Best Glue For Plastic – 7 Types That Will Do What You Want

There are several kinds of glues that are suitable for gluing plastic. What is the best glue for plastic? The type you need depends on what you want to glue. One of the most popular and effective types are weld-on glues for plastics.

What Is The Best Glue For Plastic in 2020?

Here are the best glue for all kinds of plastic and many of them strongly bind other materials too.
best glue for plastic
J-B Weld and UV Plastic bonder are two types of welding glues. Before you start gluing any type of plastic whether it is hard plastic on your car or the plastic of a child’s toy, you should learn what type of plastic it is and choose the right glue. Each type of glue has instructions for the correct application and curing time. If you do not follow the instructions accurately, you will not get the results you want.

The most popular plastics used for commercial and residential use are polystyrene, PVC, Plexiglas, and polycarbonate. It is easy to bond the same kind of plastic together with the right adhesive, but it may be difficult or impossible to bond different types of plastic no matter what glue is used.

1. Gluesmith Plastic Repair Glue System – Best All-around Glue

GLUESMITH- Plastic Repair Glue System from The Gluesmith, Great...
  • Easy to use ,Long shelf life (...
  • Great Value, our kit comes...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

The Gluesmith system comes with everything you need, including thick and thin adhesives, two structural composite fillers, the booster with a spray top that promotes fast curing and two micro applicators to allow for precision application. The booster increases drying time for gap filling and bonding and as a primer for hard-to-bond materials. The bottles come with a coating that helps prevent drying and clogging.

Two-year shelf life

Gluesmith plastic repair system is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including hard-to-glue surfaces like polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, and polyethylene. It provides powder and activator for these surfaces. Gluesmith has a two-year shelf life and if kept refrigerated it will continue to work well for up to five years. Originally designed for non-porous surfaces, it works well on all materials. Therefore it will be a good option for clothing, arts and crafts, wood, stone and just about everything else.
The thin glue is for quick repairs on non-porous materials. You can use it to build, reinforce or fill when you mix it with the polyfill. It will instantly become super hard and can be drilled, sanded, painted and machined.

It is suitable for surfaces that support a lot of stress.

All-purpose

With Gluesmith, you will not need to wonder which glue to use for marine, automotive, motorcycle, and ordinary everyday applications because it works on all of them. The thick product does not drip and gives you time to make adjustments before the glue sets. When you have positioned things the way you want, just spray the accelerator on the glue and it will set immediately.

If you need heavy-duty glue for your car, RV or motorcycle, Gluesmith Plastic Repair Glue System may be a good choice. With the filler, booster and thick and thin adhesives, you can create the glue you need for different applications.

People ask

Q: Can I use this to repair a cracked ice chest?

A: Probably not. Most are polyethylene, a very slippery plastic like a milk jug. If it is any other material, it may work.

Q: Do all five products come in the Kit?

A: Yes, all products including two micro applicators for more precision

Pros
  • Long shelf life
  • Easy to use
  • Glues hard-to-glue surfaces
Cons
  • May not glue polyethylene

2. Loctite Super Glue Gel Precision Pen – Best Super Glue For Plastic

Loctite Super Glue Gel Precision Pen, 4-Gram Pen (2112877)
  • Intuitive pen applicator
  • Easy to use, no mess, pinpoint...

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Loctite Glue Gel comes in a very handy 4-gram pen. From all super glues, I ever used before – this pen is a really really cool solution! It has an extra-strong formula and is suitable for tough repairs. I’ve used it to bond different types of plastic, ceramic, rubber, sneakers, and even soapbox made of stone.

In addition, Loctite has a high viscosity and is a good solution for bonding close-fitting, smooth surfaces. The cap screws on and pierces the opening so it may not clog.

Fast glue

Loctite has made advanced adhesives and sealing products for industry and individuals. It is stronger than most super glues because it has a patented additive. It works well even in harsh conditions such as freezing temperatures, rain, and contact with most chemicals. You can use it for some automotive issues such as rubber seals, metal car parts, wiper blades, and O-rings. Loctite dries transparent and sets in just a few seconds.

Some of the people who have used Loctite Super Glue Gel have successfully repaired a charcoal grill knob, shoe heel, reading glasses and even a wound on a dog, but sealing a wound is a personal decision and not a suggestion.

