Best Epoxy for Plastic [2024 Review]

Epoxy adhesive offers unmatched adhesion on a wide variety of materials, including plastic. They cost a bit more than regular adhesives, but they offer excellent chemical resistance and tensile strength.

In this article, I’ve listed five of the best epoxy for plastic to use on your next project. I’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide to ensure you’re buying the right product for your needs.

Top 5 Epoxy for Plastic Surfaces

Chosen for their bond strength, versatility, and value, here are five of the best epoxy adhesives you can use on plastic surfaces.

1.   Best Overall Epoxy for Plastic: Gorilla 2 Part Epoxy

The Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy is among the most effective epoxy adhesives on this list. It has everything you’d ever want on epoxy glue for plastics, including top-tier bond strength, multi-application use, and a clean, easy finish.

Available in one-pack, two-pack, and six-pack options, the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy is best suited for repairs that call for gap-filling and solvent-resistant epoxy. This not only makes it ideal for various plastic surfaces, but also glass, wood, metal, and even ceramics.

To help with the application, the Gorilla Epoxy comes in a dual syringe. One contains the resin, and the other contains the hardener. When applied, equal amounts of both parts are released.

Product Specs

• Compatible with: Plastic, wood, ceramic, glass, and metal
• Color: Clear
• PSI: 3,300
• Application type: Double syringe

Feature Highlights

• Multiple surface applications
• Clean, no-color finish
• Easy-to-use syringe

Upon dispensing the epoxy solution onto a disposable surface, you’ll have to mix the resin and the hardener with a disposable wooden spatula for at least 20 seconds. Then, apply the epoxy mix onto the designated surface within five minutes lest the mixture hardens on the container. 

The only disadvantage of the Gorilla Epoxy is its lengthy curing time. For non-bearing surfaces, curing takes at least three hours. For load-bearing surfaces, it’ll take up to 24 hours. It’s worth the wait, though, because when properly bonded, this epoxy has a bond strength of up to 3,300 PSI.

Pros

• Outstanding bond strength of 3,300 PSI
• 100% waterproof; easily withstands solvents
• Suitable for an array of materials
• Clear finish

Cons

• Takes a while to reach the right consistency when mixing

2.   Best Value: PC-Clear Epoxy Adhesive Liquid

The PC-Clear Epoxy Adhesive Liquid is a jack-of-all-trades with multiple-surface applications. It’s available in syringe, bottle, and cartridge options. It’s likewise available in a full kit that includes several cartridges of the epoxy adhesive liquid, mixing muzzles, and a specialized dispensing gun.

For this review, I’ve looked at the double syringe option with a net weight of about an ounce.

It works much like the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy; push the nozzle, dispense an equal amount of resin and hardener on a disposable surface, and mix for 20 seconds or so. Once you have a good mix, apply it directly onto the plastic surface.

Product Specs

• Compatible with: Plastic, wood, glass, metal, concrete, ceramic
• Color: Clear
• PSI: 2,300
• Application type: Double syringe, cartridge, or dispensing gun

Feature Highlights

• Clear epoxy adhesive liquid
• One hour cure time for function
• Resilient bond; resistant to most chemicals and liquids

The best thing about the PC-Clear Epoxy is that it lives up to its name. It’s a clear adhesive and doesn’t yellow even when exposed to the sun. This makes it a great choice for detailed work as it leaves little to no traces behind.

With a service temperature of -20°F to 200°F, this epoxy can easily withstand tough environmental conditions. When fully cured, it creates a solid adhesive that’s near-impossible to remove.

Depending on the surface it’s applied to, curing takes anywhere between one hour to 24 hours.

Pros

• Great for detailed surfaces, such as art projects and expensive collectibles
• Excellent chemical resistance against detergents, mild acids, gasoline, and other liquids
• Multiple application methods

Cons

• Can be messy to work with

3.   Best Budget Pick: J-B Weld Epoxy 

The J-B Weld Epoxy is one of the most budget-friendly epoxy adhesives on the market today. It costs almost half the price of the Gorilla Epoxy and the PC-Clear /] epoxy in terms of volume, making it a great choice for DIYers with a lot of bonding projects.

Product Specs

• Compatible with: Plastic, concrete, wood, fiberglass, ceramic
• Color: Dark grey
• PSI: 5,020
• Application type: Tube

Feature Highlights

• 4-6 hours to set time, 24 hours cure time
• Waterproof solution
• Withstands temperatures of up to 550°F

Compared to most epoxies on this list, the J-B Weld Epoxy is superior in almost every way. It does have quite a few disadvantages, though, which is why it’s not my top choice.

For one, it comes in two separate tubes instead of the double syringe, making it harder to use (and impossible if you’ve lost the other tube, as one doesn’t work without the other).

It also has the longest set time on this list. Compared to Gorilla’s 30 minutes and PC-Clear’s one hour, the J-B Weld takes a full four to six hours to set, and another 16 to 24 hours to cure.

Finally, it’s not clear. When cured, it’s dark gray in color. This might not be such a big deal for hidden applications, but it’s definitely not the optimal choice for fusing expensive pieces and delicate work.

Pros

• Highest PSI rating on this list
• Waterproof and resistant to most chemicals and acids
• Can be drilled, tapped, and sanded once fully cured

Cons

• Takes a while to cure and harden
• Comes in tubes, making it slightly harder to use than those that come in double syringes
• Dark gray in color

4.   Best Self-Mixing Epoxy: Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix

Loctite Epoxy is a self-mixing, high-strength epoxy adhesive that bonds to nylon, PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, and Mylar. 

