Creating a strong, clear, and lasting bond between acrylic surfaces requires the right adhesive. Whether you’re working on a DIY craft project, repairing a display case, or building a complex model, using a product specifically designed for acrylic ensures a professional and durable result. The wrong glue can lead to clouding, weak joints, or even damage to the material itself.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best adhesives for bonding acrylic to acrylic. We’ve compiled a range of options, from fast-setting super glues to specialized solvent cements, to help you find the perfect solution for your specific project needs and skill level. The right choice will make all the difference in the final appearance and strength of your work.
Our Recommended Acrylic Adhesives
- LOOCTOT 30g Glass Glue,Acrylic Adhesive
- 20g Glass Glue, Acrylic Adhesive
- ALECPEA 30g Plastic Glue
- NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
- SCIGRIP 10315 16 Acrylic Plastic Cement
- IPS Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL
- 3M Scotch-Weld Plastic & Rubber Adhesive
- Permatex 84115 5-minute Plastic Weld
- Loctite Plastic Bonder Super Glue
LOOCTOT 30g Glass Glue,Acrylic Adhesive
This LOOCTOT adhesive is a versatile and user-friendly option for quick acrylic bonding. Its fast-drying formula creates a bond in just 10 to 30 seconds, allowing you to move forward with your project without long waiting periods. The glue is also designed to be waterproof after it has fully cured for 24 hours, making it suitable for items that might be exposed to moisture.
A key feature that enhances its usability is the anti-clogging cap. This design helps prevent the nozzle from sealing shut, ensuring the glue remains ready for its next use and reducing product waste. This makes it a convenient and reliable choice for both occasional repairs and more frequent crafting needs.
20g Glass Glue, Acrylic Adhesive
This 20g glass and acrylic glue boasts a wide application range, effectively bonding not only acrylic but also materials like ceramic, plastic, metal, and wood. Its super viscosity allows for a tight bond to form in seconds, saving valuable working time. The result is a clear and colorless bond that is both durable and discreet.
For projects requiring accuracy, this product includes two to three precision tips. These tips snap securely onto the bottle, giving you superior control over the application. This is particularly beneficial for detailed work on uneven or vertical surfaces, helping you place the adhesive exactly where it is needed.
ALECPEA 30g Plastic Glue
The ALECPEA Plastic Glue is engineered to fuse hard-to-bond plastics with tremendous strength. This 30g formula provides a tenacious grip that can resist bending and torsion, making it ideal for demanding applications from plastic models and toys to electronic gadgets. It is a reliable choice for acrylic bonding where a robust hold is essential.
Efficiency is a major benefit, as this adhesive sets in a remarkable 15 seconds. While it reaches its full, maximum strength within 24 hours, the initial quick set allows for handling and further work almost immediately. The package includes three applicator nozzles to suit different project requirements.
NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Battery Charger
Note: This product is a battery charger and does not bond acrylic. It appears to have been included in the list in error. The NOCO GENIUS1 is a compact, all-in-one battery solution functioning as a charger, maintainer, and desulfator. It is designed for 6V and 12V lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, making it versatile for automotive, marine, and powersport applications.
Its precision charging capability is supported by an integrated thermal sensor. This feature dynamically adjusts the charge based on the ambient temperature, which helps prevent overcharging in hot weather and undercharging in cold conditions. This ensures optimal performance and can help extend the life of your battery.
SCIGRIP 10315 16 Acrylic Plastic Cement
SCIGRIP is a well-regarded brand in plastic fabrication, and this 10315 formula is a high-strength solvent cement made specifically for bonding acrylic. It creates a very strong, clear bond by chemically fusing the acrylic surfaces together. This medium-bodied cement is a professional-grade choice for both industrial and hobbyist use.
This product offers a fast setting time with a working time of approximately five to six minutes. This gives you a reasonable window to align and clamp your pieces before the bond begins to set. As an added benefit, it features a low VOC content, which minimizes strong odors during use.
IPS Weld-On 3 Acrylic Plastic Cement
IPS Weld-On 3 is another industry-standard solvent cement designed explicitly for bonding acrylic. It is a very fast-setting formula that creates strong, durable joints by welding the plastic together. This product is often the go-to adhesive for aquariums, displays, and signage due to its reliability.
The included applicator bottle with a needle tip is a significant advantage. It allows for extremely precise application, helping you control the flow of cement and minimize mess. This is crucial for achieving clean, nearly invisible seams in your acrylic projects.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel XL
The Gorilla Super Glue Gel is an excellent all-purpose option for bonding acrylic. Its thick, no-run gel formula is its standout feature, as it prevents dripping and makes it perfect for use on vertical surfaces or overhead applications where a liquid glue would be problematic.
This glue is formulated to bond a wide variety of materials, including glass, plastic, metal, and ceramic, making it a versatile tool to have on hand. It dries to a crystal clear finish, ensuring that the adhesive remains discreet and does not detract from the appearance of your finished project.
3M Scotch-Weld Plastic & Rubber Instant Adhesive
3M is synonymous with quality, and their Scotch-Weld PR40 Instant Adhesive is designed for bonding a number of substrates, including various plastics and rubbers. Its low viscosity means it is easily applied directly from the bottle and can wick into tight-fitting joints.
