Will epoxy stick to plastic? Typically, traditional epoxy doesn’t adhere well to many plastics due to a lack of surface texture for a mechanical bond. For some plastics, the epoxy forms beads on the surface like water on a waxed finish. The lack of ability to wet out the surface is a reason for poor adhesion. But, with proper surface preparation, it is possible to achieve excellent surface adhesion to numerous plastics.
Epoxy is solid and versatile, making it a perfect fit for various DIY projects. For example, it can be used as a gap filler, making it ideal for reconstructions, and it won’t shrink when exposed to different temperatures. Additionally, epoxy can be sanded, drilled, and painted, giving it a wider range of usage than the standard glue.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge of the basics of epoxy and application tips and point you to some of the strongest epoxies for plastic repairs to achieve the best outcome for your project.
What is Epoxy Glue?
Epoxy glue is a two-part adhesive that forms when mixing epoxy polymer and hardener. After mixing, it creates a highly durable bond with a structural strength that can withstand heavy loads as well as drilling. These two substances are in different containers, and you only mix them when you’re ready for glueing. You can perform this task using a double syringe and mix them in a ratio of 1:1; otherwise, the resin won’t cross-link.
After mixing both adhesive components, the pot life begins. Pot life is the period during which the parts can still be moved and changed. Depending on the glue you use, the pot life can range from a few minutes to a couple of hours. The bond will require several hours to reach maximum strength after the pot life.
How to Apply Epoxy
- Use sandpaper to roughen the bonding surface; Begin by roughening the surface you want to bond with sandpaper or carefully draw-filling the areas. Then, remove the dust and grease that remain from the surfaces.
- Prepare the application syringe; Cut the end tips of the application syringe to the desired thickness of bead size. Next, turn the syringe up and slightly depress it, expelling excess air from the chamber.
- Get ready to mix; Push the double plunger to dispense equal parts of the resin and hardener on your disposable surface. If your epoxy doesn’t come with a tray, you can use a disposal plate or a clean yoghurt container.
- Retract the plunger; slightly retract the plunger, wipe the application tip clean and replace the cap.
- Mix the epoxy resin and hardener; Quickly mix the resin and the hardener for about 1-2 minutes until it’s thoroughly blended
- Apply a small amount of adhesive to the surface you’re bonding; Place a small amount of glue on the bonding items. Cautiously assemble them and press them firmly for 1-3 hours until epoxy sets. You can check the manufacturer instructions on the set and cure times as they vary based on different items.
- Remove the excess epoxy; on the bonded item and allow full cure time before applying weight to the object.
Uses of Epoxy Glue
You can use epoxy glue on just anything. If you want to buy a product that applies to various materials, try the repair of all-purpose 5 minutes epoxy. The epoxy is waterproof and resistant to heat and frost, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. You can use the all-purpose glue on the following materials;
- Wood
- Metal
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Rubber
- Leather
- Masonry
- Cardboard
- Most plastics
Epoxy Glue for Plastics
With all the plastics in most of our households, it doesn’t surprise that some of them occasionally will need repair, for example, a burst PVC pipe under your sink. It is, therefore, good practice to keep a convenient plumber’s epoxy putty formulated explicitly to bond and repair plastic surfaces. The Loctite repair putty all-purpose is moldable, can bond to damp surfaces, and cures underwater. You can also use it in wood, bricks, ceramics, metals, and concrete.
Best Epoxy for Plastics
- Gorilla 2 part epoxy
- PC product 70147 PC- Clear Epoxy Adhesive Liquid
- Rhino Glue pro kit
- Amazing GOOP Automotive adhesive
- Yanyi epoxy putty stick
- Super glue plastic fusion
- J-B weld 50139 plastic bonder
- J-B weld plastic weld repair epoxy putty
- Loctite 1363118 epoxy plastic bonder
- Loctite 2- gram super glue plastics with activator
- Devcon 62345 plastic steel epoxy
Epoxy Glue for Metal
You can use epoxy for glueing metals in welding, soldering, or bolting. Strong epoxy for metals is ideal for repairing household appliances, machinery, and pipes and securing bolts and screws into metals. The glue is water-resistant, can be sanded or drilled, and most of them won’t conduct electricity, making them ideal for sealing electrical components. Examples of some of the epoxy glue for metals are Loctite epoxy metal and Loctite epoxy weld bonding compound.
Epoxy Glue for Woodworking
When repairing your broken wooden items, use a high viscosity glue that won’t drip while setting like the Loctite epoxy gel. The adhesive sets in 6 minutes and can be tinted to match the item’s color. The glue should be water-resistant and easily sanded.