People ask

Q: It this the best glue for a porcelain figurine, the head broke off?

A: I think this would be a great choice for porcelain. I used it to repair the handle of a cup my grandmother gave me.

Q: The screen on my phone is popping would this help?

A: I think it would. However, read on the package about materials and safety.

Pros
  • Handy form factor
  • Does not drip
  • Industrial strength
  • Sets very fast: this is a good quality if you are ready or are gluing flat surfaces
Cons
  • Sets very fast: bad if you need time to make the connection

3. Testors 3509C Plastic Cement Value Pack – Best Glue For Plastic to Plastic

Testors 3509C Testors Plastic Cement Value Pack
  • Great model glue
  • Includes 4 precisions glue...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

The Value Pack contains two tubes of this cement for plastic. First of all Testors Plastic Cement is one of the best glues for joining polystyrene and ABS plastic. You may use it mainly for model kits and household items. It comes with four precision glue tips to make working on models easier. When you twist each tip on the top, you will have a precision cement applicator. If you enjoy DIY projects, model building, or other craft projects, you may find the precision glue tips convenient.

Best Way to Glue Plastic to Plastic

The glue actually fuses two plastic pieces together.

The bond is so strong because the glue chemically melts one or both surfaces that you want to join.

This may make the finished piece a bit shorter than the combination of the two original pieces. If you are making a model, you may want to be aware of this, or a specific piece may become shorter and not fit in its place properly.

If you are using it for board game pieces or Legos, it will not change the color of the plastic as some super glue does. While this glue works well on plastics, it may not be a good choice for fiberglass, spandex, faux-leather, rubber, and hard surfaces such as wood, stone, and brick. It may work well for arts and craft projects and scrapbooking.

If you use the right amount for each piece you are gluing, it makes a strong bond, but if you do not use enough it will not hold for long. When using it for the first time, you should take care to find out the exact amount needed for specific surfaces.

Testors Plastic Cement has a strong odor so you should use it in a well-ventilated room. Also, it does not dry quickly, which may be good if you need to adjust your pieces, but otherwise, you may need to clamp your pieces or hold them until it dries.

People ask

Q: Will this product work well on Lego’s?

A: It will but be aware that it works by chemically melting the surfaces to be joined, allowing them to be truly melded instead of just glued.

Q: Would this work to secure the spandex-type fabric in a light color to faux-leather shoe?

A: No, look for a multi-purpose adhesive

Pros
  • Can make a super-thin glue line with one of the four tips
  • Better than superglue for some applications
  • Dries clear
Cons
  • Caps sometimes fall off
  • Not quick drying
  • Potent odor

4. LED UV Light Activated Bonding Tool – Food Safe Plastic Glue

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Bondic LED UV Liquid Plastic Welding Pro Kit
  • INCREDIBLE ADHESIVE - When...
  • UV LIGHT ACTIVATED - The...

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UV Light Glue Kit has the glue and the UV light in one small container. It also comes with two alcohol pads for cleaning the surfaces to be glued. It is not normal glue in the sense that it needs exposure to a UV light to set. Once it is set, it creates a permanent bond.

If you are looking for the strongest glue available for small plastic parts that require extraordinary strength, this may be your best option. It will repair plastic, wood, metal, glass, stainless steel, AVS, PVC, ceramic, acrylic, and more. You can use it to repair valuable jewelry because it creates a permanent bond in five to 10 seconds.

It comes with a preparation pad that you use to clean the surface to be bonded. Since it only hardens under UV light, it is much safer than superglue if you accidentally touch it to your skin. After it hardens, you can sand, drill, and paint it. Furthermore, it’s heat and water-resistant and dries clear. The container that has the UV light and glue will fit in your pocket so you can take it anywhere.

Absolutely safe

The formula is safe and not hazardous. It is environmentally safe and passed the European Union 174 Product Testing.

The kit contains the glue pen, the alcohol preparation pad, the UV light with a battery. Once the battery is finished, it cannot be replaced and you need to buy another kit.

People ask

Q: Would this work on a crock-pot lid?

A: I have not used it on a crock-pot lid. This stuff has been amazing, just not sure about something that will have steam and heat hitting it.

