I’ve been asked constantly if you can use PVC glue on ABS. That’s a short “no.” PVC glue wouldn’t bond at all to plastic such as ABS.
But this doesn’t mean that no glue can bond PVC and ABS. In this article, I’ll give you a couple of adhesives that work on ABS and PVC at the same time.
Keep reading if you want to know more about this!
What Are PVC and ABS?
PVC is also known as polyvinyl chloride and has been used as a substitute for other types of plastic since the 1950s.
It’s easy to use and inexpensive, but it holds strong in many applications. Many times, you’ll find a mixture between PVC and ABS in some materials.
On the other hand, ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and similar to PVC, it’s been used extensively since the 1950s for its durability and versatility.
ABS pipes are manufactured using recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly than similar materials.
You can find more info on ABS plastic glue in the linked guide.
What’s The Difference Between PVC and ABS?
Both ABS and PVC are easy to use, versatile, and sturdy. You can use them for general repairs or replacing spare parts.
However, these two materials have unique characteristics that make them suited for specific applications.
PVC is easier to cut through than ABS, while ABS needs high temperatures to bond and set properly.
When repairing or replacing spare parts, you may need PVC or ABS, depending on your requirements and circumstances.
Either way, having both on hand is a good idea if you want to finish things quicker.
PVC adhesive will bond almost perfectly to ABS because the adhesives have been manufactured using recycled products, similar to the ABS pipes.
For more info, please look at our guide on the best glues for PVC pipes.
They’re similar in composition, so they’ll bond right on. The permanent bond will remain durable throughout the years!
I recommend Oatey Regular Cement and Purple Primer as your go-to adhesive when bonding PVC or ABS.
This type of glue works in a wide variety of applications so that you can use it for flooring tiles and welding car parts together.
One question I’ve heard constantly is whether PVC cement can bond with ABS plastic. That would be a “no.” But, you’ll find many more types of PVC adhesives that can bond with ABS.
Check out our guide on PVC glue drying times for more info.
Tips When Bonding PVC or ABS
There are a few things you should know before working with PVC or ABS. Think of them as tips for working more efficiently:
- Don’t use high-tensile strength adhesives like epoxy resin or superglue for PVC or ABS, unless the application demands it
- Wear safety gloves and goggles when you work with these types of chemicals to avoid any injuries or mistakes
- Before buying any adhesive, see what you’ll need depending on your application’s requirements
That’s it!
Wrap Up
Both PVC and ABS are efficient and easy-to-use materials that are going to work with a wide variety of applications.
Many types of glue can bond both materials, so you shouldn’t worry. PVC Glue doesn’t generally work for ABS, so you should bear this in mind!