Like most epoxy adhesives on this list, the Loctite Epoxy is resistant to solves, diesel fuel, motor oil, and gasoline. In addition, it’s resistant to high humidity, impact, and moisture, making it a suitable choice for outdoor repairs.

Since it’s designed with a double syringe, this epoxy mix is super easy to use. Once pushed, the syringe dispenses equal volumes of resin and hardener, so you don’t have to manually measure the ratios yourself.

Product Specs

• Compatible with: Rigid plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, tile, stone
• Color: Translucent amber
• PSI: 3,200
• Application type: Instant mix syringe

Feature Highlights

• Self-mixing dispenser and precision applicator
• High-strength tintable formula
• No shrinkage
• Resistant to common solvents

Thanks to its self-mixing internal design, you no longer have to mix the product with a wooden spatula before application. All you have to do is attach the provided nozzle, lock it in place, and press the plunger directly onto the surface. After use, discard the nozzle and replace the cap so you can use the epoxy again in the future.

When fully cured, the Loctite Epoxy is waterproof, sandable, drillable, and paintable. It also doesn’t shrink with time.

Unlike my top two options, the Gorilla and the PC-Clear, the Loctite Epoxy is translucent amber in color. If you’re working with clear surfaces, this can be a disadvantage. Otherwise, you can simply paint the surface of the epoxy to match the color of the material to make the adhesive unnoticeable. It can also be tinted with earth pigments. 

Pros

• No manual mixing is needed; with the nozzle, the epoxy can be applied directly to the surface
• High strength bond of 3,200 PSI
• Adheres well in less than 10 minutes

Cons

• Nozzles must be replaced after one or two uses

5.   Best Alternative to Liquid Adhesives: Epoxy Putty Stick

If you’re a bit wary of liquid epoxy adhesives, consider getting the Xudoai Epoxy Putty Stick. 

The Xudoai Epoxy Putty Stick is a moldable epoxy adhesive that works especially well with plastic, metal, wood, glass, and ceramics. It’s often used to seal pipes, merge cracks in concrete, fix leaks in drains and tanks, and merge plastic, metal, etc. together.

At first glance, moldable adhesives such as the Epoxy Putty Stick seem a bit difficult to use, but it’s actually the opposite. Simply cut, knead, and fix. Kneading takes anywhere between 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the surface. The epoxy should be fixed to the surface before hardening begins, which usually occurs two minutes after kneading.

Product Specs

• Compatible with: Plastic, glass, metal, concrete
• Color: Dark gray
• PSI: 5,000
• Application type: Putty

Feature Highlights

• Seals water leaks
• Easy to use cut-knead-fix application
• Can be filled, sanded, drilled, and tapped when cured

The Epoxy Putty Stick cures within 10 minutes and completely hardens within 24 hours, during which it can be tapped, drilled, machined, or painted. This makes it a top choice for repairing plastic and wooden surfaces.

One of the best things about this product is that it’s suitable for underwater applications. All you’ll have to do is to work the kneaded epoxy forcefully into the surface and hold it in place for a few minutes until adhesion begins to take effect.

Note that this product is difficult to clean and remove from fingers and nails, so plastic gloves are recommended when kneading and handling.

Pros

• Great for underwater applications
• No dripping or running because of its putty-like consistency
• No waste; just cut off what you need for the job
• Long shelf life as long as it’s stored properly

Cons

• Takes a while to knead for large applications
• Not suitable for flat surfaces

Factors to Consider When Buying Epoxy for Plastic Surfaces

Epoxy adhesives vary from formula to formula. To make sure you’re buying the right product for your project, consider the following factors:

PSI Strength

PSI (Pound per Square Inch) refers to the average force required to part two bonded materials. When a product is labeled for 2,000 PSI, this means that it can withstand pressures of 2,000 pounds per square inch.

Naturally, the higher the tensile strength, the stronger the bond. The strongest adhesive on my list has over 5,000 PSI, but you typically don’t need an expo that strong. 

For best results, search for an epoxy adhesive with at least 2,300 PSI to ensure the longevity of the bond.

Temperature Resistance

Some epoxy adhesives withstand extreme conditions better than others. If the plastic material you’re bonding with is regularly exposed to harsh conditions (i.e., extreme heat or cold), make sure the epoxy you’re using is resistant to temperatures of least 150°F. 

Likewise, ensure that the epoxy is waterproof when fully cured. If it’s not waterproof, the bond may fall apart when exposed to liquid.

Versatility

Before buying the adhesive, check the label to see what surfaces it’s compatible with. Some adhesives work well with plastic but not so much on wood, while others bond strongly on glass but not on plastic. You get the idea.

Plastic is unique compared to other materials. For example, I recommend different products for the best epoxy for metal.

If you’re planning to use the adhesive on just plastic, search for a plastic-specific epoxy. If you’re planning to use it on multiple surfaces, search for a multi-purpose epoxy that works well with various materials, such as wood, metal, ceramic, and other common surfaces.

FAQs

Conclusion

With its superior fiber-matrix adhesion, moisture resistance, and little to no shrinkage after cure, epoxy resin is arguably the best adhesive for plastic surfaces.

If I had to pick, I’d say the best epoxy for plastic is the Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy. It’s easy to use thanks to its double-syringe mechanism and is compatible with almost every surface imaginable. Plus, it has a PSI of 3,300, making it one of the toughest bonding epoxy adhesives on the market.