Plexiglass, formally regarded as polymethyl methacrylate is a versatile and transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Plexiglass is commonly sold under brands such as Acrylic, Lucite, and Plexiglas.
Plexiglass is a clear material which means that the adhesive you use must also uphold this level of transparency. In fact, plexiglass allows up to 92% light transmission and it is also significantly lighter than glass. Plexiglass is also resistant to shattering but instead cracks which is safer and less hazardous.
Applications for plexiglass include windows, windshields, aquarium walls, and protective shields. In this article, we explore the adhesive selection process for determining the best glue for plexiglass.
Criteria for Selection
Type of Bond
Plexiglass bonds best with adhesives that chemically react with the material such as solvent-based adhesives. Solvent-based adhesives are adhesives that use a solvent as a primary ingredient to dissolve polymers or resins, enabling them to create a bond. Upon curing, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a strong adhesive film that bonds the surfaces together.
Clarity of the Glue
Plexiglass is a transparent material so it is important to select an adhesive that will ensure clarity for a clean and professional finish.
Strength and Durability
Despite Plexiglass being a lightweight material, the adhesive needs to have strong and durable properties. This is why it’s best to select an adhesive made for structural use that has a high tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of stretching or pulling stress a material can withstand before it breaks or fails.
Weather and UV Resistance
If the plexiglass will be exposed to sunlight or outdoor conditions, the adhesive must resist UV light and moisture. Certain adhesives are specifically made to be UV-resistant or weather proof and this is often printed on the packaging label.
Ease of Application
Solvent-based adhesives typically require syringes or applicator bottles and are not the easiest to use. You can consider epoxies or acyclic glues instead which are easier to use but may not provide a professional finish.
Curing Time
Adhesives require time to cure and they have their own durations based on adhesive type. Fast-curing adhesives are generally good for quick fixes but if you are looking for precision alignment, it will likely take a slow-curing option.
Compatibility with Other Materials
If you are going to bond plexiglass to other materials such as metal, wood, or plastic, you need to ensure that the adhesive is compatible with both surfaces (substrates)
Cost and Availability
Cost is an important consideration, especially for large projects. Solvent-based cements are more expensive than general-purpose glues but they offer superior bonding which justifies the money spent.
Best Glues for Plexiglass
Now that we’ve gathered the criteria for what we’re looking for here are four recommendations for the best adhesives for plexiglass:
Weld-On 3
Weld-On 3 is a solvent cement ideal for the precision bonding of small or intricate plexiglass pieces.
Weld-On 3 is a fast-setting, water-thin solvent specifically designed for acrylics like plexiglass. It is useful for producing a strong and clear bond.
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Application: Joining edges of plexiglass panels or bonding small pieces in model making or crafting.
Loctite Epoxy Clear Multi-Purpose
Loctite Epoxy Clear Multi-Purpose is a two-part epoxy adhesive that is ideal for strong and versatile bonding of plexiglass to other materials. A two-part adhesive means that the bonding agent consists of a resin (primary bonding agent) and an activator or hardener which allows it to cure. This product provides a transparent, rigid finish, providing a clean professional finish.
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Application: Good for bonding plexiglass to wood or metal. It creates strong structural bonds for applications such as furniture or fixtures.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Gorilla Glue Super Gel is a cyanoacrylate adhesive that is easy to apply and provides strong instant bonds for small and intricate plexiglass pieces. Essentially this is a super glue that can bond to plastics, metal, ceramic, or rubber.
It has a gel consistency which reduces the risks of mis-application by allowing for more precise control. It is ideal for quick fixes or small repairs.
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Application: Good for repairing small chips and cracks in plexiglass or small decorative items or parts.
SCIGRIP 16 Acrylic Cement
SCIGRIP 16 is a solvent-based cement adhesive that is good for strong, gap-filling bonds for larger and less precise projects.
It is a medium viscosity acrylic cement that works similarly to the Weld-On products but is thicker which makes it better suited for filling gaps or bonding uneven surfaces. It creates resilient, weather-resistant bonds good for outdoor or structural applications.
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Application: Good for bonding plexiglass in outdoor signage for large panels or where edges are not exactly aligned.
Conclusion:
We recommend the four best adhesives for bonding plexiglass and now the choice is yours on which one you will want to use. Weld-On-3 is an excellent choice but Weld-On 4 is also a great choice if you are looking for more flexibility when adjusting or positioning plexiglass pieces. Weld-On 4 has a slower setting time which allows for this flexibility. Generally for smaller intricate projects, cyanoacrylate or epoxy adhesives work best while solvent-based cements are better suited for larger projects.
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