extra nozzles as they tend to get jammed/clogged quite often.
If you buy a UV-activated glue, make sure the package contains a pen light. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult for you to locate the accurate range of UV that can provide the finest output.
Compatible Surface
Always check if the glue you’re purchasing is compatible with the surface you intend to use it on.
For example, some super glues perform well on tough plastics, metal, rubber, PVC leather, fabrics, etc. Yet may not function well on surfaces like polypropylene and Teflon.
Or, in terms of laying floor tiles or installing countertops, a cement adhesive will perform better than a super glue or a UV-activated glue.
Resistance Features
A major indicator to help you recognize the best glue for gluing plastic to plastic is the product’s level of resistance against harmful factors.
Your carefully fixed china white may fall apart after a wash if you use a glue without water resistance. Or, a laboriously built model car can suddenly break if you don’t apply an impact resistant glue.
So, we recommend buying glues that provide the necessary resistances (e.g. against water, impact, temperature, clamping, etc.) for your intended use.
Extra Features
If you desire a flawless fixing job, make sure that the glue has a clear dry feature. This way you can avoid disrupting the symmetry of the reassembled material.
Also, buying an adhesive with a quick-dry feature is useful as it speeds up the bonding time. You can use an accelerator to quicken the bonding time and use primer to increase bonding strength as well.
Final Words
“We all make mistakes, but what matters is how we go back and fix them.”
This famous quote can make us all feel a little better. It reminds us that even though mistakes can be made, there’s always a chance to fix them. But how do we do that?
Well, you can always use a super glue.
Which is why, in this guide we have discussed the crowning qualities that will help you choose the best plastic to plastic glue from a market saturated with mediocre alternatives.
Let’s hope we can fix the mistakes we made in life, along with fixing all our favorite plastic accessories.
I started this blog to provide an advanced guide and information to the people to choose the best product. Writing over every part of the tools. I try to cover every type of tool to review and information.
Super Glue on plastic can leave a white misty deposit not suitable for gluing clear windscreen to model aircraft
thanks a lot, really helpful, I’m trying to find the best adhesive to stick plastic to plastic. super glue was too easily pulled apart. t was ok plastic/wood.