Working with acrylic plastic requires the right adhesive to create strong, clear, and lasting bonds. Whether you’re building a display case, repairing a car part, or working on a detailed craft project, the wrong glue can lead to cloudy seams, weak joints, or even cracked plastic. This guide cuts through the confusion to help you select the perfect adhesive for your specific needs.
From fast-setting super glues to professional-grade solvent cements, the options are varied. We have compiled a practical review of ten top-performing adhesives, evaluating them on their bonding strength, clarity, ease of use, and suitability for different types of acrylic projects. Our goal is to provide you with the essential information to make an informed purchase and achieve professional-looking results.
The Best Adhesives for Acrylic Plastic
- Meuvcol Super Glue for Plastic 100g
- IPS Weld-On 16 Acrylic Plastic Cement
- GH1200 Super Glue for Plastic with Brush
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL
- Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
- 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100 Plus
- Devcon 22045 Plastic Welder
- Testors 290278 Cement for Plastic
- SCIGRIP 16 10315 Acrylic Cement
Meuvcol Super Glue for Plastic 100g
This heavy-duty adhesive from Meuvcol is promoted as an ultimate repair solution for a wide array of plastics, including acrylic. Its cutting-edge formula is designed to create a strong, lasting bond that can handle projects around the home, office, or workshop. The glue is suitable for everything from intricate model kits to more substantial repairs on car parts and 3D prints.
A significant advantage is its fast-bonding technology, which sets within seconds. This quick-drying property allows you to complete projects efficiently without long waiting periods. Whether you are performing an urgent repair or working on a detailed craft, this glue aims to provide a rapid and reliable fix.
IPS Weld-On 16 Acrylic Plastic Cement
IPS Weld-On 16 is a high-strength solvent cement specifically formulated for bonding acrylic plastic. It is a favorite among professionals and hobbyists for creating clear, durable joints. The cement works by slightly melting the plastic surfaces, allowing them to fuse together as one solid piece upon curing.
This product features a fast setting time with a working window of approximately five to six minutes, giving you enough time to align pieces perfectly. Additionally, its low VOC content makes it a more considerate choice for indoor use compared to some stronger solvent-based alternatives.
GH1200 Super Glue for Plastic with Brush
The GH1200 Super Glue stands out with its versatile 2-in-1 application system, featuring both a built-in brush and a precise anti-clog nozzle. The brush is ideal for controlled, mess-free application on small areas, while the nozzle allows for dispensing more glue onto larger surfaces. This dual design provides exceptional control for various project sizes.
This crystal-clear glue is formulated to create strong, long-lasting bonds on plastic. It is also noted for being temperature resistant and waterproof, ensuring that your repairs remain functional and strong over time, even when exposed to different environmental conditions.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL
Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a popular all-purpose adhesive known for its thick, no-run formula. This gel consistency is particularly useful for vertical surfaces where liquid glues might drip, providing better control and reducing mess. It bonds a variety of materials, including many plastics, and dries to a clear finish.
The discreet crystal-clear finish keeps the focus on your project, making it a good choice for visible repairs. Its fast-setting nature and strong bond make it a reliable option for a multitude of household fixes and craft projects involving acrylic and other materials.
Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
Loctite’s Plastics Bonding System is a two-part solution that includes a specialized super glue and a separate activator. The activator is applied first to prepare the plastic surface, ensuring a much stronger and more reliable bond with the glue that follows. This system is specifically engineered for difficult-to-bond plastics.
This method is highly effective for creating durable repairs on a wide range of plastic types. The included components work together to overcome the bonding challenges often presented by certain plastics, resulting in a firm and long-lasting hold.
3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100 Plus
3M Scotch-Weld DP100 Plus is a professional-grade, clear epoxy adhesive. It is designed for bonding a variety of materials, including many plastics, and is known for its fast handling time and cure. This epoxy is ideal for applications that will undergo thermal cycling or stress.
Once cured, the adhesive becomes flexible, which makes it excellent for bonding dissimilar surfaces where resistance to flexing, vibration, and impact is needed. Its versatility and strength make it suitable for demanding industrial, automotive, and construction applications.
Devcon 22045 Plastic Welder
Devcon Plastic Welder is a strong, two-part epoxy adhesive formulated for bonding both similar and dissimilar materials, including various plastics. It creates a structural bond that resists weathering, high humidity, and temperature variations, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
With a handling time of 4-5 minutes, it allows for adequate positioning of parts. The cured adhesive can be drilled, sanded, and painted, allowing for a seamless finish on your repaired project. It fully cures to its maximum strength within 24 hours.
Testors 290278 Cement for Plastic
Testors Cement is a classic choice for model builders, ideal for joining polystyrene and ABS plastics. It provides a strong, durable hold that is designed to last, making it a reliable option for plastic models and various craft projects.
