8 Best Glues for Acrylic Plexiglass [Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]

Plexiglass is often used as an alternative to glass in various projects because it is transparent and, unlike glass, it can tolerate high pressure easily. Needless to say, this flexible and durable material might find multiple uses in and around the home. 

Unfortunately, many people are still not sure how to glue it. 

Actually, Plexiglass does not glue in the regular sense at all. It requires a chemical weld that allows two surfaces to melt and can fuse into each other. This creates an irreversible bond that you cannot separate, no matter how hard you try. So, today we've created a list of the best glues for acrylic Plexiglass to help you find the perfect choice for your project.

Listed below are the best glues for acrylic plexiglass:

• J-B Weld: J-B Weld sealant and adhesive is renowned for its robust adhesion and forms a tough, weather-resistant seal. It takes 4-6 hours to dry, longer than other options like Loctite and Gorilla and has delicate packaging which may cause some glue to squirt out.
• Loctite: Loctite is a cyanoacrylate superglue that is recognized for its high-temperature resistance. It has a fast-setting, moisture and chemical-resistant formula. The smaller packaging limits its use in larger projects.
• Gorilla: The Gorilla super glue gel sets within 1 minute and requires no clamping. Its high viscosity makes it easy to apply without making a mess, compared to thinner solutions like Starbond. Not entirely transparent when dry.
• Starbond: The Starbond glue offers low-viscosity instant adhesive properties. It has a quick drying time and a clog-free stopper for smooth application. Due to its thin consistency, it's more prone to spills and messes, unlike Gorilla.
• Super Glue: Super Glue is an economical epoxy adhesive that sets in about 10 minutes and cures fully in 24 hours, allowing for a longer working time. It appears slightly yellowish upon drying.

1. J-B Weld - Best Overall

Who could skip out on the world's strongest bond available in a conveniently sized tube? This 100% silicone sealant by J-B Weld is as strong as commercial glues get. They come in compact packaging weighing 90 ml and in several colors.

J-B Weld is one of the more popular brands we included on our review list. With over 40 years of experience and hundreds of great reviews of this product online, we decided to test it on Plexiglass to see what we get. 

One of the first things we noted was that this glue is an RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanized) silicone sealant, which sets at room temperature.

Apart from that, it is almost effortless to use. Also, we found that the silicone forms a tough, waterproof, weather-resistant seal on almost all surfaces, especially Plexiglass. After a few days of using it, we saw no sign of shrinkage or cracks, and the glue was strong enough to hold larger pieces. 

Moreover, we found that it worked well on automotive products, ceramic, cloth, carpet, rubber, windows, door frames, and so on. That said, this product is versatile enough for diverse projects around the house and beyond. 

And finally, this product sets clear within an hour and is resistant to mold and mildew.

We decided to include this product on our list after testing its versatile uses, beyond its adhesive properties on Plexiglass. And it certainly did not disappoint. However, we wish the seams were sealed more tightly. 

That said, some amount of glue squirted out when we squeezed it. So, buyers should ensure that they handle the product delicately.

2. Loctite - Best for High Temperatures

This adhesive might sound familiar to those who often work with home improvement products. That said, the 1365882 model is a professional-grade liquid superglue by the well-known brand Loctite. As the name suggests, this superglue is incredibly strong and quick, making it one of the most reliable options we found.

Many people have superglue lying around the house, but can it be used to glue Plexiglass? Yes, absolutely. Therefore, we couldn't skip this versatile superglue by Loctite as we set out to find the best glues for Plexiglass. 

Although you can use this glue for DIY projects at home, the ingredients are professional-grade and ideal for heavy-duty repairs. 

Often an issue DIYers face while using glue is the drying up of the adhesive at the nozzle. To prevent such problems, this glue comes in compact packaging with a pinpoint nozzle for precise and drip-free application. 

Another positive aspect of the bottle design is that the screw-on cap sits perfectly in place and seals the nozzle to prevent clogging.

Moreover, it has a fast-setting formula that is resistant to moisture and chemicals, so you can use this adhesive on Plexiglass projects using water. Speaking of which, an essential aspect of Plexiglass is the clarity after drying. And, this product offers just that- transparency after drying, without any clamping required.

