Bonding glass to plastic can be difficult, so I’ve dedicated an article just for this.
Finding the right type of glue is essential to bonding glass to plastic and vice-versa. Similarly, using the glue correctly can differentiate between a strong and a weak bond.
Both glass and plastic are somewhat non-porous, which means conventional glues aren’t good.
You need something special for plastic and glass. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of glass-to-plastic glues out there.
Recommendation – Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a fantastic glass-to-plastic glue that dries in approximately 30 seconds. The glue is weather and waterproof, and its bonding strength is superb.
To find out more about glass-to-plastic gluing, keep reading!
Also, check out our guide on the best glues for glass to metal for more information.
Types of Glass-to-Plastic Glues
There isn’t just one type of glue that can bond glass to plastic.
Wide varieties are available, and knowing which is better will help you select the right one for the job. You can choose between:
Super Glue
Quick-drying super glues are ideal for fast jobs that don’t require that much tensile strength.
Depending on the viscosity, this glue can apply a stronger or a weaker bond.
It’s very efficient at gluing glass to plastic, either way. It’s also good for a wide range of materials.
Hot Glue
While hot glues may not be good for some materials, they are perfect for glass, plastic, and other non-porous materials.
These glues have a quick setting time and a reasonably strong bond. As such, hot glues are great at filling gaps and bonding uneven surfaces.
Spray Adhesives
There’s nothing easier than spraying glue on a surface. However, spray adhesives are best used for small projects that don’t require great tensile strength.
But there are heavy-duty sprays in commerce, and they can bond glass to plastic very efficiently.
PSA
Pressure-sensitive adhesives offer an innovative bonding technique that helps keep glass and plastic stuck together.
These adhesives work great on most materials, including plastic and glass.
Polyurethane
This glue creates a strong bond that not even solvents can damage.
However, both the setting and curing processes take a long time. You’ll also need to clamp the glass to the plastic, so the glue sets in.
However, polyurethane glue doesn’t get broken down easily after it sets and cures.
Basically, when you want to glue glass to plastic, you should look for:
- A specialized glue for glass-to-plastic bonds
- A glue with high tensile strength, pressure resistance, impact resistance, and shock resistance
- Waterproof and weatherproof concepts (if working outdoors)
- A precision applicator to make the gluing process more comfortable and accurate
- Odor-free and non-toxic, if possible
Keep in mind that sometimes regular glass glue might not always work. Also valid for regular gorilla glue, clear gorilla glue, tacky glue, wood glue, epoxy glue, and Krazy glue.
The list below should help you out!
Best Glues for Glass to Plastic
Check out my recommendations below for the best glue for glass to plastic.
1. Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Pros
- Great for bonding plastic to glass
- Works with any glass surface
- Waterproof
- Strongest glue around
Cons
- Is a bit runny
Whether you plan on renovating your home or just doing a small-scale project, Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a perfect choice.
It works on any material and forms a sturdy bond that not even solvents can break down.
It’s also water and weatherproof, so you can easily do outdoor projects with it.
There’s no clamping needed either, which makes things even better. Gorilla Super Glue Gel dries fast (approximately 30 seconds), with a few minutes of drying time.
The glue contains rubber, which is very resistant to pressure and impact. So, there’s no surprise that Gorilla Super Glue forms powerful bonds.
Gorilla Super Glue Gel can also be used as glue for plastic eyeglass frames.
2. Loctite Glass Glue
Pros
- Great for broken glass
- Works with hard plastic
- Perfect for glass repair
- Heat and water resistant
Cons
- Not good for large projects
With Loctite Glass, you can repair even broken glasses and plates.
It’s both heat and water-resistant and works on many types of porous and non-porous materials. Loctite is especially good at gluing glass to plastic.
The glue tube has a small and precise applicator perfect for those minute repairs.
With Loctite Glass Glue, you can bond glass and plastic to any material, and they’ll be heat and water-resistant.
Though, I wouldn’t recommend using it for large-scale jobs.
This is not the type of tool for grand projects. Rather, it’s a precision glue for those urgent bonding needs.
Loctite Glass Glue also works on polycarbonate, making it a good option for polycarbonate glue.
3. Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate Super Glue – Waterproof Glue for Plastic to Glass
Pros
- Ideal for most materials
- Extremely strong bond
- Waterproof
- Quick drying
- Dries clear
Cons
- Toxic fumes
Choose a viscosity; this glue will help you bond any plastic and glass.
Different jobs require a thicker or a thinner glue, and this Super Glue has you covered.
The manufacturer even says that this cyanoacrylate is the strongest on the market. But that remains to be seen!
