Best Glue for Rubber to Plastic in 2022 – A Buyer’s Guide
Gluing rubber to plastic can be quite challenging because these two surfaces have different properties so you need to find the kind of glue that will effectively work on both surfaces.
There are many kinds of glue on the market, some of them are capable of bonding with rubber, some of them are capable of bonding with plastic, but very few can bond them both together.
To help you choose the right kind of glue, here’s a compilation of the best glues for gluing rubber to plastic available on the market along with a breakdown of their pros and cons
Contents
List of the Best Glues for Rubber to Plastic in 2022
- Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System – Best Overall
- E6000 Craft Adhesive – Runner Up
- Original Gorilla Glue Minis – Best on a Budget
- Sugru Mouldable Glue
- 3M Scotch-Weld Rubber and Plastic Glue
The Top 5 Best Glues for Rubber to Plastic in 2022
Okay, let’s not waste any time and start with the best glue for rubber to plastic you can find (and my absolute favorite:
1. Best Overall – Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System
This Loctite super glue bonding system can be applied on all kinds of plastic as well as rubber, wood, leather, paper, ceramic, metal, and fabric.
Its application is a two-step process, similar to epoxy glue, as it comes with a primer to help prepare smooth plastic surfaces for bonding. However, unlike epoxy glue, you don’t need to mix the glue and the primer together.
It has a gel-like consistency that makes it easy to control when applying it. Once applied to the surface, it will form an extremely strong bond that’s impact resistant. It will start to set in a few seconds and dries transparent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It works on hard-to-bond plastics and rubber
- It’s easy to apply and control
- It comes with a primer
- It forms a strong impact-resistant bond
- It starts to set in a few seconds
- It dries transparent
Cons
- It’s prone to drying in its container
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for a high-quality glue that can bond rubber to any kind of plastic
2. Runner Up – E6000 Craft Adhesive
E6000 craft adhesive is an industrial-strength super glue that can bond rubber to even the toughest of plastics. It also works on wood, fabric, leather, ceramic, glass, and metal.
It creates a strong bond with the surface it’s applied on and gives it a clear, smooth finish when it dries so you can easily paint over it. It’s also water-resistant and washer-safe.
However, make sure to wear a protective mask and work in a well-ventilated area while applying this glue as it can release harmful fumes and a strong odor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can bond rubber to tough plastics
- It can be applied to various other material
- It’s water-resistant and washer safe
- It gives a clear and smooth finishing layer
Cons
- It has a strong odor
- It might release harmful fumes
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for an industrial-strength glue that works on various kinds of surfaces.
3. Best on A Budget – Original Gorilla Glue Minis
Gorilla glue is one of the most popular adhesive brands on the market as it provides a wide variety of glues at an affordable price.
The Gorilla Glue original formula mini tubes can be used for any project that involves gluing rubber to plastic as well as other materials like metal or wood.
The glue is easy to apply and it comes with a resealable applicator tip to prevent it from drying inside the tube. Once it’s applied on a surface, it will set fast and provide a strong, long-lasting bond that’s also water-resistant.
It is most ideal for repairing or filling in any cracks in objects. However, it doesn’t dry clear, so the damage will be very visible on the object.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can bond rubber to plastic as well as other materials
- It’s ideal for repairs or filling in cracks
- It gives a strong, long-lasting bond
- It has a resealable applicator tip
- It’s water-resistant
- It’s affordable compared to other kinds of glue
Cons
- It doesn’t dry clear
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for a strong glue that comes at a relatively cheap price.
4. Sugru Mouldable Glue
This adhesive from Sugru takes a different approach when it comes to bonding rubber to plastic. It also works on other materials including plastic, wood, and ceramics.
It comes in the form of thick clay that can be molded into various shapes. It’s most ideal for covering up electrical wires as it’s heat-resistant, water-resistant, and can insulate up to 24v.
However, it might not be best for repairing any damaged objects as it doesn’t provide a seamless bond, can’t withstand heavy pressure. It also dries in gray color or other color options.
The packaging of this glue is not resealable, so it needs to be stored in an airtight container when it’s not in use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It works on plastic and rubber as well as other material
- It can be easily molded into various shapes
- It’s heat resistant and water-resistant
- It electrically insulates up to 24V
Cons
- It’s not ideal for seamless bonds
- It can’t withstand heavy pressure
- Its packaging is not resealable
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for moldable glue to cover up rubber and plastic wires.
5. 3M Scotch-Weld Rubber and Plastic Glue
3M Scotch-Weld glue is an instant adhesive that is specifically developed to be used on rubber and plastic
The bottle has a slim tip for precise application and the glue has a low viscosity formula which makes it easier to spread over the surface.
