Best Glue for Glass to Plastic in 2022 – A Buyer’s Guide from Experts
Gluing glass to plastic can be challenging because both of these surfaces are non-porous and smooth which makes it difficult for most kinds of glue to form a strong bond.
Since there are various kinds of glue with different properties, you need to find the right kind of glue that will effectively bond both glass and plastic surfaces together.
So, to narrow down your options and help you make choose the best glue for your project, here’s a compilation of some of the highest-rated glues for mirrors on the market along with a detailed breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages.
Contents
List of the Best Glue for Glass to Plastic in 2022
- Best Overall – Permatex Clear Silicone Glue
- Second Runner – Gorilla Epoxy Glue
- Best on A Budget – Loctite Glass Super Glue
- Best for Making Repairs – Mitrapel Super Glue with Spray Activator
- Best for a Clear Finish – Gorilla Clear Glue
- Best for Covering Large Surface Areas – Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Glue
- Best for Outdoor Use – Loctite Stik n’ Seal Extreme Conditions Glue
The Top 7 Glues for Glass to Plastic in 2022
1. Best Overall – Permatex Clear Silicone Glue
The Permatex Clear Silicone Glue is one of the best glues when it comes to bonding glass to plastic.
It can form a strong bond when applied to various kinds of surfaces including glass and plastic as well as metal, vinyl, and fabric. The bond created on these surfaces will remain strong even when exposed to harsh conditions as it’s water-resistant, impact-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The glue will take a few minutes to set which will allow you to make any adjustments or to reposition the surface. It will take a long time to dry and cure fully, but it will leave a clear finishing layer on the surface.
While working with this kind of glue, be sure to wear a protective mask and work in a well-ventilated area as it will emit string fumes during the drying process which can be harmful when inhaled for a long time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It creates strong durable bonds
- It can effectively bond glass to plastic
- It works on other kinds of surfaces
- It can withstand high temperatures
- It’s water-resistant and impact-resistant
- It leaves a clear finishing layer when it’s dry
- It allows for making adjustments or repositioning the surface
Cons
- It emits strong fumes while drying
- It takes a long time to dry and cure fully
Bottom Line
The Permatex Clear Silicone Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for an overall strong glue that can bond glass to plastic and retain strength when exposed to harsh conditions.
2. Second Runner – Gorilla Epoxy Glue
The Gorilla Epoxy Glue is an excellent great glue for bonding non-porous surfaces including glass and plastic.
The glue’s container features two barrels to keep the resin and hardener separate until you’re ready to apply the glue. Its applicator tip operates like a syringe applicator which allows you to dispense the glue on the surfaces with ease and precision.
The bond formed on the surface will be strong and able to withstand high pressure. It is also permanent as it’s both solvent-resistant and water-resistant.
It doesn’t take a long time to set and once it’s fully dry it will leave a clear finishing layer on the surface.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It is ideal for bonding glass to plastic
- It forms extremely strong and permanent bonds
- It can withstand high pressure
- It allows for easy and precise application
- It’s solvent-resistant and water-resistant
- It has a fast set time
- It dries clear
Cons
- It’s not the best for bonding porous surfaces
Bottom Line
The Gorilla Epoxy Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for an easy-to-apply glue that can bond glass to plastic and the bond created will be permanent as it can’t be removed using solvents or water.
3. Best on A Budget – Loctite Glass Super Glue
The Loctite glass Super Glue offers various benefits at an affordable price. It can be used to bond all kinds of glass to plastic as well as other kinds of non-porous surfaces.
It’s easy to apply as it has a precise applicator. The glue also has a gel-like consistency that makes it easier to control and spread over a surface without making a mess.
The bond created on the surface will be strong and long-lasting. It’s also water-resistant and dishwasher safe.
It sets extremely fast so you won’t need to press the surfaces together for too long. Once it dries and cures completely, it will be crystal clear.
However, because of how fast it sets, you need to make sure it’s sealed and stored properly when you’re not using it as might dry inside the container.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s easy to apply and control
- It can create a strong long-lasting bond
- It sets fast
- It dries crystal clear
- It’s water-resistant and dishwasher safe
- It’s relatively cheap
Cons
It can dry inside its container
Bottom Line
The Loctite glass Super Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for an affordable glue that can strongly bond glass to plastic as well as other non-porous surfaces.
4. Best for Making Repairs – Mitrapel Super Glue with Spray Activator
The Mitrapel Super Glue is one of the best glue for making repairs to various kinds of surfaces including glass and plastic. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t work for some plastics like polyethylene.
The glue is easy to apply to broken surfaces and can be used to fill in any gaps. It also comes with a spray activator that will help the glue achieve maximum strength when bonding with the surface.
It takes a few minutes to set which will allow you to make adjustments or reposition the surfaces, but it dries and cures relatively quickly when the activator is applied.
