The difference between wood and plastic is like night and day.

Getting these two materials to stick together isn’t an easy task, especially since only a few good types of glue work equally well on such different surfaces.

In this article, you’ll find a list of the best adhesives for plastic and wood to get the best results on the first try.

Wood is easy to work with, given its porous texture and resistance to chemical degradation.

However, plastic is the polar opposite. It has a smooth, non-porous surface; most plastics are heat- and chemical-sensitive.

You’ll need glue that grabs well to both surfaces without damaging the materials.

Keep reading for more versatile glues for all sorts of plastic-to-wood applications!

Suitable Glues for Plastic to Wood

There are different types of plastic glue you can choose from when working with plastic and wood.

All the following glues are compatible with both materials, but each one has its specific perks. Neither of them is superior. It all depends on what you need for your application.

Hot Glue

Hot glue is a simple, economical, and mess-free way to bond plastic to wood. It has a short drying and curing time and forms a very strong, durable bond.

It’s easy to use due to its non-runny consistency and mode of application. This is a good option for big applications.

You’ll need a glue gun to work with this adhesive. That’s because hot glue is solid.

You need to heat it with the help of a glue gun to loosen its consistency.

Once the glue dries down, it’s both water and solvent-resistant. However, because of how it works, hot glue isn’t heat-resistant.

Hot Glue works very well on porous and non-porous surfaces, so it’s a good match for both plastic and wood.

But it isn’t suitable for thin or heat-sensitive plastics. Most glue guns can go up to 380°F.

If the glue gets hot enough to cause skin burns, it’s hot enough to melt through the thin plastic.

Hot glue also works if you need glue for furniture.

Super Glue

Super glue is a foolproof way to bond plastic to wood, especially for smaller projects.

This adhesive is compatible with almost any material, including plastic and wood.

Thanks to its thin consistency, it has a short setting and curing time, usually under one minute. There’s also no clamping required.

This glue forms powerful bonds with high-pressure resistance and an excellent weight-bearing capacity, making it a good option for gluing heavier materials.

Once cured, the glue is also highly resistant to moisture and water. However, super glue doesn’t have particularly high resistance to impact, solvents, or high temperatures.

Super glue can also act as glue for particle boards.

Epoxy

Perhaps the most versatile adhesives on the list, two-part epoxies have many advantages.

Epoxy glue can bind any material, adhere to both porous and non-porous surfaces, and won’t damage plastics in the process.

In terms of resistance to damaging factors, epoxy glues have it all. When fully cured, they are waterproof and solvent, pressure, impact, and temperature resistant.

They have a great weight-bearing ability, and if that weren’t enough, they also work great for gap filling, and they can be sanded, drilled, and painted.

The major downside to epoxies is that they’re messy to use and have a long curing time.

With two-part epoxies, you must mix the resin with the hardener in a 1:1 ratio. On top of that, you must transfer the mixture onto the surfaces you’re about to glue.

You can’t be very precise with this method of application. Then, you’ll also need to clamp the surfaces and wait up to 24 hours for the epoxy to cure.

Remember that sometimes regular wood glue might not always work for these applications. The same can be said about regular gorilla glue, liquid nails, hide glue, polyurethane glue, and regular plastic glue.

Best 5 Glues for Plastic to Wood

Here is my recommendation of the best glue for plastic to wood.

1. Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue Gel

Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue Gel is a highly versatile adhesive with great strength and a short setting time.

You can use it for various plastic and wood applications and other materials. The list includes paper, leather, rubber, metal, ceramics, and more.

The glue dries clear and spotless in less than 45 seconds, with no clamping required.

This glue has increased impact, pressure, and shock resistance thanks to its innovative formula.

You can rely on this product to offer a tough, unbreakable bond that can withstand heavy weight and tension.

Another great thing about this formula is its consistency. The glue comes out like a high-viscosity gel that keeps its shape and does not run or drip.

You can use it on vertical surfaces without creating a mess. The narrow dispensing tip offers extra precision when applying the glue to small or narrow surfaces.

This glue also boasts a high resistance to water and moisture, which could work well for outdoor use.

However, it’s not particularly resistant to extreme temperatures or solvents.

This gorilla wood glue is the best around, in my opinion.

Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue Gel is a great option if you need glue for fixing boat stringers.

2. HG Power Glue

Yet another brilliant super glue for plastic to wood applications, HG Power Glue, offers insane strength and great resistance to damaging factors.

This glue can withstand extreme temperatures, impact, shock, pressure, and moisture.

You don’t need to clamp materials after application. All you have to do is apply the glue, connect the surfaces, and the glue works its magic in just 30-45 seconds.

