The majority of people think that it is easier to dispose of damaged plastic furniture than to repair it. But actually, repairing plastic is easier than you might think. The key to making a repair that doesn't leave a mark is to melt the plastic so that it can be joined to an intact surface to form a stronger bond. If conventional plastic glue doesn't fix the problem, try using a soldering iron to melt the damaged plastic edges. Strong chemical solutions, such as acetone, can even dissolve some types of plastic, allowing you to stick pieces of damaged plastic together if needed.
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Method 1 of 3: Fixing Small Parts with Glue
Step 1. Buy a plastic glue that has high adhesion
If you're trying to repair a broken end or reattach larger shards, you may only need strong adhesive. Plastic glue is specially formulated to form bonds between plastics down to the molecular level. Look for a product designed for the type of plastic you are repairing.
- Most standard superglues can also be used to achieve satisfactory results.
- You'll find a wide selection of plastic glue, superglue, and similar craft glues at your local home improvement store.
- Make sure to buy enough glue so you don't run out in the middle of the process.
Step 2. Spread the glue all over the edges of the damaged part
To get a strong bond, spread the adhesive over the area where the larger plastic part will come into contact. Hold the glue in your right (or left if you're left-handed) hand and slowly remove some of the glue. That way, you don't have to worry about using too much glue or making the work area messy and sticky.
wear rubber gloves when applying plastic glue to prevent the glue from touching the skin
Step 3. Press the plastic in the right position
Carefully line up the edges of the two pieces. Keep in mind that plastic glue dries very quickly. So you only have one chance. When the plastic is in the right position, press and hold it for 30 seconds to one minute. This will prevent the plastic from shifting as the glue begins to dry.
- It helps if you tape the damaged plastic to the surface or secure it with a heavy object to keep it from sliding.
- C clamps will be very useful for holding objects that are oddly shaped.
Step 4. Let the glue dry
Glue takes a different amount of time to dry, depending on the type. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 1-2 hours before using the newly repaired item. If you don't, there's a chance that the piece of plastic will come off and you'll be back in the original situation.
- Some types of glue take 24 hours to dry.
- Follow the drying time instructions on the package for additional recommended instructions.
Method 2 of 3: Bonding Plastic with Solder
Step 1. Glue the damaged parts back together with glue
Start by reattaching the damaged parts and securing them with strong plastic adhesive. During the repair process, you must use both hands to operate the equipment to be used safely.
- Use enough glue to glue the two pieces of plastic together. It is possible that the solder used reacts with certain types of glue and causes the plastic to change color.
- When you're repairing cracked, split, or broken plastic, melting the plastic may be the only way to put it back together.
Step 2. Heat the soldering iron
Turn on the soldering iron and select the lowest temperature level. You can prepare other components while waiting for the solder to reach the required heat. This process may take a few minutes.
- Do not choose a heat setting over 150-200 °C for soldering. Joining plastic does not require as much heat as is required to join metal.
- Before starting, clean the soldering tip with a damp sponge to remove any residue left behind from previous use.
Step 3. Use a soldering iron to melt the plastic edges
Rub the tip of the solder against the edges of the two pieces of plastic to be glued. The high heat of the solder will quickly melt the plastic, which will hold the two together once it hardens. The results of this method will last longer than the use of glue.
- If possible, solder the back of the plastic that has been put together so that the solder marks are not visible from the front.
- For personal safety, always wear protective goggles when using solder. Wearing a respirator and breathing mask and working in a well-ventilated area are also good ideas so you don't inhale toxic fumes from plastic.
Step 4. Patch the large hole with old plastic
If a piece of plastic is missing in the item to be repaired, look for a piece of plastic of the same color, texture and thickness as a replacement. You will patch in the same way you would repair a cracked part. Run the solder along the edges of the plastic patch until it melts and sticks to the surface of the larger item.
Supposedly, the piece of plastic used is of the same type as the item to be repaired. However, you can still fix it using a piece of plastic of a different kind
Step 5. Smooth the joints with sandpaper to disguise them
Rub the edges where the two plastics are connected with fine sandpaper (approximately 120-grit) until the solder marks are minimized. When finished, wipe the plastic item with a damp cloth to remove any dust from sanding.
For a smoother finish, use standard sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or rough areas, then use a finer (300-grit or finer) sandpaper for an even finish
Method 3 of 3: Gluing Plastic with Acetone
Step 1. Fill the glass container with acetone
Use a drinking glass, jar, or deep bowl with a wide opening and pour pure acetone to a height of 7.5 to 10 cm. The container should be full enough to soak some of the plastic pieces. Choose a container that won't be a problem if it breaks because you're having a hard time cleaning up any plastic debris stuck to the container after the repair process is complete.
- It is very important to choose a container made of glass or ceramic. Your goal is to melt the plastic to be repaired, not the container.
- Acetone produces a strong gas. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 2. Place some plastic pieces in the acetone
Stir the plastic pieces with a toothpick so that they are well submerged. The plastic should be completely submerged in the bottom of the container. If necessary, add acetone to the container to soak up the plastic with the irregular shape.
- For a more natural result, look for pieces of plastic that are the same color as the item to be repaired.
- Avoid contact with acetone. Acetone may cause mild irritation in contact with skin.
Step 3. Let the plastic soak overnight to dissolve
During soaking in acetone, the plastic will slowly dissolve into a thick, sticky slurry. The time it takes for the plastic to melt will depend on the type of plastic used and how much you melted. To be safe, soak the plastic 8-12 hours.
- Cutting or breaking the plastic into smaller pieces can speed up the melting process. The more plastic surface, the faster the acetone will work.
- The resulting slurry should be soft, with a consistent consistency and free of lumps or plastic debris before it is ready to be used to put the plastic together.
Step 4. Discard any remaining acetone
After the piece of plastic melts completely, the melted plastic will separate from the acetone and settle to the bottom of the container. Drain the acetone into the sink and leave only the plastic slurry in the container. You will use this pulp to patch plastic items.
It doesn't matter if there is still acetone in the container. Acetone will evaporate on its own
Step 5. Apply plastic slurry to the damaged part
Dip a small brush or cotton swab into the plastic pulp and apply it to the damaged area. Try to apply it all the way to the end of the shard. Continue dipping and brushing until any cracks or holes are completely patched.
- If possible, apply a plastic slurry to the inside of the item so it's not visible from the outside.
- Use as much plastic as needed to cover all the damaged parts (there may be some residue).
Step 6. Wait until the plastic hardens
Within a few minutes, the remaining acetone will evaporate and the plastic slurry will form a chemical bond with the surrounding plastic. Do not tamper with the connection during this period. After the plastic hardens, the item will look like new.
The new joint will be about 95% as strong as the original plastic
Tips
- Before spending time and effort repairing an item with complex damage, consider whether it's worth it. Cheap plastic items are sometimes better replaced than repaired.
- Use a filler or patch with the same type of plastic as the item to be repaired if possible.
- Plastic cable ties can be a good source of scrap material if you're repairing a lot of stuff. Cable ties are even sold in a variety of colors which will make it easier for you to choose the one that suits you best.
Warning
- Always follow safety instructions when using solder. If you are not familiar with soldering, ask someone more experienced for help.
- Do not smoke near acetone or use it near sources of ignition. Acetone liquid and gas are highly flammable.