Once it’s completely cured, it will leave a clear and smooth finishing layer on the surface that can be sanded and painted on.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s ideal for making repairs to glass and plastic
- It forms extremely strong bonds
- It allows for making adjustments or repositioning the surface
- It dries and cures quickly
- It provides a clear smooth finish
- It can be sanded and painted on after curing
Cons
- It doesn’t work with all kinds of plastic
- It doesn’t bond as strongly or quickly without the activator
Bottom Line
The Mitrapel Super Glue with Spray Activator is the best choice for you a durable glue that can be used to make repairs to glass and plastic surfaces while providing a clear and smooth finish.
5. Best for a Clear Finish – Gorilla Clear Glue
The Gorilla Clear Glue has the same strong polyurethane-based formula as the original gorilla glue with the added benefit of drying completely clear and won’t turn yellow over time
It creates a durable bond that is also water-resistant when applied so it can be used to hold various surfaces including glass and plastic together. It can also be used for making repairs or filling in cracks without being too noticeable.
It’s easy to apply to the surface and it comes with a sealable container to prevent the glue from drying inside when it’s not in use.
However, be careful when working with this kind of glue as it can be difficult to remove from the skin and emits strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled for a long time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can strongly bond glass and plastic surfaces
- It dries completely clear
- It doesn’t yellow over time
- It’s water-resistant
- It’s can be used in repairs or filling in cracks
- It comes with a sealable applicator
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- It’s difficult to remove from skin
- It gives off a strong odor
Bottom Line
The Clear Gorilla Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for glue that will provide a crystal clear finish when it dries on the surfaces and won’t yellow over time.
6. Best for Covering Large Surface Areas – Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Glue
The Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive can bond glass to plastic as well as many other surfaces including wood, metal, and leather.
It’s ideal for application on large surface areas as it dispenses a consistent mist of glue which will help you achieve full coverage on the surface in a short time without creating a mess.
The glue will form a strong bond that is also water-resistant. It doesn’t take a long time to dry and cure fully and once it’s dry it will leave a clear layer on the surface.
However, keep in mind that the spray is highly flammable and will emit strong fumes that are harmful to inhale for a long time, so make sure not to use the spray near any sources of heat and to wear a protective mask while working.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can bond glass to plastic and other surfaces
- It creates strong water-resistant bonds
- It’s easy to apply without creating a mess
- It can cover large surface areas in a short time
- It doesn’t take long to dry and cure
- It leaves a clear
Cons
- It’s highly flammable
- It emits strong fumes that are harmful to inhale
Bottom Line
The Gorilla Heavy Duty Spray Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for strong glass to plastic glue that can provide full coverage on large surface areas in a short time.
7. Best for Outdoor Use – Loctite Stik n’ Seal Extreme Conditions Glue
The Loctite Stik n’ Seal Extreme Conditions Glue is most ideal for outdoor applications because of its Flextec formula that can withstand exposure to harsh conditions without cracking or peeling
The glue can bond glass to plastic as well as all kinds of surfaces including wood, stone, metal, ceramic, and fabric. The bond created will be water-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant.
It’s very easy to apply as it features a precision applicator tip that allows you to control how much glue is dispensed. It also dries completely clear and cures quickly.
However, make sure to wear a protective mask when working with this kind of glue as it will emit strong fumes while drying which can be harmful to inhale for a long time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can be used to bond glass to plastic
- It can also be used on various other surfaces
- It can withstand exposure to harsh conditions
- It’s suitable for both outdoor applications
- It’s water-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant
- It can be applied with ease and precisions
- It dries completely clear
- It cures quickly
Cons
- It can emit strong fumes while drying
Bottom Line
The Loctite Stik n’ Seal Extreme Conditions Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a glass to plastic glue that’s suitable for outdoor use and can withstand harsh conditions.
All You Need to Know About Gluing Glass to Plastic
Can You Glue Glass to Plastic?
You can glue glass to plastic as long as you’re using the right kind of glue.
You need to find a kind of glue that will effectively bond both glass and plastic without causing damage to either of them. This can be challenging since both of these surfaces are non-porous and smooth.
Factors You Need to Consider When Choosing a Glue Kind
Here are some of the factors you need to consider when choosing glue for glass and plastic:
Bonding Strength
You need to consider the bonding strength of the glue when applied to both glass and plastic surfaces.
Simple applications like arts and crafts projects might require high bonding strength, while other applications like repairs or construction projects will require higher bonding strength as the surfaces will be exposed to more stress.
Drying Color
You need to consider the color of the glue when it dries because some kinds of glue do not dry clear.
If you are going to use the glue to attach glass or plastic to other surfaces, then the color might not matter.
However, if you are going to use the glue to repair glass or plastic in a mirror, then it’s definitely recommended to use glue that dries clear so that the damage wouldn’t be too visible. If you do have a mirror and want something even more specialized, I’ve compiled a list of the best glues for Mirrors here, make sure to check them out.
