Plastic glues – all you need to know

Fixing plastics has never been easier. Just use our handy guide to choose the best plastic glue for the job.

• Why do I need to use a specific plastic glue?
• Choosing the best glue for plastic
• What’s the best glue for hard plastics?
• Choosing a plastic glue that’s flexible
• Fixing a toy with super glue for plastic

Why do I need to use a specific plastic glue?

Plastic is used for so many different things, from toothbrushes to plant pots. It’s a popular material due to it being flexible, strong and long lasting. Unfortunately, though, the qualities that make plastic great also make it resistant to a lot of types of glue that you might already have at home. To avoid using glue that might dissolve your plastic or simply slip off, you need a special type of super glue for plastics.

Choosing the best glue for plastic

There are many different types of plastic, which means that there are also several different types of glue. To choose the best plastic glue for the job, think about which type of plastic you need to use it on.

The easiest way to find out what kind of plastic you’re dealing with is by looking at the label; the information you need is usually found near the recycling symbol. If you have a plastic marked “6” or “PS” then you have a polystyrene. To repair an item made of polystyrene, use Loctite’s Super Glue All Plastic. This dual-action adhesive is specially designed to work on all plastics, including polystyrene, and forms resilient, invisible bonds in seconds

For bigger jobs involving polystyrene, use Loctite’s 60 Second All-Purpose Glue. This super glue has a non-drip gel formula, which means you can apply it vertically and onto larger, stronger plastic surfaces.

What’s the best glue for hard plastics?

Some plastics are harder than others. For example, crates, guttering and containers are made of harder plastic that is higher in density than disposable plastic cutlery and cups. For these harder plastics, which are normally polyethylene’s and polypropylenes, you will find that many of the glues you have just won’t work or form the bonds you need. For these kinds of jobs you need Loctite’s Super Glue All Plastics. This super glue is perfect for smaller jobs as it bonds even the most difficult plastics, dries transparently, and bonds in a matter of seconds.

For larger jobs, you might need a stronger plastic glue that can bond these more difficult plastics, and for this we recommend using a 2-part epoxy adhesive that is waterproof.

Choosing a plastic glue that’s flexible

One important thing to consider when choosing the best plastic glue is how flexible the plastic is. For the flexible plastics used in shoes, toys or sports bottles you need to use a flexible glue. For these kinds of repair jobs, try Loctite’s 60 Second All-Purpose Glue. Not only is it fast, strong and repositionable, its gel formula will also allow you the flexibility you need.

Fixing a toy with super glue for plastic

You can fix a broken plastic toy in seconds with the right plastic glue. Just use Loctite’s Super Glue All Plastics and follow these simple steps.

1. Prepare and clean the surfaces. Check that the surfaces fit together well and then clean them thoroughly with a damp cloth. 
2. Apply the surface activator to both parts and wait 60 seconds for it to dry. Then apply the glue carefully to one of the surfaces. 
3. Press the two surfaces together.
4. Leave the glue to dry for 1-2 hours. Leave for 24 hours for the best results. 
5. Remove any excess glue. Use some kitchen towel dipped in nail varnish remover or Loctite’s Glue Remover. If the glue has already dried, you can try scraping it off with a knife.