Acrylic is a versatile material that is used in all types of applications. Acrylic plastic also referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a transparent thermoplastic that is made from the polymerization of acrylic acid. Acrylic is lightweight but resilient and has excellent optical clarity comparable to glass.
Acrylic plastic is found in a wide range of products including picture frames, windows, vehicle lights, and display cases. In this article, we explore the best glue for acrylic plastics.
Criteria for Selection
When selecting a glue for acrylic you must define the criteria on which to assess it. Luckily, we’ve gathered the important facts below.
1. Type of Glue
There are many types of adhesives that can work with acrylic.
Solvent-Based Adhesives: These adhesives rely on solvents to dissolve or liquefy the adhesive material to form a strong bond between substrates. They provide a seamless, clear bond but require careful attention when handling due to their toxicity.
Two-Part Epoxy: Epoxy adhesives have high tensile strength and produce strong, durable bonds. They also work well with dissimilar materials like metal or wood but the bond they create may not always be clear.
Cyanoacrylate: This is essentially super glue. While it is good for quick fixes, it is not the best option for acrylic because it lacks durability and may leave behind visible residue.
Acrylic Cement: These cement are designed specifically for acrylic materials and they provide strong, durable bonds for professional applications like aquariums or display cases.
2. Bond Strength
The level of bond strength needed depends on the type of application the adhesive will be used. For structural applications that involve load-bearing joints or large panels, opt for a high-strength adhesive such as a two-part epoxy or solvent cement.
For decorative and lightweight applications, less robust options like cyanoacrylate or UV-cured adhesives will work.
3. Application Method
The mode of application significantly impacts the decision of which adhesive is the best. Where precision is a priority, UV-curing adhesives or solvent-based glues with needle applicators will be best.
For non-technical applications or quick repairs, cyanoacrylate or pre-mixed epoxy is more suitable.
Additionally, if you will be bonding large pieces, you may want to investigate a two-part epoxy because they will ensure proper alignment before setting.
4. Cure Time
The setting time for an adhesive refers to the amount of time it takes before the adhesive starts to form a bond. Cyanoacrylates are fast-setting adhesives and so are some solvent cement which makes them ideal for quick repairs.
On the other hand, epoxies and UV-curing adhesives can take a couple of hours to fully cure but they will provide a stronger, durable bond when finished.
5. Transparency and Aesthetics
Because plastic is a transparent material, maintaining this transparency after applying the adhesive is a top priority. UV-curing adhesives and solvent cements dry clear, preserving the seamless appearance of acrylic. UV-stable adhesives will resist UV radiation and prevent it from yellowing over time.
6. Compatibility with Other Materials
Multi-material adhesives such as epoxies and UV-curing adhesives are versatile and bond with dissimilar materials. Specialized cement is only suitable for acrylic-to-acrylic bonds.
7. Environmental Conditions
Acrylic may face high heat environments so the adhesive should have high thermal stability. Additionally, if you are working on an outdoor project, you will want waterproof adhesives such as solvent cements and epoxies for moisture resistance. Furthermore, UV stability is also a concern, so the bond does not degrade over time due to UV radiation.
8. Safety and Toxicity
Some adhesives such as solvent cement emit harmful fumes which means you need proper ventilation and protective gear. Look for adhesives with a low VOC (volatile organic compound) level for safer handling.
9. Durability and Longevity
High-strength adhesives will ensure long-term structural integrity for load-bearing joints or permanent fixtures.
10. Cost and Availability
High-performance adhesives may cost more but they deliver better results while budget-friendly options are affordable but carry limitations.
5 Best Glues for Acrylic
Taking these criteria into consideration we will recommend 5 Best Glues for Acrylic:
Weld-On 4 Acrylic Adhesive
Weld-On 4 is a solvent-based adhesive that is specifically designed for bonding acrylic and other thermoplastics. It works by softening the acrylic surfaces and allowing them to fuse into the surface forming a seamless joint. It runs a very water-like consistency, so it is easy to be precise with the application.
It has exceptional strength with its molecular-level bond. Additionally, it has a fast-setting time but full curing takes up to 24 hours to finish. It dries clear and is ideal for signage, display cases, and aquariums. It does, however, require an applicator bottle to apply so it’s necessary to apply some skill when using it. It is environmentally resistant to moisture and temperature changes making it durable year-round.
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Loctite Super Glue Professional
Loctite Super Glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive that offers a quick-setting solution for small acrylic bonding projects. It is not as robust and durable as solvent-based adhesives, but it works well for small fixes and lightweight applications.
This adhesive has sufficient tensile strength for lightweight and decorative applications. It sets in a few seconds and dries clear but is not completely transparent. The bottle is easy to use, and the application is relatively straightforward. However, it does only provide limited resistance to weather elements.
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3M Scotch-Weld Acrylic Adhesive DP810
3M Scotch-Weld DP810 is a two-part acrylic adhesive manufactured for high-performance bonding of acrylic to dissimilar materials. It provides an exceptional bond strength and durability which makes it suitable for industrial applications.
Its initial setting time is about 10 minutes but it takes 48 hours to fully cure. It doesn’t provide an invisible finish but dries slightly opaque. Furthermore, its application requires an applicator for precise mixing and dispensing. It is effective in resisting environmental elements including chemicals, temperature, and moisture.
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This adhesive is ideal for heavy-duty applications making it suitable for commercial projects. However, its opacity does restrict its use in decorative work requiring an invisible finish.
Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy
Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy is a two-part adhesive consisting of a resin and a hardener for bonding acrylic to other surfaces such as wood, glass, and metal. It is a multipurpose product that offers a clean finish. It is suitable for structural and decorative applications. Its setting time is initially 5 minutes and it fully cures in 24 hours. It has a clear transparent film but there is a risk of yellowing over time if exposed to the elements. It does require mixing of two components before application.
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Gorilla 2 Part-Epoxy is suitable for multipurpose projects and its strength and versatility make it a good choice for small-scale professional use.
Conclusion
That wraps up our 4 best recommendations for acrylic adhesive. The 3M Scotch Weld DP810 is ideal for industrial-grade projects whereas the Weld-On 4 is the best overall choice. Transparency and bond strength are the two key factors you need to evaluate an adhesive for before purchasing because these can range from opaque to clear and from moderate to high.
If you found our article useful in helping you determine the best adhesive for acrylic, please let us know in the comments below.
