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Polyethylene glue: Everything you need to know

Polyethylene glue is great for all your household projects. Indoors or out, this powerful adhesive can take on just about anything you throw at it.

2 min read

Polyethylene adhesive will fix many plastic items around the house, on your boat, or in your car. For the true DIYer, it’s the best glue around for cracked and broken plastic objects – by far!

How you can use polyethylene adhesive around the house

Plastic revolutionized the home products market over 50 years ago. You can be sure it’s in many common items in your house. Plastics are great – until they crack or break. Polyethylene glue is one of the single best products to have in your toolbox to tackle broken or cracked plastic items you come across.

Check out these uses:

  • Polyethylene glue for cracked or broken pipes
  • Polyethylene adhesive for broken toys
  • Polyethylene epoxy for broken dishes and mugs
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Polyethylene is the single most used plastic product on the planet – and it’s recyclable, which means we all win. The resin type is indicated by a #2 stamped on the product.

Indoors, outdoors, even on doors: Polyethylene glue is extremely versatile

Polyethylene glue can make you a home DIY expert! You’ll be breaking things just so you can use it over and over. And it’s not just for indoor use. Polyethylene glue is suitable for a variety of outdoor jobs as well.

The glue you choose will have to match its intended use. For outdoor jobs, you’ll want a polyethylene adhesive that will stand up to the weather, is resistant to mold, and has high bonding capabilities. A quality polyethylene epoxy is your best bet.

Polyethylene epoxy can be used on plastic furniture, broken doll houses, plastic tables and planters, patio accessories, pool toys, and the list goes on. You’re only limited by your imagination.

Polyethylene glue: Tips and tricks to make you an expert

As always, choosing the right product for the job is key and that especially applies to the glue you use. Polyethylene glue is an easy product to work with provided you take the time for a little preparation first. Ask yourself what items and materials you will be repairing and then check the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly to choose the best polyethylene glue for the job.

Follow these tips for success:

  • Make sure your area is well lit and you have a flat surface to work on.
  • Have all necessary materials within close reach.
  • Use clamps when necessary to hold pieces together while the adhesive sets (glue times will vary).
  • Safety goggles and gloves are always a good idea when working with glue.
  • Only use the amount of glue necessary and be careful not to drip on anything, including your skin or clothing.
  • You want a glue that dries transparent for the best look.

Polyethylene plastic glue: Choosing the right one for you

For most plastics, a versatile superglue gel is an excellent choice. This type of product works on a variety of plastics and will stand up to even the roughest and tumble kids! 

For many polyethylene repairs, a high-grab, premium-grade adhesive designed for bonding all types of polystyrene and polyurethane insulation materials is hard to beat. Such adhesives offer superior bonding to most common building construction materials and are waterproof. These adhesives are ideal for indoor and outdoor projects, remaining unaffected by water, moisture, or temperature fluctuations once fully cured. 

For bonding most plastic bathroom and shower enclosures to a waterproof surface, a specialized adhesive that works on materials like polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylic, ABS, and PVC is recommended. These adhesives are often water-based, feature a low odor, and offer easy cleanup. 

If you need to do a repair that must stand up to wet conditions, consider a waterproof adhesive. This type of adhesive can be applied on wet materials and is waterproof once cured. Such adhesives are designed to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. 

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