You can bond the following materials with it:
- Fabric
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic
- Glass
- Ceramics
The precise applicator helps you apply the glue without making a mess.
Its waterproof concept and quick drying time also provide great efficiency and comfort.
However, you may have to clamp the materials to set the glue in.
Lastly, this Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate Super Glue emanates strong fumes, so you may need to wear a mask while applying it.
4. Dap 00688 All-Purpose Adhesive Sealant
Pros
- Perfect glue for glass and plastic
- Great bond strength
- Waterproof
- Dries fast
Cons
- Low heat resistance
When gluing glass to plastic, you may want to repair your aquarium. This Dap Adhesive is perfect for that.
You can easily fill the glass cracks and bond everything together, even the plastic frame and other components.
You won’t have to worry about poisoning your fish because this glue is non-toxic to marine life.
It’s also 100% waterproof and fast-drying. There’s no clamping involved either.
The bonding strength is exceptional from what I’ve seen. After joining the materials, the glue sets in a few minutes, and the curing time isn’t too long either.
However, this Adhesive Sealant isn’t too heat-resistant, unfortunately.
5. Better Ultimate Adhesive Super Glue – Acrylic Non-Toxic Plastic Glue
Pros
- No odor
- Non-toxic
- Works on most materials
- Waterproof
Cons
- Slow drying
Waterproof, weatherproof, non-toxic even if ingested, and odorless – this Acrylic Super Glue is a superb adhesive for glass to plastic.
The resulting bond is both impact-resistant and pressure-resistant, as well.
It works on many materials, including glass and plastic, making it ideal for joint operations.
The waterproof and weatherproof concepts also make this adhesive great for indoor and outdoor use.
However, the slow-drying formula may waste some of your time. But in my experience, the waiting time is worth it, considering how strong the final bond is.
6. Maximum Bond Crazy Glue – Best All Around Super Glue
Pros
- Works on most materials
- Waterproof
- Dries very fast
Cons
- Not ideal for non-porous materials
Crazy Glue forms a robust bond with added impact and pressure resistance, which means it’s fantastic for glass and plastic.
The maximum strength formula ensures nothing can break down the bond once formed.
Applying the glue is very easy due to the thick formula and precision applicator.
You won’t be making a mess, in other words. Usually, Crazy Glue is ideal for porous materials, but non-porous ones like plastic and glass aren’t excluded either.
After applying it, you’ll only have to wait a few minutes before the glue dries.
The curing time is not long either. This allows you to accomplish more in a shorter timeframe.
7. E6000 Adhesive – Industrial Strength Adhesive
Pros
- Can be painted on
- Dries clear
- Dries very fast
Cons
- Strong fumes
With this glue, you’ll be able to glue:
- Leather
- Glass
- Plastic
- Cement
- Rubber
- Vinyl
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Wood
- Tin
- Fabric
E6000 Adhesive is for industrial use, thanks to its incredible bonding strength and versatility.
It also dries clearly and fast; once dried, almost nothing can break it apart.
Perhaps it’s because E6000 is impact-resistant, shock-resistant, temperature-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof.
You can paint over it after it finishes drying, as well. Moreover, it doesn’t emanate any toxic fumes, so working with it is easy and comfortable.
The E6000 Adhesive has proven to be more than acceptable when it comes to gluing glass to plastic.
How to Glue Plastic to Glass and Safety Tips
Before you even think about gluing glass to plastic, you should ensure not to ingest the glue.
Moreover, always wear gloves when you use super glues. Due to their fast-drying time, super glues can bond quickly with the skin.
Finally, wear a mask if your adhesive emanates toxic fumes.
To glue glass to plastic and vice-versa, follow the steps below:
- Buy a glue that’s fine-tuned for gluing glass to plastic
- Clean and dry both working surfaces (glass and plastic)
- Make exact measurements before applying the glue, especially if it’s a quick-drying super glue.
- Avoid humid environments or extreme temperatures. These factors tend to weaken the bonding strength of the adhesive.
- Don’t apply too much glue.
- Pressure the two materials together after you’ve glued them. Some glues will also require clamping.
If you keep to these instructions, you won’t have a problem gluing glass to plastic or vice-versa.
Wrap Up
Gluing glass to plastic isn’t hard if you know what you’re doing. And if you’re using a suitable type of glue, of course.
Super glue is sometimes better than acrylic, but the opposite can be true in other circumstances.
Usually, you want something that’s both impact and pressure-resistance because glass is fragile.
This guide should help you make the right choice when gluing glass to plastic. Leave any questions below, and I’ll answer them the best I can!