Besides its fast setting and curing action, it also creates extreme bonds with insane weight-bearing capabilities.

You can use this highly versatile glue on virtually any material, including wood, most plastics, glass, rubber, ceramic, stone, metal, aluminum, and many more.

However, this glue might not adhere well to smooth and hard plastics.

3. Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks

This user-friendly, cost-effective kit comes from the brand Sergia. Besides the glue gun, you also get a full set of accessories for all your repair and DYI needs.

The toolset includes 20 hot glue sticks, a user manual, protective finger caps, one pair of cloth gloves, tweezers, and a mouse pad, all neatly packaged in a portable plastic case.

The gun is very easy to use. It has a handy dual power switch, so you can go from 60W to 100W in a matter of seconds, according to your application needs.

User safety is a top priority, so this glue gun is updated with an internal safety fuse that prevents overheating.

The pressure valve on the nozzle also prevents hot glue from running after you’re done using the device.

Finally, you’ll also be happy to learn that this product comes with a 3-year quality warranty and a 60-day refund policy.

The sticks themselves contain just regular hot glue. That means you’ll get a highly versatile adhesive with decent strength and resistance.

It will bond most materials, woo, and plastic and adhere to porous and smooth surfaces.

However, hot glue can damage thin plastics, and it doesn’t have a superb weight-bearing capability.

It’s best to stick with this glue for low-weight applications and objects that don’t need to sustain heavy loads.

4. MITREAPEL Super CA Glue with Spray Adhesive Activator

MITREAPEL Super CA Glue works wonders in as little as five seconds. Thanks to the spray adhesive activator, you’ll cut down curing time by more than ten times.

A fixing job usually takes two minutes to complete and can now be ready almost instantly.

The cyanoacrylate glue by itself offers excellent bonding strength and durability, but the spray activator takes things to the next level.

You’ll get outstanding results with as little as two drops of adhesive per square inch of surface material.

Apply the adhesive on one surface, and spray the activator on the other.

This adhesive has a thick consistency that prevents dripping. It dries clear and works on virtually any surface. Clamp the materials together for up to 12 seconds, and you’re done.

Use it on wood, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, metal, leather, glass, or ceramics – the results are always impeccable.

Despite its high adherence and versatility, this adhesive won’t work on non-stick surfaces or polyethylene and polypropylene plastics.

5. Elmer’s Weatherproof Multi-Surface Glue

Elmer’s Weatherproof Multi-Surface Glue is a highly versatile adhesive that boasts professional strength and high resistance.

This glue works on all types of surfaces and materials. You can use it to bond plastic to wood or in any other combination of materials.

It’s also compatible with metal, ceramic, stone, concrete, glass, and many others.

The only exceptions include hard and smooth plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this glue has a long curing time, around 24 hours. You’ll also need to clamp the materials for at least 30 minutes.

However, once the glue is fully cured, you’ll get an extremely tough bond that can withstand large amounts of impact, pressure, and weight.

The bond is also 100% weatherproof and water-resistant, which makes this glue great for outdoor applications.

Tips for Using Plastic and Wood Glues

Gluing plastic to wood is easier than you would expect once you find a compatible glue for the job.

The process itself is pretty straightforward. However, for the best working experience, you can also consider the following tips:

You’ll have to apply the adhesive to a completely dry surface for super glue.

You’ll need to clean any dust or debris for better adherence, but wait for the surface to dry before applying the adhesive. Super glue doesn’t adhere well to wet surfaces.

Another thing to remember when using super glue is to take safety precautions.

Always wear gloves when working with this glue type because it can instantly bind the skin.

If you’re using epoxy, always mix the hardener with the resin before applying it to the surface.

Additionally, you’ll have to clamp the materials for 24 hours for the most powerful, durable bond.

When working with high-strength adhesives, it’s best to stay in a well-ventilated area.

Wearing eye protection is also significant because glue vapors can be irritating and cause tearing and other unpleasant reactions.

Last but not least, always read the instructions on the label. Depending on the formulation, your glue might have a lengthier or shorter clamping time and other requirements that you should consider.

Wrap Up

Hopefully, this article helped you find the perfect adhesive for your project.

Of the three main types of adhesive mentioned in this article, pick the one that best matches your goals.

For heavy-duty plastic and wood applications, a two-part epoxy will work best. Opt for super glue for small projects where you need a quick, powerful bond.

Hot glue is also a great option, although it’s less durable than the other. The Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue Gel is the perfect option for general use and smaller-scale projects.

However, whether you choose the top pick, or any other product mentioned in the article, always remember to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.