Gluing two different materials can be tricky, especially if one of them is plastic. Since this does not adhere easily to other substances, you should use a glue that can create a strong bond with wooden surfaces. Fortunately, there are a number of adhesives designed for this purpose that you can easily have. Depending on your needs, cyanoacrylates, hot melt, epoxy, and contact glue work smoothly, stick quickly and require little experience to apply.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Super Glue
Step 1. Buy a tube of extra strong glue
Super Glue usually comes in small tubes, so it will work best for repairs and small projects. For long-lasting adhesion, invest in a high-strength glue, such as Gorilla or Loctile. Either of these products will give you longer lasting results than the usual types of glue.
- If you are working on something that requires a lot of assembly, purchase several tubes of glue. It never hurts to have a little more on hand.
- There are certain types of porous wood that can absorb common cyanoacrylates before they adhere to plastic. If you are dealing with such a material, go for a gel-based Super Glue.
Step 2. Lightly sand the plastic surface
Sand the widest part of the plastic object with a coarse-grit square sandpaper before applying the glue. Sanding the plastic will make it more porous and increase the total surface area, which will allow it to adhere more easily to the wood.
- Only do this in gentle, delicate movements to avoid damaging the plastic too much.
- If there is a possibility that you could damage the object you are going to sand, it is best to skip this step.
Step 3. Clean the piece of wood with a damp cloth
Quick cleaning will remove dust and dirt that can interfere with the glue. Allow the wood to air dry, then clean it lightly with alcohol. This will remove excess oil and dust as well as remaining moisture.
- To avoid soaking the wood, wring out the rag after wetting it.
- Applying glue to wood while it is still wet can weaken its adhesion.
Step 4. Apply glue to both surfaces
Slowly squeeze the tube to check the glue flow. Cyanoacrylates are designed to be very sticky, so you should only use the amount you need. Depending on the size and shape of the surface you are going to glue, it may be best to apply the product in spirals, dots, or even strips.
For small or irregularly shaped objects, try applying the glue with a toothpick
Step 5. Join the surfaces
Attach the smaller piece to the larger one. Once you've joined them, keep them pressed together constantly until the glue is dry enough to hold them in place. Find a flat, stable surface to place the items on to complete the drying process.
Practice joining the two pieces together without glue first to make sure you fit them precisely
Step 6. Give the glue time to dry
Most cyanoacrylates will start to dry within seconds, but it can take up to 2 hours for complete cure. During this time, avoid handling stuck objects as much as possible.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place while they dry. Moisture can interfere with the ability of the glue to adhere properly.
- Use acetone to dissolve the Super Glue after it dries.
Method 2 of 4: Use hot melt glue
Step 1. Plug in and turn on the glue gun
Use the outlet closest to your work area so you can work comfortably. If the device has a separate power switch, make sure it is in the on position. Allow the heat gun to warm up for a few minutes before loading it.
Be careful when handling an active heat gun. You should only grasp its handle and body, never the end
Step 2. Load the glue stick from the back of the gun
Once inside, the heating elements will begin to melt the glue. It may take several minutes.
- Opt for high temperature glue sticks. These will provide a stronger bond for plastics and you will no longer have to worry about the glue melting in hot climates or hot working conditions.
- To check if you're ready to glue, lightly squeeze the trigger and see if the melted glue sticks will come out.
- Wipe the tip of the gun with a thick cloth before starting to work on the wooden object. This will rid your project of contaminants and control the flow of glue as you work.
Step 3. Apply glue to one or both surfaces
Squeeze the heat gun trigger to release the glue. Focus it on the widest, flattest areas of the objects you are pasting. Use the tapered end of the gun to direct the glue more precisely and do not use more than necessary.
Hot melt glue can burn you if it comes in contact with your skin. Work by the sink or keep a cup of cold water nearby in case it accidentally hits your body
Step 4. Join the two objects
Place the smaller piece over the larger one, making sure they are properly spaced and aligned. Hold the pieces firmly together for thirty seconds to a minute as the glue begins to dry.
- Practice putting the pieces together beforehand so you don't make a mistake.
- When working with hot melt glue, you need to quickly join the pieces together before it starts to dry.
Step 5. Let the glue dry overnight
It dries quickly, but it may take some time to adhere. For best results, let the pieces sit for at least eight to ten hours. By the time you check it in the morning, the glue should have been completely dry.
- A quick burst of air using a hair dryer can cause the glue to lose adhesion.
- If you need to separate the glued surfaces for some reason, you can also use a hair dryer at a high temperature to melt the dried glue.
Method 3 of 4: Use epoxy glue
Step 1. Obtain an epoxy glue application kit
It is generally sold as a two-part system made up of a pair of separate components: a resin and a hardener. These components must be combined to be effective.