The bottle is designed for precise application, allowing you to pinch the container for a single drop or squeeze for a steady bead. This control helps manage the amount of adhesive used and is ideal for both small repairs and larger assembly projects involving acrylic components.
Permatex 84115 5-minute Plastic Weld Adhesive
Permatex Plastic Weld is a structural adhesive designed for general purpose bonding of a wide variety of materials. It forms a tough, durable bond to most plastics, composites, and ceramics, making it a strong contender for acrylic bonding projects.
A key advantage of this product is that it requires no primers, simplifying the bonding process. It sets in approximately five minutes at room temperature, providing a practical working time for alignment while still offering a relatively quick setup.
Loctite Plastic Bonder Super Glue
Loctite Plastic Bonder is a trusted name in adhesives, known for creating strong, reliable bonds. This super glue is specifically formulated for plastic materials, including acrylic. It is designed to handle the unique challenges of bonding plastics, providing a durable and lasting hold.
This product typically features a quick-setting formula that resists water, weather, and shock. Its ability to bond a range of plastic types makes it a versatile and dependable choice for both household repairs and more demanding DIY projects involving acrylic components.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Adhesives for Bonding Acrylic to Acrylic Surfaces
Choosing the right adhesive for an acrylic-to-acrylic project is more than just grabbing the first glue you see. Getting it wrong can lead to a weak bond, cloudiness, or even cracks in your material. I have learned through trial and error that the key is understanding how the adhesive works with the plastic. The best adhesives for bonding acrylic to acrylic surfaces don’t just stick the pieces together; they actually fuse them on a molecular level.
The first thing I always look at is the adhesive type. For clear, strong, and nearly invisible seams, a solvent-based cement is my go-to. These aren’t traditional glues. They work by softening the acrylic surfaces, allowing the polymer chains to intertwine and create a permanent weld as the solvent evaporates. This process, called cementing, is what gives you that strong, clear bond. If you are working on a display case, an aquarium, or a model where appearance is critical, this is the category you want. Products like Weld-On 3 or 4 are industry standards for a reason.
For situations where a solvent cement might be too runny or where I need to fill a small gap, I turn to a thicker option. Acrylic epoxies or specialized acrylic gels are great here. They provide a very strong bond and are easier to control during application. However, they often dry clear rather than becoming truly invisible, so I reserve them for joints where the seam line is less critical. Another option I use is a UV-curing adhesive. These are fantastic for spot repairs or bonding small areas because they cure in seconds with exposure to UV light. They are clean and very strong, but you need to ensure light can reach the bonded area.
Beyond the chemical type, I pay close attention to the set and cure times. A fast-setting adhesive is helpful for holding pieces in place quickly, but it also means you have less time to adjust alignment. A slower set time gives you more working time, which is a lifesaver for complex assemblies. Viscosity is another big factor. A low-viscosity, watery cement will capillary into tight joints beautifully, while a thicker gel is better for edge bonding or uneven surfaces.
Finally, never forget safety. Many of the best adhesives for bonding acrylic to acrylic surfaces contain strong solvents. I always work in a very well-ventilated area, like a workshop with a fan, or even outside. Using nitrile gloves and safety glasses is non-negotiable for me to protect my skin and eyes from accidental splashes. Reading the manufacturer’s instructions and safety data sheet is the most important step before I even open the bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use super glue or epoxy for acrylic?
You can, but I do not recommend it for most projects where clarity and strength are important. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) often creates a white, cloudy residue around the bond line, which looks messy on clear acrylic. It also forms a brittle bond that can fail under stress. Standard epoxies are strong but, like super glue, they sit between the pieces instead of fusing them. For the strongest and clearest results, a solvent-based acrylic cement is almost always the better choice.
Why does the bonded area sometimes turn white or cloudy?
I have seen this happen, and it is usually caused by one of two things. The most common cause is moisture. If there is any water vapor trapped during the bonding process, it can get locked in and create a cloudy appearance. This is why it is important to work in a dry environment. The second cause can be applying too much adhesive or using the wrong type. A low-viscosity cement applied sparingly should wick into the joint without leaving a visible residue. Using a glue not formulated for acrylic can also cause clouding.
How long should I clamp the acrylic pieces together?
Clamping time depends entirely on the adhesive you are using. For a fast-setting solvent cement, the initial set might only take a few minutes. However, I always leave the pieces clamped for at least an hour to ensure the bond has stabilized. For a full cure and maximum strength, I recommend leaving it undisturbed for at least 24 to 48 hours, especially for structural projects. Always check the instructions on your specific product for its recommended clamping and full-cure times.
Do I need to prepare the acrylic surface before gluing?
Yes, surface preparation is a step I never skip. The surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of any oils, dust, or fingerprints. I wipe the edges I plan to bond with isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth and then let it fully evaporate. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave behind tiny fibers. Proper preparation ensures the adhesive can work effectively and helps prevent those cloudy bond lines.
What is the difference between Weld-On 3 and Weld-On 4?
This is a common question because both are excellent choices for the best adhesives for bonding acrylic to acrylic surfaces. The main difference is viscosity, or thickness. Weld-On 3 is very thin and watery, designed to be applied with a needle-tip applicator bottle. It works by capillary action, meaning it gets sucked into tight-fitting joints for an almost invisible seam. Weld-On 4 is thicker, more like a syrup. I use it for joints that are not perfectly tight or for edge bonding, as it is less likely to run where I do not want it.