Polypropylene glue: The specialty glue for challenging projects

Take a minute to think about how many items in your house are made of plastic. There are quite a few, right? Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most common types of plastic used for household items. 

It’s resilient, long-lasting, and lightweight. In addition, polypropylene is very versatile. Manufacturers can form it into rigid, tough toys as well as heavy-duty containers. It can also be flexible for use in vinyl furniture or mattresses. 

The difficulty comes when repairing a broken item or a tear in the plastic fabric. Many standard adhesives won’t stick to this material.

That’s the time to reach for polypropylene glue. You should use an adhesive designed to bond plastics. Always read the label to ensure compatibility, but polypropylene adhesives will usually work well with almost any kind of plastic and a wide variety of other materials.

Bonding plastic surfaces is easy with polypropylene glue. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

1. Ensure that the items to be glued are clean and free of dust or oily residue.
2. If your polypropylene glue comes with an activator, apply this first and allow it to dry. (Always test the activator on an inconspicuous part of the object to make sure it won’t discolour or damage the plastic.)
3. After the activator has dried (1–2 minutes), apply the glue to one surface.
4. Press the parts together for at least 30 seconds until a bond starts forming.
5. Leave the item undisturbed for 8 to 24 hours for a full-strength bond.

Why not choose a formula made specifically for plastics when you need to repair a plastic item? Pattex Super Glue Plastics fits the bill. This high-strength system includes an activator pen and a tube of adhesive. Apply the activator, wait one minute, and then apply the glue. Join your parts immediately, as the glue will set quickly. 

In addition to polypropylene, Super Glue Plastics will work on other tough-to-bond plastics like polyethylene (PE), PVC, and plexiglass. It’s also great for many non-plastic surfaces, including metal, rubber, porcelain, and ceramics.

If you need an extra-tough adhesive that will remain flexible, check out Pattex Super Glue Ultra Gel. It is water and impact resistant and stays flexible indefinitely. It’s perfect for repairing plastic toys and other items that may get rough treatment yet supple enough to fix tears in vinyl furniture. The thick gel formula won’t drip or run and dries clear.