Glueing and painting polypropylene and similar slippery plastics.

[CosmicQuest]

Polyethylene and polypropylene are so resistant to adhesion that they can be used as the containers for the adhesives.

If adhesion is a problem, try anchoring the joint using some type of fastener. If both sides of a joint are connected to a part that can join the two areas, the whole assembly will hold together.

You can add screws, pop rivets, tabs or anything that can be glued or fastened together.

At that point, you could use some type of epoxy or other adhesive to connect the parts.

Fasteners might not be a bad way to go. I might give that option a try on a future build. Thank you Drusselmeyer!!

 

[CosmicQuest]

There are two glues that work well for bonding polypropylene. Both are made by Loctite:

• Loctite Super Glue 681925: This is a popular choice for bonding polypropylene plastics. It is a two-part cyanoacrylate adhesive that sets in seconds and develops tremendous strength with just one drop. The activator primes hard-to-bond surfaces such as polypropylene and polyethylene. It dries clear and sets without clamping.
• Loctite Plastics Bonding System: This is a two-part cyanoacrylate adhesive that sets in seconds and develops tremendous strength with just one drop. The activator primes hard-to-bond surfaces such as polypropylene and polyethylene. It dries clear and sets without clamping.

It doesn't hurt to rough up the connecting surfaces somewhat with coarse sandpaper or a wire brush.


E

Great! Thank for the tip Mr. E Man!!

 

[CosmicQuest]

I have used Bulldog adhesion promoter before repainting several plastic toys to great result. I don't know if I have used it on polypropylene specifically, but it is for polyolefin plastics so it should work. I got it from a Sherwin-Williams automotive paint shop many years ago. I used adhesion promoter, then primer, then paint.

KleanStrip Automotive

Be sure to get an appropriate respirator. In my experience even full outdoors ventilation was not sufficient.

I will make sure to take note of this product a well! Thank you moviebuff5!!