JB weld is a versatile epoxy adhesive that can be used to bond a wide range of materials. It combines the bonding strength of regular glue with its special properties to provide an effective alternative to torch welding. If you’re thinking of using JB Weld for your plastic projects, you may be wondering – does JB Weld work on plastic?
This article will provide answers to questions you have about using JB Weld on plastic, so you will know what to expect.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Does JB Weld Work On Plastic?
- 2 Can You Repair Plastic With JB Weld?
- 3 How To Use JB Weld On Plastic
- 4 What Is The Best JB Weld For Plastic?
- 5 What Is The Strongest Glue For Plastic?
- 6 Is Epoxy Or JB Weld Better For Plastic?
- 7 What Will JB Weld Not Stick To?
- 8 Does JB Weld Work On Plastic To Metal?
- 9 Other Related Questions About Using JB Weld On Plastic
- 10 Conclusion: Does JB Weld Work On Plastic?
Does JB Weld Work On Plastic?
JB glue can be used on a variety of materials including plastics. It provides a strong, long-lasting bond when used on some plastic surfaces. However, it does not work on all plastics.
Can You Repair Plastic With JB Weld?
Yes, you can. JB Weld is suitable for many Plastic repair projects. However, you can’t use the glue for every kind of plastic. It repairs PVC, fiberglass, vinyl, and composites very well.
However, plastics made of polypropylene, canvas, and rubber cannot be properly repaired with the glue. This is due to the inert surfaces of these plastics making them hard for the adhesive to bond to it.
To put it more simply, the glue is not compatible with the polymer composition of these plastics.
How To Use JB Weld On Plastic
If you want a strong bond with JB Weld, you have to prepare the glue well before use. The surfaces also have to be cleaned and prepped before you apply the glue. Here are the steps to follow if you want to use Jb weld for your plastic repairs.
Select A Good Location
Due to the pungent, garlic-like smell of JB weld, you want to avoid places that are crowded or where children are. Instead, choose a well-ventilated space. You should also protect your airways by wearing a nose mask and proper clothing in case of spills.
Prepare Your Surface
Before applying JB glue, your surfaces need to be free from grease, moisture, oil, and dirt. Simply wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth, otherwise if it’s really dirty, then clean with soapy water. Rinse with fresh water and allow to dry.
Next, you can lightly sand the plastic but this is not a must. However, sanding will give the surface a rougher texture which will help the bonding process.
Mix The Glue
Since JB glue comes in 2 parts, you need to mix it before you apply it.
Put equal parts of the resin and hardener on a disposable tray and mix together. Use a wooden spatula to stir the mixture.
If you’re using the syringe glue, you wouldn’t need to do any mixing as it comes already mixed. Just squirt a small amount into a disposable container.
Apply The Glue
You can use different tools to apply the glue – a roller, a brush or a wooden spatula. Apply a generous amount onto one of the surfaces to be joined or repaired. Then join the two surfaces together and allow to dry.
Allow To Cure
Leave the glued surfaces in a dry and cool area. This would help it to dry and cure under optimum conditions. It takes about 4-6 hours for JB Weld to properly set and up to 15 hours (or more) to cure on plastic. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before you use the item.
What Is The Best JB Weld For Plastic?
Here are some of the best JB Weld you can use for your plastic projects.
JB PlasticBonder
The PlasticBonder is specially formulated for use on plastics. It is a quick-setting, urethane glue that comes in two parts. It sets in 15 minutes and is usually hard enough for sanding after 30 minutes. It cures to a hard permanent bond and has a good solid texture similar to plastic.
The adhesive has a tan color when it dries. It can be used on thermosets, carbon fibre, thermoplastics, and even coated plastics. The tensile strength is about 3770 PSI. You can use it on a wide range of projects including automotives, composite panels, fibreglass, and plastic parts.
JB Plasticweld
With a tensile strength of 3900 PSI, the JB Plasticweld is an epoxy filler adhesive that provides optimum strength and flexibility. It comes in a syringe, which allows it to be easily mixed in a 1:1 ratio. It comes with its own plastic tray and mixer.
The adhesive sets in just 5 minutes and cures in an hour. Once dry, it leaves a clear translucent yellow, which blends well with any plastic color. It can be quite runny so you should be careful while using it to avoid spills.