- Although not very common, one-piece epoxy glue is also available and can be applied directly from the packaging.
- You can find basic epoxy glue kits at hardware stores, craft supply stores, and drugstores, as well as in the home improvement aisle of most malls.
Step 2. Mix resin and hardener
Squeeze a small amount of each component onto a smooth, disposable surface, such as a paper plate. Mix the two substances with a toothpick, a coffee stirrer, or similar utensil. When combined, they will form a super strong adhesive.
Wear a pair of gloves before working
Step 3. Apply epoxy glue
Spread a thin layer of the product on the surfaces to be bonded. You can do this with the same stirrer or toothpick that you used to mix it up. However, you will get better results if you use something like a cotton swab because it gives you more control.
- Apply an even coat over the entire surface, taking care not to leave large holes open.
- For a strong bond, apply a small amount of epoxy glue to both objects instead of pouring everything on one.
Step 4. Arrange the objects as needed
Take your time to position the work surfaces. Epoxy glue dries very slowly compared to other types of adhesives, so you won't have to rush to get everything in place.
Holding both objects or placing a heavy object on them can help the epoxy glue to have a stronger bond
Step 5. Let the epoxy glue cure overnight
Find a secluded place for her to join. It should dry to the touch after five minutes, but it can take up to 20 hours for it to fully cure. Try not to touch objects too much during this time.
- This type of glue solidifies as it dries, making the bond more durable, even in wet conditions.
- The drying time for a particular brand of epoxy glue will usually be stated on the packaging.
Method 4 of 4: Use contact glue
Step 1. Use the appropriate safety equipment
Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with contact glue. It is best that you wear a mask if your airways are sensitive. Since it contains strong chemicals, you should limit direct exposure to the adhesive as much as possible.
- Close-fitting or short-sleeved clothing is essential. You still don't want to accidentally run a sleeve over industrial grade adhesive!
- Contact adhesive is most often used in industrial and construction projects. Due to its application process, it is not the best choice for minor or artistic repair jobs. Rather, it is useful for activities such as applying Formica laminate composite material to countertops.
Step 2. Work in a well ventilated area
Contact adhesive emits flammable fumes which can be dangerous. Place materials outside, if possible. If you are in an indoor workshop open a door or a pair of windows and leave the fan on to allow the fumes to escape.
If the project takes several minutes, take frequent breaks to limit your exposure to the fumes
Step 3. Apply glue to both objects
You can do this using a brush or a roller. Spread a thin layer over the entire surface, taking care not to let it go through the edges. The contact glue will only adhere to itself, so it will be necessary to apply it to both objects. When the adhesive is tacky to the touch, but won't come off your fingers, it's ready to apply.
- Use as little adhesive as possible.
- Before starting to apply contact adhesive, you must clean both surfaces thoroughly. Contaminants on these can affect adhesion and create an uneven surface.
Step 4. Use spacers to align the materials
Place a series of dowels or pieces of wood along the bottom of the object and place the other on top. This will allow you to make fine adjustments. Once you have the items in the desired location, slide the spacers out one at a time.
- Partition tools will come in handy when joining pieces with precise edges, such as laminate countertops or substrates.
- Contact adhesive will not adhere to dividers because they have no adhesive.
Step 5. Apply direct pressure to the attached objects
Roll over the object or lightly tap the entire surface with a rubber mallet or similar object. This will complete the process and help create a stronger grip. It does not require extended drying time.
If you don't have other tools handy, you can use a piece of wood wrapped in a towel to flatten the top piece and remove bubbles and other imperfections
Step 6. Correct mistakes with an iron
The heat from this tool will reactivate the glue making it flexible again. Run the iron over the area you need to repair for a few seconds until the objects start to lose their grip. Then adjust them carefully with your hand and let them dry.
- Keep the iron at low to medium temperature to avoid damaging the surfaces.
- Clean up spills, smudges and accidental smudges with lacquer thinner.
Advice
- Not all adhesives are the same. Make a careful choice and always opt for a product that meets the needs of your project.
- Use an epoxy resin to fill in the holes and repair chipped and broken parts.
- Store glues in a cool, dry place to be sure they will last for use on other projects.
- If the glue gets on your skin, use a little acetone or diluted alcohol to remove it. Then wash the affected area well with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- If you are gluing a heavy object to a vertical surface where you can use a fastening system, use epoxy glue on one side and hot melt glue on the other. This will dry faster to hold the object while the epoxy adhesive dries. This in turn will give the project a strong grip.
Warnings
- Chemical adhesives can be toxic if swallowed.
- If for any reason the adhesive gets in or around your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse it off with cold water. Then contact the poison control center in your area for treatment.