How To Glue Wood To Plastic

Sticking plastic to any other material can be quite strenuous.

This is because plastic is polished and has an impenetrable facet that makes it hardly gets attached to glue or any other sealant.

Due to the stubborn nature of plastic, it is of essence to use an adhesive that creates a firm connection with wood.

Luckily, multiple adhesives are effective for this intent.

These adhesives are pretty ordinary and obtaining them is easy.

Most of them are commonly used at home, for simple do-it-yourself projects.

Some of these adhesives that are efficient and suitable for gluing wood to plastic include:

  1. Epoxy
  2. Superglue
  3. Contact cement

We will now narrow down to the specific adhesives and how they should be used for them to stick wood to plastic.

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1) Using Epoxy 

Epoxy is a general term that refers to fundamental constituents or preserved finished products of epoxy synthetic substances.

On top of being used in the production of sealants and paints, it is also used to make adhesives.

Below is how epoxy should be used, for sticking wood to plastic:

  1. Buy an epoxy kit.

    It is mainly purchased as two different components, one being a hardener and the second one being the resin. These kits are readily available for purchase at hardware stores or shops that deal in art supplies.

    • Combine the hardener and the resin.

      These two components should be used together as a mixture, for maximum efficiency.

      The two constituents should be mixed on a disposable item and should be swirled using a utensil or object that can, later on, be thrown away.

    • Spread the mixture on the surfaces you wish to stick together.

      In our case, epoxy (or glue?) should be applied to the wood and plastic
    . Ensure that you brush the adhesive evenly across the surfaces, without leaving gaps.

    • Place the wood and plastic in the required positions.

    • Allow the adhesive to completely dry and harden.

      It should take close to a day for the pieces to be steady and entirely attached, even though the epoxy often dries within a few minutes.

    2) Using Super Glue

    Purchase a tube or several tubes of heavy-duty super glue (check out the best plexiglass glues).

    Since the wood might be porous, it is advisable to use super glue that is gel-based. Regular super glue may be absorbed by porous wood before the adhesive takes effect.

    Gently rub the plastic’s surface using sandpaper. This helps in making the plastic more penetrable and allows its easier attachment to wood.

    Use a moist piece of cloth to clean the piece of wood being used. This clears any dirt that might be a hindrance to the grasp between the two items being stuck together.

    Apply the glue on both the plastic and the wood. If the surfaces are asymmetrical or tiny, consider spreading the super glue using a small object such as a toothpick.

    Squeeze the facets of both the plastic and wood against each other. Apply persistent force on the surfaces until the adhesive is dry and has clasped firmly.

    Leave the glued items for about two hours, for the super glue to be entirely solidified.

    3) Using Contact Cement 

    Put on the appropriate protective gear.

    Using eye safety gear such as goggles and a pair of gloves is important when working with contact cement.

    This is because contact cement contains some vigorous chemicals that may be harmful if in contact with your skin.

    Move to a properly aerated location.

    When using contact cement, some combustible gases are released.

    These fumes can be dangerous if breathed, hence the importance of being in an area with adequate ventilation.

    Brush the contact cement evenly across the surface of the plastic and wood. 

    Line up the plastic and wood using spacers.

    Exert force on the surfaces of the two glued pieces.

    4) Use an iron to make any necessary corrections.

    Either of the above adhesives can be used to stick plastic to wood. Subject to your specific requirements, any of them should be functional.

    How Do I Glue Wood To Plastic?

    Epoxy, super glue, and contact cement attach quickly will glue wood to plastic.

    In addition to this, they barely require any expertise to put on any surface.