Tips on How to Glue Plastic

Plastic is a common material used to make many of the items we use or craft with every single day. But sometimes it can be tricky to know what kinds of glues work best when gluing plastic. So if you’re wondering how to glue plastic to other materials, you’ve come to the right place. It’s easy with Aleene’s! Check out these tips on how to glue plastic using different Aleene’s glues for different kinds of items. For crafting, décor, and everyday needs, we’ve got answers … and glues! 

What you need:
- Aleene’s Glues (varies per item) 
- Plastic items

1. How to Glue Plastic to Leather How to glue plastic to leather

Many of us wear or accessorize with leather on a daily basis; and sometimes we want to personalize our leather items like handbags or shoes with embellishments like plastic gems, beads, sequins, etc. Knowing how to glue plastic to leather doesn’t require a lot of skill, just the right kind of glue! Aleene’s Super Fabric Adhesiveis an industrial-strength adhesive that works perfectly for gluing plastic to a heavier fabric like leather. Make sure the surface of the leather item is clean and free from dust, then apply Super Fabric to the back of the plastic item to be glued to the leather. Press it in place, and allow to cure for the recommended time on the packaging. And that’s it! It really is that easy to glue plastic to leather.

2. How to glue plastic to leather How to glue plastic to paper

Paper or paper-maché is a common crafting material because it’s so versatile. You can make a ton of cool decorative items or art projects with paper-based materials! This of course can include gluing plastic items like buttons to your paper substrates for fun, interesting effects. Knowing how to glue plastic to paper is as easy as having a bottle of Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue handy. Original Tacky Glue is a fantastic all-purpose crafting glue that’s been around for 60+ years; its thick, tacky formula dries super strong, so it’s perfect for gluing plastic to paper! Simply add Tacky Glue to the back of your button or other plastic embellishment and press in place onto your paper item. Let it dry, and it’s ready to admire!

3. How to Glue Plastic to Fabric How to glue plastic to fabric

If you’re into jewelry making, chances are you’ve worked with plastic gems at some point. Or maybe you’re just interested in making a pretty statement necklace without having to use a lot of tools! At Aleene’s, we think anything is possible with the right glue, including learning how to glue plastic items like gems to fabric for creating jewelry or other wearbles like costumes. To glue your plastic gems onto fabric, apply a thin coat of your selected adhesive to each item, then wait about 2 minutes before pressing together. Let the glue cure for 24 hours, and you’re ready to make a statement!

4. How to Glue Plastic to Plastic How to glue plastic to plastic

What about how to glue plastic to – well – plastic? Lots of items are made out of plastic and sometimes you need or want to glue one plastic item to another! Since plastic is a sturdy material, gluing two plastic items together usually requires a glue that’s super strong. Aleene’s DIY Craft Super Glue is a fantastic industrial-strength adhesive that works quickly and permanently on a variety of heavy-duty projects. And it’s easy to use! Apply a thin coat to each surface, wait about 2 minutes, then press the plastic surfaces together. Let it cure, then enjoy!

5. How to Glue Plastic to Metal How to glue plastic to metal

Above we talked about making jewelry with plastic and fabric, but what about how to glue plastic to metal for jewelry (and other projects)? That’s not a problem with Aleene’s Jewelry & Metal Glue! Our jewelry is important to us, right? And so is the glue that holds it together! Jewelry & Metal Glue is an industrial-strength glue that works on materials from plastic and metal to porous and semi-porous stones. Use it for repairing metal jewelry you already have or making something new. Simply add a drop of glue to the back of your plastic piece, then press in place on your metal surface and let it dry completely before using. Done and done!

6. How to Glue Plastic to Glass How to glue plastic to glass

Mason jar crafts aren’t going away anytime soon; mason jars are so versatile in their uses! So at some point it’s likely you’re going to want to glue something plastic to a glass mason jar, like this fun Halloween luminary with spooky plastic spiders and plastic googly eyes! Wondering how to glue plastic to glass? With a bottle of Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue of course! This thick, tacky craft glue grabs items on contact with a super strong hold that won’t run, so you don’t have to worry about those slick glass surfaces you’re trying to glue your plastic to. A dot of Tacky Glue goes a long way with plastic and glass crafts!

7. How to Glue Plastic Instantly How to glue plastic instantly

Wondering how to glue plastic in the fastest way possible? Try Aleene’s Instant Tacky Glue Dots! Just peel & stick onto your plastic surface for a strong, permanent hold that works great on plastic and other materials. Tacky Glue Dots offer instant hold, because sometimes you just don’t have time to wait for glue to dry.

8. How to Glue Plastic Temporarily How to glue plastic temporarily

What if you only need to know how to glue plastic temporarily, for projects like laminated classroom banners and signs? We have a solution for that too! Aleene’s Tack-It Over & Over is the perfect glue for creating a sticky, temporary hold. This is your go-to glue for making your own glue dots that can be used for holding laminated banners and other plastic items in place until you’re ready to move them or switch them out. To make your own glue dots, simply squeeze Tack-It Over & Over onto parchment paper in the size of dots you need, and allow to cure completely. Then peel and stick to your plastic for a quick and easy temporary hold!


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