You can use the glue on most hard plastics, ABS, vinyl, and even composites. For the best results, allow it to dry under open air and sunlight.
JB ClearWeld
This is the clear setting quick-drying epoxy. It works on a wide range of materials including plastics. It sets in 15 minutes and fully cures within an hour. The glue has a tensile strength of 3900 PSI and can withstand temperatures up to 300F. It can be quite runny, so wear protective clothing to avoid spills when using this glue. It dries to give a really transparent color.
What Is The Strongest Glue For Plastic?
Different glues have different effects on plastics. If you are looking for a glue that offers a really strong bond, then you should choose an epoxy glue. Epoxy glues usually consist of a hardener and resin mixed in equal parts. It offers the strongest bond on plastic.
There are other glue types that also work well for plastics. Cyanoacrylate is great for precision work and hot melt adhesives are perfect for structural work.
Ultimately, the best glue for plastic depends on the type of plastic you’re joining. Overall, JB Weld and epoxy glue are great options.
Is Epoxy Or JB Weld Better For Plastic?
Epoxy is generally considered the best glue for plastic as it creates a strong adhesive bond. JB Weld is just one type of epoxy for plastic. Other options are LOCTITE PLASTIC BONDER and GORILLA 2-PART EPOXY.
Besides epoxies, you can also use solvent cement and superglue to bond plastic. The best option for any application will depend on the type of plastic and nature of your project.
The reason why epoxy glue is better for plastics is because it has a firm hold and does not react with the plastic itself. Also, it doesn’t smell as “pungent” as super glue.
What Will JB Weld Not Stick To?
Jb weld is highly sought after for a lot of repair work. However, there are a number of surfaces it won’t stick to.
Any material that is not free from dirt, grease, oil, and moisture can prove difficult to bond with the adhesive. Also, the glue won’t stick to certain materials because of the nature of the surface or composition. These include polystyrene, styrofoam, polypropylene, polypropylene, canvas and rubber.
In addition, it doesn’t adhere well to materials made of glass or stainless steel.
In general, JB weld can be used on any surface regardless of the material. All you need to do is to apply a release agent before using the glue. The release agent is typically made of wax or silicone and is applied on the surface first as protection. This will enable the glue to not stick to the surface.
Does JB Weld Work On Plastic To Metal?
JB Weld can be used to bond plastic to metal surfaces. This, however, depends on the type of JB Weld you use. Ordinary JB weld may not work well for plastic-to-metal applications.
Rather you want to use something like JB Weld PlasticBonder. The adhesive is specially made to bond plastic materials to a wide range of surfaces including metal.
To ensure a strong and long-lasting bond, the two surfaces need to be prepared properly. The surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and free from grease. You may want to sand the surfaces to create a rough texture before applying the glue.
After application, press both surfaces and leave to cure.
Other Related Questions About Using JB Weld On Plastic
Does JB weld work on plastic radiators?
Most JB weld products do not work on plastic radiators. The PlasticBonder and RadiatorWeld are two JB weld products specially made for radiators. They form strong bonds that can withstand the high temperature and pressure produced by radiators.
Does JB weld work on plastic gas tanks?
The PlasticBonder can be used to repair cracks, leaks, and fill holes in gas tanks. The adhesive is resistant to harsh chemicals including gasoline and other fuels. To prevent leaks, allow it to cure properly.
Does Original JB weld work on plastic?
The Original JB weld does not work very well on plastics. The glue was originally designed to be used on metal surfaces. For plastic repairs, you should use one of the other JB weld types formulated for plastics such as the Plastic Bonder.
Does JB weld plastic dry hard?
Of course, it does. Under optimal conditions, JB Weld dries hard. Once cured, it dries to a hard texture similar to the plastic. It can be sanded, drilled, and painted up, without affecting the glue strength.
How long does JB weld take to cure on plastic?
On average, it takes about 15 minutes for JB Weld to set. However, the glue should be left for up to 24 hours to reach maximum strength and durability.
Conclusion: Does JB Weld Work On Plastic?
To conclude, JB does work in plastic but not all JB Weld and not all plastic types. Specifically, you can use the JB PlasticBonder or the JB PlasticWeld for plastic projects.
It is important to consider different factors when using JB weld on plastics. Factors like type of plastic, humidity, temperature, and adhesive thickness. These will have an effect on the bonding strength, curing time, and durability of your bond.