This cement is known for its relatively fast drying time, with projects typically setting within two hours. Its versatility and ease of use have made it a staple in the modeling community for creating precise and sturdy assemblies.
SCIGRIP 16 10315 Acrylic Cement
SCIGRIP 16 is another professional-grade solvent cement specifically designed for bonding acrylic plastics. Like the IPS Weld-On, it creates a strong, clear bond by fusing the acrylic surfaces together. This type of cement is often used in sign making, display fabrication, and other applications where clarity and strength are paramount.
It is formulated to provide a reliable and lasting joint that maintains the integrity and appearance of the acrylic. For those undertaking serious acrylic fabrication work, SCIGRIP products are a trusted name in the industry.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adhesives for Acrylic Plastic
Choosing the right adhesive for acrylic plastic can feel tricky, but it gets a lot easier once you know what to look for. I’ve glued my fair share of acrylic pieces, from model building to fixing a cracked terrarium, and the wrong glue can turn a simple project into a cloudy, weak mess. The key is understanding that acrylic isn’t like wood or metal; it requires a specific type of bond to look and hold strong.
First, you need to understand the main types of adhesives available. The best options for a clear, strong bond are solvent-based cements. These don’t work like a traditional glue that dries in between the pieces. Instead, they actually melt the surfaces of the acrylic plastic slightly, fusing them together as the solvent evaporates. This creates a weld that is often as strong as the original material and can be nearly invisible. For the strongest, clearest seams, this is what I always recommend.
Next, consider the application method. Some solvent cements come in a bottle with a fine needle applicator, which is perfect for tight capillary action on edges that fit together perfectly. Others are water-thin and are applied with a special applicator bottle or a syringe for precision. If you’re dealing with a gap or an uneven surface, a thicker, gel-like cement might be a better choice as it won’t run everywhere.
You also have to think about the project’s purpose. Is it a decorative item where clarity is everything? Then a water-thin solvent cement is your best bet. Is it a structural piece that needs to withstand some stress? A medium- or high-viscosity cement might provide the strength you need. For quick fixes or bonding acrylic to other materials like metal or wood, a specialized cyanoacrylate (super glue) or a two-part epoxy can work, but they often leave a visible bond line and can stress-crack the acrylic if you’re not careful.
Finally, never forget safety. Solvent cements emit fumes that you do not want to breathe in. I always make sure to work in a very well-ventilated area, like a workshop with open windows or even outdoors. Wearing nitrile gloves is also a good idea to protect your skin. Taking these precautions makes the process safe and ensures you get the professional-looking results you’re after with your 10 best adhesives for acrylic plastic.
FAQ
Can I use regular super glue on acrylic?
You can, but I generally don’t recommend it for most projects. Standard cyanoacrylate (super glue) often creates a brittle bond on acrylic and can lead to “crazing” – those fine, tiny cracks that spread out from the glue line. It also dries white and cloudy, which ruins the clear look of the plastic. It’s better saved for emergency, non-visible repairs or for bonding acrylic to non-plastic materials where appearance isn’t critical.
Why does my acrylic glue joint look cloudy or white?
A cloudy joint is usually a sign of stress or improper bonding. This can happen if the glue sets too quickly, trapping moisture inside, or if you used an adhesive that isn’t compatible with acrylic, like some types of super glue. With solvent cements, cloudiness can occur if the pieces were moved or put under pressure before the cement had fully cured and the solvent had completely evaporated. Ensuring a tight fit and letting the bond cure undisturbed can prevent this.
How long does it take for acrylic adhesive to fully cure?
This depends heavily on the specific product and the thickness of the acrylic. The initial set might happen in just a few minutes, allowing you to handle the piece. However, for the bond to reach its full strength, it often takes 24 to 48 hours. For thick pieces or structural projects, I always wait at least 48 hours before subjecting them to any significant stress. The package instructions are your best friend here.
What is the difference between water-thin and thick cement for acrylic?
The main difference is viscosity and how they are applied. Water-thin cement is runny and is drawn into a tight seam by capillary action, creating a very clean, nearly invisible weld. It requires the edges to be perfectly mated. Thick, or gel, cement is more viscous. I use it for filling tiny gaps, for butt joints, or on edges that aren’t perfectly smooth because it doesn’t run and gives you more control during application.
Is it safe to glue acrylic plastic indoors?
You need to be very careful. The fumes from solvent-based acrylic cements are strong and should not be inhaled. I always open multiple windows and use a fan to create a cross-breeze, or I take the project outside. If you must work indoors without great ventilation, wearing an organic vapor respirator is a smart safety move. Good ventilation is non-negotiable for your health when working with these products.