Once applied on rubber or plastic surface, it will provide a strong bond that can withstand heavy pressure. It also doesn’t take too long to set and dries clear.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s made for use on rubber and plastics
- It provides a strong bond
- It can withstand pressure
- It’s easy to apply and spread
- It sets fast and dries clear
Cons
- It might only work only for rubber and plastic
Bottom Line
This product is ideal if you’re looking for glue that’s specifically made to bond rubber to plastic.
What You Need to Know About Gluing Rubber to Plastic
Can You Glue Rubber to Plastic?
You can glue rubber to plastic. It might be challenging because the two surfaces have different properties, but as long as you’re using the right kind of glue, you will have no problem achieving a strong bond.
It’s very important to find a glue that will bond effectively with the rubber material as well as the kind of plastic surface you’re gluing it to without causing any damage to either of them.
To determine the kind of plastic surface you have, you can check the recycling symbol that is embossed or printed somewhere on the plastic item.
What Are the Best Kind of Glue to Use on Rubber and Plastic?
There are different kinds of glues that can be used on rubber or plastic separately, but few of them can be used on both
Let’s take a look at the best kinds of glue to use on rubber and plastic:
Cyanoacrylate Glue
This kind of glue is commercially known as Super Glue or Crazy Glue.
It’s mainly made from a chemical compound called cyanoacrylate which gives it the ability to form extremely strong bonds with various kinds of surfaces including plastic, rubber, metal, and glass.
However, keep in mind that the surface this glue is applied to needs to have some degree of moisture in order for the glue to react and bond.
Polyurethane Glue
This kind of glue is commercially known as Gorilla Glue.
It’s mainly made from a chemical compound called polyurethane which allows it to form one of the strongest and longest-lasting bonds with various kinds of surfaces including plastic, rubber, metal, glass, stone, wood, and ceramic.
It’s also water-resistant and can withstand a significant amount of pressure.
Epoxy Glue
This kind of glue is made from two components, resin and a hardening substance, which typically come in separate containers.
The resin and the hardening substance need to be combined before applying them to the surface in order for the glue to bond effectively.
It might take longer to completely dry and cure compared to other kinds of glue, however, it will create an extremely strong bond with different kinds of surfaces including plastic and rubber.
The bond created can also resist chemical influences and withstand a significant amount of pressure.
Make sure to also check out this guide to the best glues for styrofoam here.
How to Glue Rubber to Plastic?
To achieve a strong bond when gluing rubber to plastic, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind of glue and that the surface you’re applying the glue on is prepared to take on the bond.
Here is a step by step guide you can follow to properly glue rubber to plastic:
Prepare the surfaces for bonding.
You need to clean the rubber and plastic surface from any contaminants like dirt or grease using a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol, then leave both surfaces to air dry.
That is because these contaminants can interfere with the glue’s ability to bond with the surface which will result in a weaker bond.
If the plastic surface you’re applying the glue on is too smooth, the glue might not be able to bond properly. So, it might also be a good idea to roughen the surface a little using fine-grid sandpaper before applying the glue.
Apply the glue to both surfaces.
When applying the glue, make sure you have enough to evenly cover the entire surface. It’s also recommended to apply the glue in a thin layer to help it dry faster.
You can use a paintbrush to apply the glue so you can have better control over where and how much of the glue is applied. You can also use a toothpick or a Q-tip to apply the glue in any hard-to-reach areas.
Press the surfaces together and make adjustments before the glue starts setting.
After applying the glue, you need to hold the two surfaces in place until the glue sets.
You’ll have at least a minute or two to make any final adjustments or to reposition the surfaces before the glue starts to set
Leave the surfaces to dry
Try not to move the surfaces during the drying process otherwise, the bond will fail and will need to re-apply the glue.
You can use any type of easy-to-remove adhesive tape or weight clamps to hold the surfaces together until the glue is dried and cured completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Does Glue to Dry When Applied on Plastic?
Glue can take about 10-20 minutes to dry when applied to plastic. However, it takes up to 24 hours to cure fully so you can use the surface. The speed of the drying process depends on factors like the kind of glue used, the amount of glue applied, and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
How to Remove Glue from a Plastic or Plastic Surface?
To remove the glue from a plastic surface, you can use a solvent like acetone. It will help soften the dried glue and make it much easier to scrape off a surface. However, it’s recommended to test the solvent on a small area of the surface first to ensure it won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
If you like this article, share it!
