How to Glue Plastic Together
Plastic can be a hard material to glue together because of its smooth surface and sometimes curved surface or shape. Several plastic adhesives are available for purchase from your local hardware or home improvement store that allows you to get the job done without sticky fingers. Whether you are creating or repairing an object that requires the binding of two separate plastic pieces, knowing which types of adhesives best bind this sometimes-tricky material together can save you time and frustration.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic adhesive (superglue, Tensol cement, epoxy resin, hot glue or contact adhesive)
- Hot glue gun (if using hot glue)
- 400-grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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Sand the spot on the two pieces of plastic where you will be applying the plastic adhesive gently. Using sandpaper, apply light pressure to each area the surface becomes slightly rough. This will provide a surface for the adhesive to bind onto. Putting too much force on the plastic surface with the sandpaper will make the plastic too smooth, and therefore ineffective, in binding the two plastic surfaces together.
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2
Apply a thin coat of plastic adhesive with a paintbrush to the sanded down area. Adhesives such as contact adhesive, Tensol cement, resin, superglue and hot glue are effective binding agents.
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3
Clamp the two plastic surfaces together for a period of time. Depending on the type of adhesive, the drying time will range from several minutes to a couple of hours. Hot glue and superglue only take several minutes to adhere, contact adhesive will require a few hours and Tensol cement will take at least 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Always apply plastic adhesive glue in a well-ventilated area with open windows to avoid fume build-up.
Always read warning labels before using plastic adhesive glues. Some glues can be toxic if inhaled through the nose or cause skin irritations if they accidentally come into contact with the skin.
