The procedure required to glue acrylic objects is slightly different than that for other materials such as paper or wood; instead of acting like a normal adhesive, acrylic glue triggers a chemical reaction that physically joins the plastic by welding the pieces together. While it may sound complicated, it is actually quite a simple job, as long as you proceed accurately, confidently and patiently. All you have to do is negotiate and wait.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Optimal Work Environment
Step 1. Find a suitable job
Since you are going to use a vapor-releasing adhesive, you must first make sure you are in a well-ventilated area; for example, you should proceed outdoors or in a room with more than one window.
- Organize your workplace between two windows or between a door and a window.
- You should place a fan or two to blow the air away from you.
- A room equipped with an extractor hood is also fine.
Step 2. Take appropriate security measures
This means wearing goggles, gloves and a mask; in addition to the potential danger related to the vapors of the acrylic glue, you must also protect your eyes and lungs from the plastic fragments that form while grinding or cutting the object.
Follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging carefully to avoid any accidents
Step 3. Select the work surface
Whether you plan to glue acrylic in the garage, in your workshop or even in the kitchen, you need to make sure that the countertop is compatible with the type of adhesive. Try to use a concrete, wood or metal base; avoid sticking acrylic on top of paper or glass.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Materials
Step 1. Examine the edges of the acrylic object
Make sure the ones you want to glue are flat and free of cuts or bumps. Acrylic glue does not adhere and does not penetrate into cracks or crevices like normal adhesive does on wood or paper; on the contrary, it softens the plastic material by chemically joining the two surfaces, so it is important that they are as flat as possible.
- If you notice rough areas, use a bur (a power tool with a modeling tip) or light sandpaper to make sure the edges are perfectly smooth and square. however, avoid sanding until the edges are rounded.
- Make sure all the surfaces you want to join are slightly smooth and not shiny, otherwise you won't be able to glue them.
Step 2. Clean the item with isopropyl alcohol
Once the sides of the acrylic element are sanded, rub it with a clean cloth and some alcohol. Using the isopropyl one guarantees you to get rid of all the dust, dirt and any other foreign body; in addition, it allows you to eliminate any traces of sebum left on your hands and which can interfere with the adhesion process.
Make sure the surfaces are completely free of dust - that's key to the process
Step 3. Prepare the acrylic glue
The most common is solvent-based and you can buy it in paint shops, hardware stores and even online; usually comes with a bottle with a needle applicator. To use it, just fill the bottle with a funnel for ¾ of the capacity.
Afterwards, you have to gently squeeze the container to let the air out
Part 3 of 3: Apply the Glue
Step 1. Join the acrylic pieces
Arrange them in the position where you would like to glue them; they should form a 90 ° angle. You can use a "T" line to make sure surfaces are sloped correctly; once in place, use your hands or a clamp to hold the two sections together.
- Always test dry pieces first to make sure the pieces fit together properly before gluing.
- It is worthwhile to assemble the pieces with adhesive tape, applying the latter carefully, to avoid moving the parts to be glued.
Step 2. Mount the applicator on the bottle and spread the glue
Turn the container upside down and place the applicator needle over the joining edge of the two acrylic pieces. Squeeze the bottle with light pressure, while moving it along the edges to be glued; you should pull it towards you. The acrylic glue should flow between the joining surfaces and fill any free space as you move the container.
- Try to squeeze the bottle lightly and move it without stopping to avoid spilling too much glue.
- If you are gluing two surfaces to create a box, apply glue along the inner corner; if you are joining two flat elements instead, apply the product on both sides.
- Make sure that the adhesive does not come into contact with areas of the acrylic object that you do not want to glue; this product irreversibly damages everything it touches. If a drop falls on the surface, wait for it to evaporate without rubbing.
Step 3. Wait for the adhesive to stabilize
Most of the products take about 10-15 minutes for a first drying; in the meantime, use your hands or a clamp to hold the pieces in place. Once they are glued, you should wait 24-48 hours to allow the glue to dry perfectly and ensure maximum bond strength.
If the surfaces have bonded well, the adhesive should be transparent; before it dries completely, it has a whitish color instead
Step 4. Cut the acrylic
If there are excess surfaces or pieces that overlap, you can remove them with a cutter (an electric tool with a modeling tip); however, proceed with caution, as this process generates a lot of heat and could melt the plastic. You should also make sure that the surfaces have joined together stably before handling them.
Advice
- Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using acrylic glue.
- Do not use super glue as it reacts badly with acrylic, triggering a chemical and toxic combustion.