Gluing two different materials together can be difficult, especially if one of them is plastic. Plastic doesn't stick easily to other substances, so you'll need to use glue to bond it firmly to the wood surface. Fortunately, there are a variety of adhesives that can be used for this purpose, and almost all of them are easy to obtain. Depending on your needs, superglue, hot glue, epoxy, or contact cement can be applied easily, quickly, and requires no skill.
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Method 1 of 4: Using Super Glue
Step 1. Purchase high strength super glue
Superglue is usually sold as a small tube so it's best for small projects and repairs. For a stronger bond, buy a heavy adhesive like Loctite or Gorilla Glue instead of regular superglue. One of these products will give a longer lasting result than the other type of glue.
- If the project you are working on involves assembling many components, prepare a lot of glue. It's a good idea to have a backup in case you need it.
- Some types of porous wood can absorb superglue before it can adhere to the plastic. If you're using porous wood, look for a gel-based superglue.
Step 2. Lightly sand the plastic surface
Wipe the largest area of the plastic with a high-grit sandpaper before starting gluing. Sanding the plastic will make it more porous and allow more surface area to adhere to the wood as a whole.
- Rub several times gently and gently so as not to damage the plastic too much.
- If it looks like the sanded plastic surface will be damaged, it's best to skip this step.
Step 3. Wipe the wood with a damp cloth
Wipe the wood to remove dust and dirt that can interfere with the glue's adhesion. Air dry the wood, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. This will remove any remaining dust and oil, and help draw out any remaining moisture.
- To keep the wood from soaking, squeeze any excess water from the cloth after it's wetted.
- The adhesive power of the glue will weaken if it is applied when it is still wet.
Step 4. Apply glue to both surfaces
Squeeze the tube gently so that the flow of glue can be controlled. Super glue is designed for a strong grip, so use it sparingly. Depending on the size and shape of the glued surface, it's a good idea to apply the glue in strips, dots, or circles.
For small or unusually shaped objects, try wiping off the glue with a toothpick
Step 5. Press the two surfaces together
Press the smaller object onto the larger surface. Once you've attached the two, keep the pressure on until the glue is dry and hard enough. Find a hard, stable surface to lay the item on until it is completely dry.
It's a good idea to do a no-glue test beforehand to make sure the two items will stick together
Step 6. Give the glue time to harden
Most superglues will start to dry within seconds, but it can take up to two hours to fully harden. During this time, try not to tamper with the glue.
- Store the item in a cool, dry place while the glue hardens. Moisture can prevent the glue from setting properly.
- Use acetone to dissolve the superglue once it dries.
Method 2 of 4: Using Hot Glue
Step 1. Connect the glue gun power cord and turn it on
Use the nearest power outlet so you can work comfortably. If the glue gun has a separate power switch, make sure it is on “On”. Give the appliance a few minutes to warm up before filling the glue.
Be careful when working with active glue guns. You should only touch the handle and body of the glue gun, and never the tip
Step 2. Fill the glue stick to the back of the tool
Once inside, the heating element will start to melt the glue. Wait a few minutes.
- Choose a high-temperature glue stick. This glue provides the strongest adhesion to plastics, and you don't have to worry about the glue melting in warm weather or hot working conditions.
- To check if gluing has started, press the trigger of the tool slightly and see if any lumps of hot glue appear.
- Wipe the hot glue tip with a rag before starting to work on the wood. This step keeps the project from being exposed to contaminants and controls the glue as it works.
Step 3. Apply glue to one or both surfaces
Press the trigger of the tool to release the glue. Concentrate the glue on the widest and thinnest area of the object to be glued. Use the pointed tip of the hot glue gun to guide the glue more accurately, and don't use more glue than necessary.
Glue guns can burn the skin due to the heat. It's a good idea to work near the sink, or have a glass of water nearby in case of an accident
Step 4. Glue the two objects together
Glue the small object to the larger object, while making sure that it is properly spaced and positioned. Hold both objects firmly for 30 seconds while the glue hardens.
- Test both objects before applying the glue to prevent mistakes.
- When using hot glue, you have to work quickly to glue things together before the glue dries.
Step 5. Let the glue dry overnight
Hot glue dries quickly, but takes longer to fully harden. For best results, let sit for 8-10 hours. When you check in the morning, the glue should have completely hardened.
- You can use a hairdryer for a while to remove any strands of glue.
- If you need to separate the two items again, use a hairdryer on the highest setting to blow some hot air.
Method 3 of 4: Using Epoxy
Step 1. Purchase an epoxy kit
Epoxy is typically sold as a two-part system, consisting of several separate components: a resin and a hardener. These components must be combined in order to be effective.
