Glue Plexiglas

Acrylic glass, often referred to by the trademarked term Plexiglas, is a strong, transparent plastic with many applications. Acrylic glass can be used in numerous arts and craft settings, and it is also utilized as window glazing. In fact, most aquarium viewing windows are made from acrylic glass. Because it is transparent and needs to perform well in high-stress applications, acrylic glass should not be glued together with regular craft glue. To glue Plexiglas properly, you will need a special type of glue and a few tools.

Steps

  1. Make the necessary cuts to the acrylic glass. Prepare the pieces to be joined by cutting the joint, if necessary. Acrylic glass that is a quarter inch (6.3 mm) or thicker is best cut with a table saw or miter saw. Pieces that are thinner than this can be scored with a utility knife and then snapped cleanly apart, but only along straight lines.
  2. Clean and dry the pieces to prepare them for gluing. Before attempting to join the acrylic glass, clean the pieces with a mild soap and water, focusing on the edges that will be glued. After cleaning and rinsing the pieces, wipe them dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
  3. Set the acrylic glass in place for gluing. Once you have cleaned the pieces, fit them together as they will be joined. After ensuring a snug fit, secure the pieces together with either masking tape or clamps.
  4. Apply the glue to the joint. Acrylic glass should be glued with methylene chloride, a type of solvent cement (Weld-On #3 is an example of this type of adhesive). The glue must be applied with a syringe, because it is water thin and actually works by melting the acrylic, making accuracy an important concern. Using the syringe, apply a small amount of the solvent cement to the joint between the 2 acrylic glass pieces; it will be sucked into the joint itself through capillary action. When the joint has been thoroughly coated with glue, you are finished.
    • Do not attempt to apply the solvent cement to the pieces separately and then press them together. Methylene chloride begins to set within seconds, so this method will produce a weaker joint. It will also increase the risk of drips, which will melt and deform any acrylic glass they touch.
  5. Sand the joint smooth. Allow the glue to set for several hours. After it has set, remove the clamps or tape and use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand any rough patches of adhesive smooth.
  6. Check the joint to make sure it's watertight. If the acrylic glass will be used to contain water, you should check your joint for leaks. Run water over the joint in a sink or outdoors, and check for the appearance of leaks. If the glass leaks, dry it off thoroughly and apply more solvent cement to the joint.

Tips

  • When working with methylene chloride, always wear safety glasses and heavy rubber gloves.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic glass
  • Saw or utility knife
  • Mild soap
  • Water
  • Clean cloth
  • Masking tape
  • Clamps
  • Methylene chloride
  • Syringe
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Safety glasses
  • Heavy rubber gloves

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Sources and Citations

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