Pros
  • Very strong bond
  • Works where other glues fail
Cons
  • May not work with polyethylene or polypropylene plastics
  • The light only hardens what it can reach
  • Strong chemical odor

5. J-B Weld 50133 Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe – Works on Every Surface

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J-B Weld Plastic Bonder with two in a pack. The two parts are in separate parts of the container and you push out the correct amount of each part to mix.

J-B Weld Plastic Bonder provides a system of urethane adhesive and comes in two parts. It binds thermoset, coated metals, concrete, thermoplastics, and more. The mixing ratio is 1:1 and it sets in about 15 minutes. You can sand it after about 30 minutes. Since it dries tan, so you may want to use it on places you plan to paint. If it is a black surface, you can cover it with a permanent black marker when it is dry. It works on automotive applications, ceramic, brick, PVC, fiberglass, and wood.

Video: Glueing Plastic With J-B Weld

It will hold automotive trim, composite panels and exterior and interior plastic parts. You can use it for filling dents. It creates a hard, permanent bond.

Reviewers say they get good results with this glue on laptop frames and other plastic handles or latches that need repair. One idea is to mix it in the corner of a plastic bag. You can mix it without air bubbles and when it is ready, you can cut the bag and use it as a frosting bag.

People ask

Q: Will this work on HDPE?

A: I used the glue on High-Density Polyethylene speaker mounts in a Corvette restoration project. J-B Weld was easy to work with.

Q: Once opened does the glue dry out before you have a chance to use it up?

A: No, it does not dry out so long as you keep the cap on the tub ends. I have kept it partially used for months.

Pros
  • No noxious fumes
  • Set time 15 minutes and cure time 30 minutes
Cons
  • Severe hazard warnings of quartz dust
  • Bubbles may make the ratio incorrect

6. Gorilla Super Glue Gel – No Run, Good Control

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Gorilla Super Glue Gel, 20 Gram, Clear, (Pack of 1)
  • GEL FORMULA: No run control...
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The Gorilla Super Glue Gel, 20 grams has one bottle in the package. It claims to make long-term repairs quickly, does not run and dries clear.

45 seconds

Gorilla Super Glue Gel dries in about 10 to 45 seconds and bonds plastic, wood paper, ceramic, metal, rubber, paper leather and more. The best feature is it does not run so it is especially good for vertical surfaces. The cap has a metal pin that keeps the glue fresh and ready for the life of the container.

It is made with tiny rubber particles that help increase its strength and impact resistance. Since it dries so fast, you never need to use clamps.

It holds broken rearview and side mirrors and you can also use it to repair a damaged wooden dresser. Glue gel formulated to hold through impacts, drops, and shocks.

Not recommended for use on polypropylene or polyethylene plastic!

People ask

Q: What is the difference between their super glue gel and their super glue?

A: Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a thicker consistency that is perfect for applications on vertical surfaces. Gorilla Super Glue will have the same holding power.

Q: Is Gorilla Super Glue Gel waterproof? Trying to glue metal trim to automobile plastic tail light.

A: Sort of. It is initially waterproof, but over time if exposed to moisture it certainly will fail. That’s my experience.

Pros
  • Container helps avoid getting glue on your skin
Cons
  • Eye irritant, bonds skin
  • Resists water only for a short time
  • Consistency more runny than other gels

You can also find Gorilla Super Glue Gel in our Best Glue For Glass – Buyer’s Guide!

7. Amazing GOOP 16001 Automotive Adhesive – Best Glue for Automotive Plastic

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Amazing GOOP 160012 Automotive Adhesive - 3.7 fl. oz.
  • Repairs vinyl tears on car...
  • Maintains its powerful bond to...

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Amazing GOOP is suitable for repairing both upholstery and the coating on battery terminals. It will attach loose trim and bonds with metal, vinyl, leather, and glass. It will seal convertible tops, lights, seats, mats, handles and trim and yellow: withstands heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you clean the surface with alcohol first, it will bond surfaces such as car moldings and even car emblems on the front. It is the strongest single-component adhesive available.

Video Review

UV resistant

Amazing GOOP remains flexible when it dries and is UV resistant, which means if you use it on the outside of your vehicle, it resists yellowing and cracking even when exposed to long periods of direct sunlight. The flexibility also makes it suitable for places that vibrate. This glue is waterproof and dries clear and is an excellent sealant inside and outside your vehicle. It seals hose leaks, tread, and is better than silicone to block corrosion on battery terminals. GOOP will also insulate electrical wiring.