- While uncommon, there are also one-part epoxies that can be applied directly to the package.
- You can find epoxy kits at hardware, art supply stores, pharmacies, and sometimes in supermarkets.
Step 2. Mix resin and hardener
Squeeze a small lump of each of these components onto a smooth, disposable surface, such as a paper plate. Stir the two components with a toothpick, coffee stirrer, or similar disposable object. When mixed, the two will form a very strong adhesive.
Put on gloves before starting work
Step 3. Apply the epoxy
Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the surface that requires glue. You can reuse the toothpick or coffee stirrer you used earlier. However, something like a cotton swab is ideal for applying epoxy because you can control the spread.
- Rub the epoxy evenly over the entire surface, while making sure nothing remains.
- For the strongest adhesion, apply a small amount of epoxy to both surfaces instead of just one.
Step 4. Adjust the position of the object as needed
Spend some time setting up the work surface. Epoxy dries slower than other types of adhesive, so you don't have to rush to glue the two together.
Clamp the two objects together or overlap a heavy object so that the epoxy can hold firmly
Step 5. Leave the epoxy overnight to set
Find a place to let the adhesive harden. Usually the epoxy is touchable after five minutes, but it can take up to 8-10 hours for it to fully harden. Try not to touch both objects for a while, if possible.
- The epoxy hardens as it dries, which makes it last longer, even in wet conditions.
- The drying time of a specific brand of epoxy is usually listed on the packaging.
Method 4 of 4: Using Contact Cement
Step 1. Wear adequate safety equipment
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling contact cement. You should also wear a respirator if you have sensitive breathing. Contact cement contains strong chemicals so it is best to limit direct exposure as much as possible.
- You should wear short sleeves, or clothes that fit well. Don't accidentally touch your sleeves with this industrial grade adhesive!
- Contact cement is commonly used in construction and industrial projects. Due to the complex application process, this method is not suitable for small craft projects. This adhesive is suitable for activities such as using Formica on kitchen countertops.
Step 2. Work in a well-ventilated area
Contact cement gives off flammable vapors and is harmful by inhalation. Work outdoors, if possible. If you have to work indoors, open all doors and windows and turn on fans to allow airflow.
If the project is long enough, take several breaks to limit exposure to steam
Step 3. Apply contact cement on both objects
Rub a thin layer of adhesive over the entire surface while working the edges carefully, but not so that they overlap. Contact cement only sticks to contact cement so you need to apply this material on both surfaces to be bonded. When the adhesive sticks to the touch but doesn't come off when you rub your finger, you can start gluing things together.
- Use as little adhesive as possible.
- Before starting to apply contact cement, contaminants on the project surface can affect the bond and create an uneven surface.
Step 4. Use spacers to help position objects
Arrange a series of dowels or scrap wood on top of the object to be attached, and arrange other objects on top of it. When the object is in the desired position, move these spacers one by one.
- Spacers are useful if you want to attach two objects accurately, for example on a kitchen counter or laminate and substrate.
- Contact cement will not stick to the spacer because it is not self-adhesive.
Step 5. Press both objects directly
Wipe the top of the object with a roller, or tap the entire surface with a rubber mallet or similar object. This step will complete the gluing process and help strengthen the bond. You do not need to increase the drying time.
If no other tools are available, use a wooden towel wrapped in a towel to flatten the top of the object and remove bubbles and other blemishes
Step 6. Fix the error with the clothes iron
The heat from the iron will reactivate the cement so that it is soft. Run the iron over the area that needs to be repaired for a few seconds until the adhesive sticks a lot. Then, reset it manually and let it dry.
- It is recommended that the iron be set on a low to medium setting so as not to damage both surfaces.
- Remove any drips, smudges, and blemishes using a varnish thinner.
Tips
- Not all adhesives are the same. Make your choice carefully and always choose a product that matches the project at hand.
- Use epoxy to fill gaps and repair defects and fractures.
- Store the adhesive in a cool, dry place so that it can be reused later.
- If the adhesive sticks to the skin, use acetone or diluted rubbing alcohol, then wash with mild soap and warm water.
- If you're gluing a heavy object to a vertical surface where you can't use tongs, use epoxy on one side and hot glue on the other. The hot glue dries quickly so it holds the epoxy while it dries. The epoxy will then firmly bond the two objects together.
Warning
- Chemical adhesives may be harmful if swallowed.
- If the adhesive sticks around your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse the openings with cold water, then see a doctor for treatment.
