To glue acrylic properly and effectively, you will need a cement solvent that has melting properties to weld the two surfaces together. 

Acrylic cement is water based thin liquid which will soften the molecules of the two plastic surfaces, merging them into one. Gluing acrylic is quite a mesmerizing process because it is not gluing in the way that we know what gluing is and what it does. 

With glue, you apply it to bond two surfaces together as it fills any gaps. Once the glue dries and fully cures, this creates a strong bond that will hold the glued surfaces together. But this isn’t what happens when you glue acrylic. 

So let’s start from the beginning and make our way to discovering how to glue acrylic. 

What Is Acrylic?

Acrylic is a type of plastic that can be worked in different ways, such as

• Laser cut 
• Heated and bent

Plus, it comes in a transparent or colored format and can be used for various projects. 

There are two types of acrylic:

• Cast 
• Extruded 

At first sight, they may look the same, but they are not, and depending on what you need these for, it does matter which you choose. 

Cast Acrylic. 

Cast acrylic is best for laser engraving. This will offer a great contrast against the rest of the material.

Extruded Acrylic.

Extruded acrylic has a lower melting temperature. It is best for vector cutting. 

What To Know Before You Glue Acrylic?

Before you glue acrylic, you must ensure that your acrylic sheeting is prepped and ready. 

Your surfaces need to be smooth, perfect;y together and have no gaps. It would help if you didn’t have to fit the acrylic sheets together forcefully. 

If any sides or spots are rough or bumpy, gently sand them. 

It is also key to ensure that your acrylic sheets are dry and clean and that there are no stains or traces of dust or other debris. 

Select the right work surface.

The surface you will be working on must be compatible with acrylic cement. 

Surfaces most compatible with acrylic cement:

• Metal 
• Concrete 
• Wood 

Surfaces least compatible with acrylic solvent:

• Paper 
• Glass 

How To Glue Acrylic?

Acrylic does not have glue properties. Meaning that the way it works is the following. 

Acrylic glue softens the two surfaces and fuses them or welds them together. The two surfaces aren’t merely kept together by a bond; they practically become one piece. 

After this, the acrylic cement evaporates. There will be no glue left behind but a fused joint. This is why this process is also called solvent welding. 

To glue acrylic, you will need the following:

• Solvent glue 

You can find acrylic cement in various quantities depending on the size of your project. 

These are used with a so-called hypo applicator for easy and precise use. 

Before you glue, ensure the acrylic doesn’t have bumps or cuts. 

Follow these steps:

1. Lightly sand the surfaces that will be joined together so they are smoother but not shiny (this would make it harder to weld them together)
2. Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, dust, or debris (this is very important)
3. Carefully pour the acrylic into the applicator with the help of a funnel
4. Fill the applicator bottle about 75% full (and not all the way full)
5. Place the needle tip of the applicator where you will want to weld the two pieces together
6. Squeeze it lightly and apply it where needed 
7. Join the two surfaces together and hold them unmoved for a minimum of 30 minutes 
8. Allow it to cure for 24-48 hours, fully 
9. If there are excess spots of acrylic, use a router to cut these (be careful not to generate heat to avoid melting the acrylic)

Remember that acrylic cement will not fill gaps. Before you attach the two surfaces, make sure both sides of the plastic are smooth and flat where they are to be fused. 

Edges cut with a saw are not ideal because of their roughness. For best results, rout the edges before gluing to achieve smooth surfaces. You can also use sanding to achieve this if you do not have a router. 

Check out my guide on the best glues for acrylic for more tips.

Safety Tips When Gluing Acrylic

As explained earlier in this guide, this cement solvent is not a regular adhesive. Once you apply it and fuse the two surfaces, the solvent will melt them, fusing them into one, evaporating, and leaving a strong joint. 

Your priority also needs to be safety, ensuring you don’t inhale the solvent nor let it come in direct contact with your skin.

So here are the safety measures you should implement:

• Wear protective gloves 
• Work in a well-ventilated space 
• Use a protective breathing mask
• Keep the solvent away from heat and fire sources 
• Use a needle-nosed small head applicator for the solvent

Conclusion

Gluing acrylic together is not the same as gluing anything else. It isn’t even considered gluing. Instead, it is referred to as welding as the two surfaces become one. 

The acrylic solvent melts the surfaces that will be joined together, fusing them into one, ensuring a durable and strong finish. 

Safety measures are always important. Prioritize working in a well-ventilated space, using protective gloves and masks.