In simple terms, epoxy is an adhesive that is used primarily in electronics, electrical components, metal appliances, and epoxy resins.
Do not confuse epoxy with mere glue because it is fused with another material to harden the substance it is applied on.
Although epoxy has a lot of purposes to serve in the fields of engineering and medicine, the question is can you epoxy plastic? Is it safe to put epoxy on plastic cups? Is it possible to epoxy plastic? Can you put epoxy on plastic? Let us find out an answer to the question.
Can you epoxy plastic?
Can you put epoxy in plastic? Yes, epoxy can be done to both metals and plastics but whether or not epoxying plastic would be a successful attempt depends solely upon the kind of plastic that you use epoxy on. At times, epoxy might work on a certain kind of plastic. Epoxy behaves differently from distinct plastic materials such as-
•Plastic cups
Can you epoxy plastic cups? If the plastic cups that you want to apply epoxy on are made from polyethylene and not styrofoam, then you can conveniently use epoxy on them. It is because polyethylene has a heat tolerance level of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, hence the epoxy hardens the two plastic cups together in no time.
•Plastic baby bottles
Can you epoxy plastic water bottles? Well, plastic and epoxy both contain various chemical substances so it is not a good idea to epoxy baby bottles, but it can be done with the help of a good epoxy. Keeping in mind the instructions, you can put epoxy on the baby bottles after cleaning them and then allow them to dry.
•Plastic sippy cups
On plastic sippy cups you have to be sure of having the cups made of polyethylene and not styrofoam. Polyethylene cups do not melt or get damaged. Plastic sippy cups are meant for epoxy use and you can beautify your cups with epoxy resin.
•Plastic trays
First, mix the right amount of epoxy in a measuring cup and clean the plastic tray. Spread the epoxy on the plastic tray and then allow it to dry for 24 hours.
•Plastic table
A plastic table would demand a better quality epoxy and that too in a large amount so that it gets properly stuck to the surface of the table and then you can design your plastic table in the way you want!
•Plastic radiator
Radiator epoxy is used to adhere to plastic radiators. Ensure to clean up the surface of the leak before applying the epoxy else the adhesive will not work properly in the welding work.
•Plastic tumblers
In the case of plastic tumblers, you first have to clean the tumbler with soap and water. Then read the directions to use the epoxy with the tumbler (mentioned on it). Further, add half the epoxy to the tumbler ensuring that it does not spill. Lastly, leave it for 24 hours before using the tumbler again.
•Plastic gas tank
For plastic tanks, you should use radiator epoxy or a good quality epoxy. Do not spread the epoxy on the plastic gas tank before cleaning it up properly. Also, ensure to mix up the epoxy as per the required measurements and keep into account the directions of use.
•Starbucks cups
Can you epoxy plastic starbucks cups? If you want to give a cool look to your plastic Starbucks cup then you can epoxy that too. All you need is a liquid epoxy, something to spread the epoxy, a paper towel, and a measuring cup. Then, you can epoxy Starbucks plastic cups too.
Reasons why you cannot epoxy plastic
Epoxy is a great chemical substance to harden and stick two materials together and it is widely used as an adhesive for welding tasks or in metal works as well. But, in the case of plastics, epoxy is not suitable to be used with every kind of plastic. This is for the following reasons-
•Some plastic is not suitable for epoxy
Plastics made of polycarbonates or at times polyethylene are not too suitable for epoxy. If epoxy is applied to such plastics the overall consistency of the plastic changes because the plastics are not too hard of a material to not get affected by epoxy. As a result, the plastic might break.
•Some epoxy is not a good choice for plastic
Epoxy such as radiation epoxy and some other epoxies that are used to harden double-layered substances are not a good choice for plastic. Applying them to plastics will end up creating a mess.
•All plastic is not safe for epoxy
Not all plastic is safe for epoxy. Some plastics behave differently under the influence of epoxy or resin which is why they are not suitable to be used with epoxy.
▪︎Recycled plastic
Recycled plastic is already short of plastic properties and hardness for the reason that it has been recycled. Therefore, recycled plastic is not safe for epoxy.
▪︎One-time plastic
One-time plastic is not manufactured using a high high-quality stick. It is not as hard as other plastics and it can melt or break easily if epoxy is done to such plastics. So, these plastics are also not suitable for epoxy purposes.
Can you epoxy hard plastic?
Yes, epoxy can be used for hard plastic. It acts as a reliable and durable adhesive to stick two hard plastics together. Hard plastics do not break or get damaged because of the epoxy or resin applied to them and so, it is completely fine and convenient to epoxy hard plastics if you have to join two materials with each other.
What plastic does not stick to epoxy?
The cups are made from styrofoam, plastic Tupperware, plastic bowls, and other materials that are made from low-quality and not-so-hard kinds of plastics that do not stick to epoxy. When the epoxy is applied to such plastics they simply break, ultimately leading to damage.
How do you epoxy plastic?
The following steps are to be followed for epoxy plastic-
•Clean the surface
First and foremost, clean the surface of the plastic wherein you have to apply the epoxy. Ensure that no dust or dirt should be there on the surface.
•Mix the epoxy
Take a clean container and mix the epoxy in the right proportion. To avoid spilling the epoxy, fill only half the cup.
•Apply a thin layer
Then, apply a thin layer of epoxy to the plastic surface. Do it slowly and carefully. The epoxy should not break the plastic.
•Let it dry
Leave it for 24 hours so that the epoxy can dry properly. Do not touch it by then.
•Reapply and let it cure fully
Lastly, apply the epoxy mixture again to the plastic after one layer is completely dried. Then let it rest again as long as it is cured fully.
FAQ’s
1) What’s the best epoxy for plastic?
1) Loctite Plastic Bonder is one of the best epoxies for plastics. It is also suitable to be used with PVCs, acrylic, polycarbonate, FRP, and most other plastics. This epoxy provides amazing water resistance and also it will not shrink or crack.
2) Can you epoxy a plastic tumbler?
2) Yes, you can epoxy a plastic tumbler. All you need to keep in mind is that the tumbler should be clean and no dirt should be around. Then you can mix the epoxy in the needed proportions and apply it to the tumbler and let it dry.
3) Can you resin on plastic?
3) Substances such as plastic bowls and Tupperware are known for their quality to not stick to resins. However, some hard plastics can be relied upon for the use of resin.
Conclusion
Epoxy is a strong chemical substance that is used for a lot of DIY projects such as jewelry making, craft works, etc.
Epoxy is a durable adhesive to use for plastics as well, but it can only be used with certain hard plastics and not with styrofoam.
