Almost every glue rules out polypropylene by name. Loctite’s Plastics Bonding System is the one glue we found that lists it, with an activator, for indoor repairs.
Gluing
Polypropylene or polyethylene
recycling number 2, 4 or 5
recycling number 2, 4 or 5
Where
What holds
1 product has both surfaces on its maker’s list.
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Why glue won’t grip it
Polypropylene is plastic number 5 in the recycling triangle. Gorilla explains that super glue needs a little moisture on the surface to cure, and that polypropylene and polyethylene have almost none, so the glue can’t form a good bond. Gorilla’s plastics article calls them low surface energy plastics.
The glue that lists it
Loctite Super Glue Plastics Bonding System is a super glue sold with an activator pen that primes the plastic. Its data sheet gives the steps:
- Put two coats of activator on both surfaces.
- Let the activator dry and react for 1 minute.
- Put about one drop of glue per square inch on one surface only, and press the parts together right away.
- Hold them still for 5 to 30 seconds, and leave the repair for 10 minutes, or better, overnight.
Loctite gives up to 870 psi on hard-to-bond plastics. The same data sheet rules out outdoor use, filling gaps, parts that flex, and anything for the dishwasher, oven, microwave or hot liquids. Its activator may be flammable, so keep it away from heat and flame.
Other options
- J-B Weld PlasticBonder. J-B Weld’s FAQ says that on polypropylene it can guarantee a cosmetic repair but not a structural one.
- Tape, outdoors. Gorilla’s outdoor guide says many plastic outdoor chairs and bins are polypropylene or polyethylene, and that its Permanent Gorilla Tape All-Weather sticks to both.
- Not silicone. DAP’s data sheet for its 100% silicone says polypropylene doesn’t allow for best adhesion, so test a spot first.
What each glue maker says
| Product | What its maker says |
|---|---|
| Gorilla Super Glue Gel | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Original Gorilla Glue | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Gorilla Epoxy | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Gorilla Clear Grip | Not for polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene |
| Gorilla Construction Adhesive Ultimate | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Gorilla Landscape Construction Adhesive | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Gorilla Fabric Glue | Not for polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene |
| Loctite Super Glue Gel Control | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Epoxy Plastic | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Glass Glue | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Epoxy Metal/Concrete | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite PL Premium Construction Adhesive | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Shoe Glue | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Extreme Glue | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Metal Glue | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| J-B Weld Original | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| J-B Weld KwikWeld | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| J-B Weld ClearWeld | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| J-B Weld SuperWeld | J-B Weld says most of its products won’t bond well to polypropylene or polyethylene |
| E6000 | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| E6000 Plus | Not for polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Liquid Nails Fuze*It Max | Not for polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, EPDM or TPO |
Gluing polypropylene to something else?
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