Overall, this product checked all the boxes of a high-quality adhesive. However, we wanted a little bit more of it. 

So, if there were one thing that needed improvement, it would be the lack of size options. That said, we wish the product were available in a larger bottle for bigger projects. 

3. Gorilla - Best Dry Time

Next, we have another popular favorite - the 7700104 glue by Gorilla. This glue comes in a tiny bottle containing 0.71 ounces of the product. But the quantity may be sufficient for most jobs because one drop is enough for about one square inch of most surfaces. So, if you are looking for a quick-drying glue that requires no clamping, consider this option.

First off, the glue began solidifying within 30 seconds of application and did not need any clamps to hold it in place. While this feature comes in handy for DIY projects, you need to be quick while working with it because it dries in under a minute.

Also, the superior Gorilla formula does not run if the tube is held vertically, giving you ultimate control over the amount to apply.

Furthermore, a lesser-known fact about this product is that it contains tiny rubber particles, which improve its bond with materials. So, after using it for your Plexiglass project, you can use the same adhesive for various other purposes. 

That said, this versatile formula works equally well on plastic, metal, rubber, ceramic, fabric, and paper. 

For best results, use this product after shaking the bottle first and then tapping the bottom to bring the contents near the nozzle. Next, apply one drop of glue for one sq. inch of material and lightly press the object for 30 seconds. Rest assured, this is enough to form strong and long-lasting bonds.

While we had no major qualms with this product, there was a slight difference that we noticed over the course of testing it. 

Although the glue sets pretty fast, the dried and finished result is not clear like other adhesives. Still, this is not a big deal and can be overlooked.

4. Starbond

Are you wondering which glue type is superior - superglue or CA glue? In fact, the two are more or less the same substance, but with different names. 

That said, this CA glue has instant adhesive properties with medium viscosity, just like super glue. At the same time, this glue flows like oil from the tube, allowing for a smooth application on various materials.

Right off the bat, what's different about this product is its viscosity. While other glues are thicker with a consistency similar to honey or even more viscous, this one is much thinner. In fact, it has a viscosity measurement of 150 cPs, similar to the consistency of motor oil. However, the fluidity of this option has its pros and cons. 

So, while it flows easily and is better to apply, it is also more prone to spills and messes. But the positive aspect is that it dries in a short amount of time, relieving you of the work required to clamp it. And since the product is made of cyanoacrylate, it has the brilliant ability to form bonds quickly.

Moreover, one of its additional features involves the inclusion of two cap applicators of different types. You can also switch to the other in case one gets clogged up. Not to mention how it also comes with a clog-free stopper and a bunch of micro tips for precise application.

As we mentioned earlier, the motor oil-like consistency is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows the product to flow through a very fine micro tip for smooth application. On the other hand, it has a higher chance of clogging up.

5. Super Glue

Next, we have a fast-setting plastic fusion glue that sets in a mere ten minutes. As the name suggests, the Super Glue Plastic Fusion Epoxy Adhesive works well on plastics. At the same time, it works equally well on Plexiglass. However, the USP of this product is the unique syringe feature that helps it release glue in a controlled manner.

First of all, it is easy to be fooled by the low cost of this product. But the results of this adhesive are far from average, and we say this from our first-hand experience.

If you know a thing or two about glues, you might've heard about epoxy adhesives too. Epoxies are one of the strongest and most reliable glues, and this product is no different. 

That said, the 15277-12 model has 4000 PSI strength holding power, which is more than enough for bonding materials. Once you apply the glue, it starts bonding within the first eight minutes of application, and the curing process takes about 24 hours to complete.

Another feature we wanted to highlight is the unique bottle the contents come in. Upon a closer look, the dispenser is designed like a syringe with two different compartments carrying different materials. Once you press the syringe, one part releases the resin while the other removes the hardener. Both of them combine to form a super solid glue for Plexiglass and other materials.

One of the things we liked about this glue is the long working time it provides. But if you are in a hurry to fix repairs within a time limit, this option might not be the best one. So, choose wisely if you have such a project in mind. Also, the glue isn't completely clear; instead, it appears slightly yellowish upon drying.

6. WELD-ON

What do you look for when you need glue exclusively for Plexiglass? You need glue that fuses the materials together as if they have been welded. This is precisely what you get with this model by Weld-on. Simply put, it is a clear formula that bonds materials with a cement-like strength.

One of the things we wondered about while reviewing these glues for acrylics was how specific these adhesives could get. It's one thing to say that glue is multipurpose and can be used on various surfaces. And, it's another to claim that the adhesive is specifically designed to form irreversibly strong bonds with Plexiglass.

This got us intrigued enough to give Weld-on a shot. For starters, consider how multipurpose glues are excellent at holding two pieces together, but they do not actually fuse the surfaces.

On the other hand, Weld-on changes the molecular structure of the acrylic and softens its surface when applied. After joining two pieces of Plexiglass, these two parts harden again as if they have been welded into each other.  

The product itself is thin, like a liquid, with a consistency similar to water, so you may even pour it into the dispenser. But it dries up pretty quickly, giving you only one minute of working time and three minutes before it sets.

Upon testing, we found that this glue dries and sets pretty fast, along with being an excellent choice for Plexiglass. Yet, there was one issue that we could not overlook. That said, the glue is so thin that it is prone to spillage, and thus it's possible to mess up the work area if you're not careful.

7. SCIGRIP

Now that you have seen a few types of glue, it's time to check out a slightly different bonding agent - acrylic cement. This is one of the easiest solutions to work with because it is pretty thick and easy to apply. Not to mention how this is one of the best options for beginners.

One of the first aspects we noticed was the thickness of the product, which is medium-bodied compared to others that are much thinner. Due to this consistency, it becomes easy for newbies to use this glue on Plexiglass. 

Also, this product is a high-strength solvent that does not need much time to set. Merely five minutes after the application, you have a dry surface that is transparent without a yellowish tinge. The good thing about this product is that it achieves 80% of its strength within 24 hours of application. But, the drying begins within minutes, eliminating the need to use clamps.

Furthermore, the adhesive is a low-VOC product which indicates a significantly lower release of harmful chemicals in the air. And while we liked this aspect, what impressed us even more, was its ability to securely bond objects apart from Plexiglass. Indeed, this adhesive works well on PVC, butyrate, polycarbonate, ABS, and styrene.

Overall, this product did not have any flaws worth pointing out, so it is safe to say that we were pretty pleased with its results. However, we can think of something that might be bothersome for some people. Despite its thickness, it is pretty messy to work with because of its container.

8. Aron Alpha

We decided to include another quality adhesive on our list. This glue is the AA490 model by the brand Aron Alpha. The product comes in simple packaging, which users need to squeeze for careful application. Also, the glue dries clear so that you can apply it in visible areas for decoration.

If you are someone who is engaged in frequent art projects or uses glues regularly, then this option might be worth considering. When we received this glue, the first thing we wanted to do was test it directly on Plexiglass. The results were pretty good, and we found that the glue set quite fast.

After that, we tried testing it on various other materials to find if it was compatible with different types of surfaces. When it came to paper and plastics, this glue could bond those surfaces reasonably quickly. 

But when it came to metal, the story was slightly different. After applying the glue, the metal pieces didn't show any sign of bonding, and it was only after an hour or so that the glue dried out. Apart from this, the glue bottle was easy to use and glide over surfaces.

Although this option performs decently across the board, it isn't as durable as others on this list. While other glues are resistant to heat and impact, this one does not provide any such benefit. In fact, the glue bottle clearly states that it must be stored away from heat.

What is the Best Glue for Acrylic Plexiglass

If you're in the market for the best glue for acrylic plexiglass, the table below provides a side-by-side comparison of bond type, drying time (in hours, minutes, and seconds), viscosity, volume measured in fluid ounces, temperature resistance range in Celsius, water resistance, and chemical resistance.

Buying Guide for the Best Glue for Acrylic Plexiglass

Here are a few things to consider before buying glue for bonding Plexiglass:

1. Glue Type

The most crucial step is to read and check the label to find out the glue type before purchasing. While some glues can bond to almost any object, some are only specific to one or two materials. 