Epoxy Glue for Cement
If you have cracks in your outdoor step stones, you can quickly fix them with the correct epoxy. You can consider Loctite epoxy extra time when you need considerable time to position the pieces after applying the epoxy. The pot time of this epoxy is about 60 minutes, which allows time to assemble the broken pieces and place them in your desirable posture. You can also employ Loctite concrete when you need an adhesive for repairing, filling, and rebuilding concrete surfaces
Marine Epoxies
Suppose your boat leaks in deep waters; reach out for your marine epoxy, such as Loctite epoxy marine, for a remedy. The epoxy is formulated with advanced technology, allowing underwater application and curing. It is solid and versatile, ideal for surfaces submerged in water. You can use the marine epoxy adhesive on PVC, metals, ceramic, and fibreglass. Concrete, glass, wood, and plastics
How to Choose the Best Epoxy for Plastics
Epoxy glue for bonding plastics is easy to apply, weather-resistant, cheap and forms bonds that are tremendously strong, with some having tensile strength of up to 5000 PSI. However, not every epoxy will be perfect for your needs. The following are some of the factors to consider when comparing epoxies for plastics
Tensile strength
It refers to how strong the bond is. Your ideal epoxy should have a high tensile strength to ensure your bond is firm and durable. Consider epoxies that show the tensile strength as they leave room for doubt.
Resilience
Even if your epoxy can create bonds with high tensile strengths, it doesn’t mean the bonds will endure extreme conditions. So if you are using the adhesive on plastics that are being exposed to such conditions, ensure the epoxy is durable.
Flexible
Plastics require some degree of flexibility between joints for longevity. A rigid connection breaks easily when the plastics shake or bend. Despite forming stiff bonds, the best epoxy allows for some level of flexibility.
Brand
While there are many great, less known products, you can never go wrong with a reputable brand name. Some brands with high-quality epoxies are J-B Weld, Gorilla, and Loctite.
Price
The prices of epoxies differ significantly depending on the properties. For example, stronger adhesives are more expensive.
How to Remove Epoxy
The epoxy adhesive is durable and can last a lifetime, so you would want to avoid adhering to it in your surroundings. However, if you decide to remove the epoxy, here are some tips you can use.
Removing Cured Epoxy
If the epoxy you want to remove has dried and hardened, all is not lost as you can still pull it but by a rather aggressive method. Use a paint thinner, denatured alcohol, or adhesive remover to soften the epoxy. Avoid skin contact and work in a ventilated room as the solvent can cause suffocation. You can try the following methods to remove the cured epoxy adhesive:
Sandpaper and scrape the surface
This technique may be helpful if there’s only a small amount of dried epoxy you want to remove from the surface.
Acetone
Acetone solution is very effective in removing epoxy on wood or concrete surfaces. The acetone loosens the epoxy making it easy to peel it away. Only use the acetone in well-ventilated areas and keep it away from flammable items.
Heat gun
Equip yourself with thick work gloves and a mask when using a heat gun to remove the epoxy. Ensure your skin is completely covered. Use the heat gun at a temperature of about 90 degrees Celsius, aiming it at small parts of the epoxy glue until it softens. After it softens, you can use a plastic scraper to remove the epoxy.
Chemicals
You can use chemicals to soften the epoxy glue from glass or plastics and then scrape it away. If the epoxy has just dried, soak a cotton cloth in a methylated spirit and wipe the surface to remove the epoxy adhesive. If the epoxy is cured and proves stubborn to remove, apply paint thinner first to soften it up.
Removing Uncured Epoxy
The uncured epoxy is often softer hence easier to remove than cured epoxy. Use a less concentrated solvent like simple acetone or isopropyl alcohol to remove the epoxy. Apply the chemical to a cotton cloth and rub the area until the glue comes off.
Removing Epoxy from Skin
Try as much as possible to avoid getting epoxy on your skin by wearing gloves. If the epoxy accidentally gets in contact with your skin, you will want to remove it as quickly as possible to avoid any harm. Below are some methods you can try to remove epoxy from your skin.
Vinegar
Cover the affected skin with a cloth soaked in vinegar. The glue will soften and come away from the skin. The vinegar always works on both the cured and uncured surfaces.
Acetone
Apply the acetone on a cotton or paper towel and gently rub it on the skin area until the glue comes away. Acetone is flammable, so be very careful when using it. Use the acetone in a well-ventilated area from any flammable items and clean your skin thoroughly afterwards.
Citrus based waterless hand cleaners
Pour the hand cleaner on your skin, then scrub and rinse with warm water. Once the glue comes away, use a hand lotion to soothe your skin.
Conclusion
Epoxies are an excellent choice when a sturdy bond is necessary, such as when working with fiberglass, wood, cement, metal, or plastic. There are numerous glues available, but just a few of them work well with plastic. Choose an adhesive meant for plastics if you want to ensure a long-lasting bond between your wares.