How to Glue Plastic with Aleene's Best Plastic Glues
Gluing plastic can be extremely tricky, and success is not always possible. Using the right adhesive for the right material is the trick to achieving a solid result! Aleene's has some of the best plastic glues for a variety of projects. In this article, we'll show you how to glue plastic using Aleene's and give you some essential tips for success.
1. What is plastic glue?
Plastic glues are selected based on the types of plastics being bonded and the specific application requirements. They are commonly used for various projects, including plastic repairs, crafts, and DIY applications.
Soft plastics are flexible and lightweight, able to bend and deform without breaking, making them suitable for applications like seals, gaskets, and flexible tubing. In contrast, hard plastics are rigid, retaining their shape and offering durability and strength; they are commonly used in items such as water bottles, automotive parts, and rigid containers.
Be sure to choose the best plastic glue for your project based on the types of plastics being bonded. Keep in mind that some plastics will glue better than others, but success isn't always guaranteed with any glue.
Best plastic glues for your project:
Aleene's offers several types of adhesives suitable for gluing plastic! Each of these adhesives has unique characteristics and application methods. Before starting your project, carefully read the labels and select the best plastic glue that suits your needs.
Liquid Fusion Performance Adhesive breaks through the barriers of traditional urethane glues with versatile, powerhouse strength that's non-foaming, and low odor. Its proprietary clear formula provides incredible holding power to surfaces, forming waterproof bonds with maximum staying power.
There's only one glue you need when it comes to strength and versatility: Aleene's The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive! This industrial-strength glue provides exceptional adhesion to indoor and outdoor projects with a UV and waterproof formula that dries clear and fast. This all-purpose, powerhouse glue is strong enough to use on the toughest of surfaces but safe enough to use with your paper and mixed media projects.
Aleene's Rapid Dry Mixed-Media Adhesive is the perfect adhesive for your mixed media projects! This incredibly fast drying formula grabs items instantly, sets in just minutes, and dries clear with a super strong hold. This acid and lignin free adhesive works on almost any surface, from heavy-duty metal and stone to lightweight photo and paper crafts, plastics, and more!
Aleene's Jewelry & Metal Glue is your go-to glue when you need an easy solution for creating or repairing jewelry easily, quickly, and permanently. Its no-drip, no-run formula provides precision control and dries crystal clear with a super strong and permanent bond. This hard-working glue is waterproof and impact-resistant too! Instantly bond plastic, beads, metals, stones, glass, and more.
Aleene's DIY Craft Super Glue is the perfect adhesive for all of your heavy-duty craft projects. This industrial-strength gel adhesive is easy to apply, dries quickly and works permanently on a variety of surfaces including: plastic, metal, glass, plastic, wood, fabric and more. Great for both indoor and outdoor projects. Comes in a liquid formula, too!
2. Prepare your plastic surface
You'll need to properly prepare the surfaces to be bonded when working with plastic! For an extra-strong bond, we recommend sanding shiny surfaces with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a rough surface for the adhesive to grab onto. Clean the plastic with soap or rubbing alcohol and allow to dry thoroughly. Avoid touching the plastic with bare hands to minimize oily residue.
3. Apply glue to plastic
Once you've chosen the best plastic glue for your project and have prepped the project's surface, apply the glue to the surfaces to be bonded. Some of our best plastic glues have a precision tip, but you can also use a small paintbrush, wooden skewer, or other small tools for detailed glue application. Gently squeeze the glue onto one of the plastic surfaces. Avoid using too much glue, as excess adhesive may seep out when you join the pieces together.
4. Press pieces together
Pressing the pieces together while the glue cures will create an ultra-strong bond. Use a clamp, tape, or elastics to hold parts firmly together while glue dries. Typically, the adhesive will set within a few minutes to an hour, but complete curing may take up to 24 hours. Avoid putting stress on the bonded area until the glue is fully cured.
5. Clean up
Clean up any excess glue immediately with a damp cloth or sponge while the adhesive is still wet. Once the glue dries, removing it can be more challenging. Clean the tip before replacing the cap and store your adhesive in a cool, dry place.
Extra tips for success
Here are some extra tips to help you with your next plastic glue project!
- Test the glue on a small, inconspicuous area before starting your project to ensure compatibility with the plastic material.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the adhesive.
- For optimal bonding, ensure that both surfaces fit together snugly without gaps.
Now you're ready to create some plastic projects with Aleene's! Show us your best plastic glue DIYs or repairs and tag us on social media @aleenesDIY. For more information, check out these helpful links:
