Having polyethylene glue on hand at all times is the sign of a true DIYer. This handy little glue will fix many plastic items around the house. Make light work of your cracked and broken plastic objects without the need to buy new ones. Read on to find out what this glue can do for you!
Everything you need to know about polyethylene glue
Common uses for polyethylene adhesive
Not sure if polyethylene glue is something you need in your home? It’s a good idea to take a closer look at your most common household items and determine what they are made of. If they are made of plastic, there is a good chance it’s polyethylene plastic. With that in mind, you can imagine the amount of repairs and fixes that polyethylene glue could help with. Examples include:
- Broken toys — use polyethylene adhesive to put pieces back together.
- Broken dishes — choose a polyethylene epoxy that is water resistant and extremely strong.
- Cracked or broken HDPE pipes — polyethylene glue can bond the pieces.
Did you know that that polyethylene is the most common plastic used in the world today? It is recyclable and usually has the number “2” stamped into the bottom to indicate the resin type.
Is polyethylene glue only suitable for indoor repairs?
When you pick up polyethylene glue, you’ll to want to use it on as many repairs in your home as possible. But what about outdoor stuff? Is polyethylene glue only suitable for indoor repair jobs?
The answer comes down to the type of glue itself, and what its intended use is. If you want a polyethylene adhesive that will work outdoors, you need to look for one that is weather resistant, mold resistant, and has high bonding capabilities, like a quality polyethylene epoxy. A product that meets each of these requirements will help you with all kinds of outdoors repairs.
Some of the outdoor items you can use polyethylene epoxy on include plastic furniture, such as chairs and loungers, plastic tables, planters, patio accessories and décor, and a number of pool toys.
Working with polyethylene glue
If this is your first time working with polyethylene glue, you may be wondering if there are any tips and tricks. Really, the key to any successful repair job is the right product for the job. Rather than just grabbing the first polyethylene glue you see on the shelf, be sure on how you plan to use it, and for what items and material. Check the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.
It all comes down to some simple tips:
- Work in a well-lit area.
- Use a flat surface to work on.
- Use clamps to hold pieces together while the bond forms (some glues dry faster than others).
- Have all your materials on hand before you start working.
- Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working with glue.
- Only use the smallest amount possible, you don’t want to go overboard and create an unsightly mess.
- Look for glue that dries transparent, so there are no traces left behind.
- Use caution so as not to drip the adhesive on any other surface material, including your skin or clothing.
Choosing the right polyethylene plastic glue
In terms of finding the right polyethylene glue product for your needs, you may be surprised to learn just how many options are out there. Loctite is an industry leader with its lineup of premium adhesives and sealants, including a wide range that are suitable for polyethylene plastic.
Just one drop: that’s all you need to bond plastic surfaces such as polyethylene when you choose Loctite Plastics Bonding System. This two-part adhesive requires no mixing, you just prime and glue. It sets quickly and without clamping and offers incredible strength. The Loctite Plastics Bonding System also dries clear and is resistant to most chemicals as well as water and freezing temperatures.