Drying Time
You need to consider the drying time of the glue as you will need to support the glass and plastic surfaces until the glue is fully cured.
The drying time of the glue will also depend on the amount of glue you applied on the surfaces and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
Water and Heat Resistance
You need to consider whether the glue is water and heat resistant to make sure the glue will not lose its bonding properties if the glass or plastic surface were exposed to moisture or extremely high temperatures. You can check out the best heat-resistant glue you can get here.
What Kinds of Glue Are Best for Bonding Glass to Plastic?
Since there are various kinds of glues with different properties, let’s take a closer look at the kinds of glue that are best for bonding glass to plastic
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy Glue consists of two components which are resin and a hardening fluid which typically come in separate containers and need to be mixed thoroughly before they’re applied on the surface otherwise the glue will not be effective
It can create extremely strong bonds with different kinds of surfaces including glass and plastic. However, it can take a relatively long time to dry and cure fully before you can use the surface.
Silicon Glue
Silicon Glue provides great bonding strength and flexibility when applied on various surfaces including glass and some kinds of plastic.
It’s water-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. However, it can take some time to dry and cure completely before you can use the surface.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla glue is a polyurethane-based glue.
It can form an extremely durable bond with various kinds of surfaces including glass and plastic.
It’s completely water-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures as well as significant amounts of stress.
Super Glue
Super Glue or Crazy Glue is a cyanoacrylate-based glue.
It can form extremely strong bonds with various kinds of surfaces including glass and plastic.
It dries fast, however, the surface it’s is applied to needs to have a sufficient degree of moisture in order for the glue to start bonding.
How to Glue Glass to Plastic?
In order to achieve a strong and durable bond when gluing glass to plastic, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind of glue and that both surfaces are properly prepared for bonding.
Here are the steps you need to follow to effectively glue to plastic:
Step 1: Preparing the surfaces for bonding.
To prepare the surface for bonding, you need to make sure it’s completely clean and from any dust, dirt, or grease because these contaminants will interfere with the glue’s ability to bond.
To clean glass or plastic surfaces, start by wiping off the dirt and dust with a cloth soaked in water and mild soap. Then, you need to apply some rubbing alcohol on the surface to remove any accumulated grease.
If the plastic surface is too smooth, you might need to go over it with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen it a little before applying the glue otherwise it might not bond properly.
Finally, make sure to dry both surfaces after you’re done cleaning them and try to avoid touching them with your bare fingers so you do not contaminate them again.
Step 2: Applying the glue
If you’re using the glue to stick the glass and plastic together, you need to apply a thin layer of glue on both of the surfaces and make sure to cover them entirely.
If you’re using the glue to repair broken glass or plastic, you first need to apply a thin layer of glue on the edges of the pieces you want to stick together. You need to make sure that you have all the broken pieces so you can align or dry-fit them to form the original shape before you actually apply glue.
It’s also recommended to apply the glue using a brush so you can have more control over where the glue is applied and how thick the application is.
After you’re done applying the glue, make sure to scrape off any excess and press both surfaces firmly together until the glue starts to set.
Step 3: Leaving the glued surfaces to dry and cure
Make sure not to move or apply too much pressure on the glued surfaces during the drying process, otherwise, the glue will not achieve its maximum bonding strength and you will need to re-apply it.
It’s recommended to use adhesive tape to keep the surfaces from separating until the glue is completely dry and cured.
Can You Remove Glue from Glass or Plastic?
Removing glue safely from glass or plastic depends mostly on the kind of glue used as some kinds of glues can be easily removed, while others will cause significant damage upon removal.
It can be especially complicated when it comes to glass as it might accidentally break which will create sharp shards that might cause some serious harm. So, it’s highly recommended to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself.
If you’re not sure whether the kind of glue used can be safely removed, it’s recommended to test it on a small area before applying it to the entire surface.
How to Remove Glue from Glass or Plastic?
To remove glue from glass or plastic, you will first need to soften the glue. You can do that by using a strong solvent like acetone or by applying low heat to the surface with a hairdryer.
Once the glue is soft enough, the bond is formed on the surface of the mirror will be weaker and you will be able to easily wipe it off using a soft cloth. Try not to apply too much pressure on the surface while wiping off the glue to avoid breaking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will It Take for Glue to Dry on Plastic?
Glue will take from 10 to 20 minutes to dry when applied to plastic. It will also take up to 24 hours to cure fully before using the surface. The rate at which glue dries depends on some factors like the kind of glue used, the amount of glue applied, and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
How to Determine the Kind of Plastic You Have?
To determine the kind of plastic you have, you need to check the recycling symbol that is embossed or printed somewhere on the plastic item. There are 7 main kinds of plastics with different properties that are used in manufacturing different items.
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