If you are looking for glue, sealant or insulation for any part of your vehicle, Amazing GOOP may cover all your needs.

People ask

Q: Can you glue car molding on?
A: Yes. I had good luck with this. It is good for bonding surfaces that are different. I’d use rubbing alcohol on the surfaces first to clean them.
Q: Does it come with an applicator? If not, how do you apply it to a surface?
A: I used it to repair a tear in my carpet and it has held for over a year. It has no applicator. I applied it with a small strip of wood.

Pros
  • Bonds to a wide variety of surfaces and materials
Cons
  • May not cure completely
  • A better sealant than adhesive

Buyer’s Guide

So, what type of glue to use on plastic? According to our research you should use:

  • Super Glue;
  • Epoxy;
  • Cyanoacrylate;
  • Poly Cement.

The above glues are the best on the market today for binding different kinds of plastic. The Gluesmith Plastic Repair System is number one for a reason. The package has adhesives and fillers that may solve any problem as well as the spray booster to harden the glue instantly.

Welding glues are becoming popular in the automotive industry for attaching racks, window glass, flooring and more. J-B Weld, Testors Plastic Cement, and UV Light Glue Kit are welding glues you can use at home.

Loctite Liquid Professional Superglue has the advantage of low viscosity so it is easier to use than some superglue that is thin, and it has a patented additive that makes it stronger than other super glue.

If your needs are automotive, Amazing GOOP may be the best option because it covers a broad range of needs.

The future of glue is bright. From biomimicry to fashion glue is revolutionizing many industries. Consider the lowly slug. Based on slug slime, scientists have developed a glue that may be useful for repairing wounds in the skin and internal organs, which means no more stitches. It is about 10 times more powerful than anything on the market today and can be strong or flexible, which makes it useful for children.

Compare The Best Glues For Plastic With Ease:

Editor's Choice
For ABS Plastic
Hard Bonding
Best Automotive
GLUESMITH- Plastic Repair Glue System from The Gluesmith, Great...
Loctite Super Glue Gel Precision Pen, 4-Gram Pen (2112877)
Testors 3509C Testors Plastic Cement Value Pack
Bondic LED UV Liquid Plastic Welding Pro Kit
J-B Weld 50133 Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe - Dries...
Amazing GOOP 160012 Automotive Adhesive - 3.7 fl. oz.
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-
-
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Polyolefins, stone,
wood, denim, plastics
Plastic, leather,
cardboard, wood,
fabrics, metal,
rubber
ABS and PLA,
plastic, wood
Plastic, wood, metal,
steel, PVC, ABS,
acrylic, ceramics
Brick, ceramics,
concrete, epoxy,
plastic/PVC,
wood
Plastic, metal, glass,
vinyl, leather.
Editor's Choice
GLUESMITH- Plastic Repair Glue System from The Gluesmith, Great...
-
Polyolefins, stone,
wood, denim, plastics
For ABS Plastic
Testors 3509C Testors Plastic Cement Value Pack
-
ABS and PLA,
plastic, wood
Environmentally Safe
Bondic LED UV Liquid Plastic Welding Pro Kit
-
Plastic, wood, metal,
steel, PVC, ABS,
acrylic, ceramics
Hard Bonding
J-B Weld 50133 Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe - Dries...
-
Brick, ceramics,
concrete, epoxy,
plastic/PVC,
wood
Best Automotive
Amazing GOOP 160012 Automotive Adhesive - 3.7 fl. oz.
-
Plastic, metal, glass,
vinyl, leather.

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

FAQ

How to Glue Plastic Back Together?

Plastic is used in making many things, from toys to electronic equipment. Plastic is popular because it is durable and flexible. However, issues may arise when repairing plastic with glue since many types of glue will not appropriately bind on the plastic. Therefore, you need the right type of glue intended for use for your exact type of plastic.

Hard high-density plastics are made from polypropylene and polyethylene. They are used to make crates, containers, or buckets. Common adhesives, wood glues, or ordinary white glues won’t form permanent bonds or react well with this type of plastic. The recommended glue for hard plastics is adhesives that form a permanent bond with the plastic even under extreme conditions, like in freezers.