You'll need to figure out if the glue you pick can indeed bond something as tricky as Plexiglass. Sometimes, people pick up a glue type that is the strongest at joining two surfaces, but it would still not be enough to hold Plexiglass.

As we mentioned before, two acrylic surfaces need to fuse together instead of simply joining. So, which type of glue would be the best for Plexiglass?

Here are a few options:

• • Cyanoacrylates or Superglue

The most common types are called CAs or cyanoacrylates and are also known as superglue. These glues are compatible with Plexiglass and are very quick to dry. They do not require any curing or setting time. But they might be difficult for beginners to use because they do not allow much time to work with the surface.

1. • Epoxy Glues

Another type of glue that is often used is epoxy glue, which comes in two parts. There are epoxies that come as one component, but they are not adequate for gluing Plexiglass, so you must avoid those. 

On the other hand, two-component epoxies consisting of resin and hardener are very effective when it comes to bonding acrylics. 

2. Drying and Curing Time

Drying time can vary vastly depending on the type of glue. Super Glue bonds are pretty much instant, and only a few minutes should be enough to fuse Plexiglass together. On the other hand, epoxy glues take hours to dry and a minimum of 24 hours to cure completely. 

If you need a stronger bond, a longer cure time will definitely help. Generally, epoxy bonds are much stronger than superglues, so make your selection wisely. 

Also, some glues may require additional pressure to encourage bond formation. This additional time is known as clamp time. It is essentially the time needed to hold the two surfaces together. 

Details about the drying, curing, and clamping time should be mentioned on the back of the glue bottle. If you are purchasing it online, make sure to read the description before finalizing your decision.

3. Surface Residue

If you need to glue decorative pieces, the color of the glue should not ruin the look of the item. Thus, it is best to go for an adhesive that turns transparent after drying. Since Plexiglass is clear anyway, a yellow or grey residue film from the glue would not be aesthetically pleasing.

Can I use superglue on acrylic Plexiglass?

Yes, you can use superglue on acrylic Plexiglass. It's important to note that superglue can sometimes cause a noticeable fogging effect around the joint, which might not be desirable in some uses. For cleaner bonds, consider using acrylic cement, which is specially designed for bonding acrylic materials.

Can I use epoxy on acrylic Plexiglass?

Yes, you can use epoxy on acrylic Plexiglass and can create a strong bond. Keep in mind that since epoxy is not as clear as some other adhesives, it can be visible when cured. For applications requiring a clear, nearly invisible bond, a specialized acrylic adhesive may be a better choice.

Can I use silicone on acrylic Plexiglass?

Yes, you can use silicone on acrylic Plexiglass, particularly for sealing purposes. For bonding or gluing acrylic plexiglass, silicone is not usually the adhesive of choice due to its flexibility and lower bonding strength. In such cases, a solvent-based adhesive designed for acrylics, such as acrylic cement, would be recommended.

How do I remove glue from acrylic Plexiglass?

To remove glue from acrylic Plexiglass, use specialized adhesive removers or a mild solution of soap and water. It's important to avoid using abrasive tools or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the acrylic surface. Always test the cleaning method on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not harm the Plexiglass.

Is it possible to glue acrylic to wood?

Yes, it is possible to glue acrylic to wood. Epoxy or a specialized plastic-to-wood adhesive is commonly used for this purpose because of its strength and versatility. Ensure both surfaces are properly prepared and clean for the best adhesive performance.

So that was our list of the best glues for Plexiglass available on the market. We hope this review-based guide helps you find the correct adhesive for your next project. 

And while all the products we listed performed well - both in quality and functionality, we had a couple of favorites that we'd like to mention. 

Our first pick has to be the 31310 glue by J-B Weld. This option was the overall best and also worked on most surfaces. What’s more, it is incredibly strong, long-lasting, and versatile enough to replace all your other glues. 

Another one of our top favorites would be the 1365882 model by Loctite. The highlight of this fantastic product was its pinpoint nozzle for delicate applications and its resistance to high temperatures.

And that’s it for today, see you next time!