To glue magnets to plastic, you only need the following few materials besides the magnet and plastic:

• Sandpaper 
• An adhesive that offers a durable bond
• A damp clean cloth 

One of the most encountered questions we receive is whether the glue is strong enough to offer permanent adhesion, considering the magnetic force of the magnet. 

Will the magnet stay glued to the plastic and not break that bond when it comes in contact with a direct pulling magnetic force?

To glue a magnet to plastic so that the bond will last, using the right adhesive is key. But the type of glue isn’t the only factor in this case. 

Keep reading to discover which types of adhesives you need to use to glue magnets to plastic, and find which step is key to ensuring the strongest adhesion possible. 

How To Glue Magnets To Plastic: The Key Steps To Follow

Here is what you need to know (and do) to cause the glue to create a strong and durable adhesion. 

The right adhesive, of course, but not only. The key to this is found in the preparation of the materials. This is step one and a very important step to ensure you implement. 

Step One: Prepare the surfaces

For the adhesion of the glue to be strong, you need to clean the surfaces but doing this alone won’t offer the most effective bonding results. 

So here is what else you need to do. 

1. If there are any stains on either surface, such as debris, grease, or any other, clean these off first using a clean damp cloth. 
2. Please wait for the materials to air dry fully, or use a dry cloth to dry them 
3. Use sandpaper to rough up both surfaces – if the sandpaper isn’t working well, you can use a sharp nail or screw to cause scratches on the surface of the magnet – scratch the surface of the magnet that will be glued in all directions for the best adhesion (don’t just scratch in straight lines)
4. Once you are done roughening up both surfaces, wipe them down with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust
5. Air dry the surfaces or use a clean, dry cloth to wipe them dry

Roughening up both surfaces will offer the glue a better grip, therefore, a better and stronger adhesion. 

It is important to have the surfaces very clean and dry before you move on to the next step. Any stains or dust on either surface will prevent the glue from forming a strong bond between the two surfaces, affecting its durability. 

If you use the right one, the glue will still work to bond the magnet to plastic, but the bond will not be as strong and durable if you skip this step. 

Step Two: Apply the glue 

Both the plastic and magnet are ready to be glued together. 

Follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin layer to one surface or a small amount of glue to the center of it
2. Align the materials in the right position 
3. Carefully but firmly press the two surfaces together 
4. Apply the pressure for a few minutes 
5. Allow the glue to fully dry 
6. Before you do anything with your project, fully allow the glue to cure for 24 hours.

To keep the two surfaces secured while they cure, you can use tape, rope, wire, or clamps. Choose the tool that works best with the nature and size of your project. 

The Best Adhesive To Glue Magnets To Plastic

Now that you know which exact steps to take, let’s dive into the type of adhesives that are best to get the job done. 

To glue plastic to the magnet, you need an adhesive that works effectively on both plastic and magnet. 

Here is a list of the best glue that can offer a strong bond between plastic and magnet:

• Fevi Kwik super glue
• Two-part epoxy glue
• Liquid nails 
• Crazy glue
• Gorilla glue
• Super glue 
• Silicone adhesive 

All these adhesives work great with magnets and plastic. The two best ones are Fevi Kwik and two-part epoxy glue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drill or cut a magnet?

Magnets are very hard and brittle. Drilling into them is not the recommended course of action, especially with carbide or HSS drills. 

If you need to cut the magnet, use a diamond cutting tool, plus enough coolant, as the dust created is flammable. 

Just no one should attempt this process for safety reasons. 

Will the plastic decrease or affect the magnetic field of the magnet?

This will depend on the type of plastic you are using and its shape or if the material is conductive. 

The permeability and permittivity of the shape could influence how the magnetic field will shape and work. 

Conclusion

You only need the right glue and steps to glue magnets to plastic. 

To glue plastic and magnet together, you only need a small amount of glue. The preparation step requires cleaning the surfaces and roughening them up. Then, it would help if you waited for the adhesive to dry and cure fully. 

If you use a nail or screw to roughen up the surfaces, don’t just scratch straight lines in; go in all directions to help the glue get the best grip.