Flexible plastic is usually used to make common household items such as shoes and bags. The best adhesive for flexible plastic should form a flexible bond with the plastic, dry clear, and waterproof.

Some plastic repairs require an additional amount of strength. To fill gaps in plastic, use plastic glue that is non-shrinking, elastic, and shock-resistant to form a permanent bond with the plastic.
You Can Use These Products to Glue Plastic to Plastic:

  1. Testors Plastic Cement
  2. J-B Weld Plastic Bonder
  3. Amazing GOOP 16001 Automotive Adhesive

How to Glue Plastic to Fabric?

Spray glue work well when gluing plastic to fiber as it will form a smooth and robust seal between the plastic and fabric. To glue plastic to fabric, start by ironing the fabric until it has no wrinkles. Proceed and cut the fabric to the right size as the plastic and then wipe the plastic surface clean and dry.

Shake the glue can before opening it. Spray the plastic surface evenly while holding the adhesive can 7 inches from the plastic. After the glue sets on the plastic after about 30 seconds, align the fabric cautiously over the plastic, making sure it doesn’t have air bubbles or wrinkles.

You Can Use These Products to Glue Plastic to Fabric:

  1. Gluesmith Plastic Repair Glue System
  2. Loctite Super Glue Gel Precision Pen

How to Glue Plastic to Cardboard?

Gluing plastic to cardboard is not easy as plastic is smooth; thus doesn’t easily bond with the glue. You can use hot glue to fix plastic to cardboard. Hot glue is applied using a glue gun, which melts the glue sticks.

Pull the glue gun trigger to spread over the adhesive through its nozzle. Various types of glue sticks will melt at contrasting temperatures. High-temperature glue sticks are the most suitable for plastics.
You Can Use These Product to Glue Plastic to Cargboard:

  1. Scotch Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive Spray

Can Silicone Glue Plastic?

Silicon glue is used to bond many materials, such as glass, plastic, ceramic, and metal. Silicone is used in the manufacture of electronic appliances and automobiles. This is because it can endure harsh temperatures, making it the perfect bonding agent for manufacturing long-lasting goods.
You Can Use These Silicones to Glue Plastic:

  1. Gorilla All-Purpose 100% Silicone Sealant
  2. Dap 18172 Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone

Will Epoxy Glue Plastic?

Usually, conventional epoxies don’t bond well to many plastics due to their absence of surface texture, which makes them unable to form a mechanical bond. With some plastic, the epoxy will create beads on the plastic surface like moisture on a polished surface. However, with the right surface preparation, you can use epoxy to glue plastic.
You Can Use These Epoxy to Glue Plastic:

  1. J-B Weld 50176 KwikWeld Reinforced Epoxy Syringe

Can Your Super Glue Plastic?

Using super glue is a good way of gluing plastic because of its fast application and strength. Super glue is a double fragment adhesive that will set fast without clamping and provide enormous strength.
You Can Use These Super Glues to Glue Plastic:

  1. Gorilla Super Glue Gel
  2. Loctite Super Glue Gel Precision Pen

CONCLUSION

Along with high-end streetwear, other clothing using glue instead of stitching are t-shirts, shorts, underwear, and jackets. Top brands such as Nike, Victoria’s Secret, and more are using glue to connect fabric, incorporate features such as patterns and pockets, and create hems. Called Sewfree Bonding, it originated at Bemis, a small company in Boston.

Airplanes, cars, and appliances are constructed with glue. Even architects are looking to glue for the future of construction. With glues that strengthen plant cells, wooden skyscrapers may not be far behind.

If you have broken plastic, the first thing you should do before buying glue is to determine the type of plastic you need to bond. Then, you can choose the best glue for the above selection.

How to Glue Plastic Bumper Video

3 thoughts on “Best Glue For Plastic – 7 Types That Will Do What You Want

  1. I have my dash on my truck and the screw on part is broken what glue will glue these pieces together and keep together as one piece permanently and not not pop aperture when screwed together

  2. I want to glue polyethelene sheets together. These cover my greenhouse so it needs to be both waterproof and UV resistant. If I can avoid cleaning the sheets and if it could be easy and fast, even better. (No running water.) Temperature could be in the 40-s or 50’s.

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