It’s a super versatile, strong glue that can be used on just about anything, including plastics and vinyl. But sometimes epoxy doesn’t stick to certain materials.
So in this article, I’ll explain what adheres to PVC pipe and plastic, and how you can make epoxy resin stick to these surfaces.
Does epoxy stick to plastic?
As its name suggests, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic. Epoxy putty is a common adhesive used in a variety of applications, including on PVC pipes and other plastic surfaces.
So can epoxy be used on pvc? The answer is yes—but only in some circumstances.
If you want to make sure that your epoxy stick to the PVC pipe, then make sure that it’s not painted or glazed. Check if any paints or coatings are already applied on your PVC pipe’s surface.
If there are any paints or coatings already applied, then remove them first before applying epoxy putty onto your pipe.
Table of Contents
Does epoxy stick to vinyl?
Epoxy does not stick to vinyl.
Epoxy has a glass hardening process, so it will not bond with PVC or vinyl as you would want it to. The glue will remain unfused and separate from the material underneath it.
Epoxy is not a good substitute for PVC or vinyl because they are both made from different materials that cannot be glued together by epoxy, even though they may look similar on the surface level, like two sides of the same coin.
What adheres to PVC?
Epoxy does not stick to PVC. PVC is a type of plastic that is used in pipes, flooring, and other construction materials. Epoxy will adhere to most sealants on PVC, but will not stick directly to the material itself.
If you want to use epoxy on a surface that has been coated with something else, it will be more likely to bond with this layer than with the plastic itself.
Will epoxy putty stick to PVC pipe?
Yes, epoxy can be used on PVC pipes. Epoxy will stick to PVC if the surface is clean and free of any grease or oil.
The best way to ensure this is by cleaning the pipe before you apply any epoxy.
To remove grease and oil from PVC pipes:
- Use a solvent like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Wear gloves when working with solvents!
- Apply alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or vodka, after using a solvent if you want to be sure that no residual dirt remains on the pipe surface
What does epoxy not stick to?
Epoxy is a great adhesive, but it doesn’t stick to everything. Epoxy bonds well with wood, plastic, and metal.
However, epoxy can’t bond to certain other materials that are commonly found in the home or workplace. Epoxy won’t stick to:
- Fiberglass
- Ceramics
- Glass
How do you apply epoxy to plastic?
Epoxy is a great material for repairing and coating plastic parts, but it’s not always the best tool for the job. Before you apply epoxy to PVC, consider these different methods:
- Plastic primer: A plastic primer is an adhesive that fills in defects in your plastic surface and helps create a strong bond between the two materials. This process may need to be repeated several times before applying epoxy.
- Plastic filler: Similar to primers, this type of product fills in cracks or crevices and strengthens surfaces with a high-quality resin suitable for use with plastics. The added benefit of using this option over simply plugging up holes with scraps of cardboard or foam board is that once it dries, you can sand down any rough spots left behind by mistakes during drilling holes or mounting hardware onto your project (rather than having to start over). That said, if there are only small gaps around screws coming through from underneath their respective surfaces (e.g., attaching them inside panels), then these might not be enough alone either—you’ll need something stronger than just glue alone!
- Epoxy adhesive system: This combination will give you better results overall because it provides both strengths from chemically bonding together various elements within one cohesive structure while also preventing corrosion due to its ability to wear off over time due to its resistance against chemical breakdowns caused by chemical reactions occurring
How do you make epoxy resin stick to plastic?
- Clean the surface of your PVC pipe with a rag and some rubbing alcohol.
- Apply the epoxy with a paintbrush, disposable plastic container, and disposable plastic paintbrush.
- Use a disposable plastic roller for larger surfaces. For example, you can use one to apply epoxy resin over a large area of PVC pipe without getting it all over yourself or having to clean up afterward.
- If you need to cut down on cleanup time even further and aren’t too worried about covering every inch of your materials, try using an old trowel or scraper (like those used in painting) as opposed to something more expensive like rollers or brushes that come with handles attached already!
How do you prepare plastic for epoxy?
Epoxy must be cured in an oven or with a heat gun. If you use the oven, preheat it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours. The temperature should not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The next step is to clean the surface of your plastic with an acetone solvent or alcohol. This will remove any dirt or waxes that are on the surface that could interfere with adhesion between the plastic and epoxy resin.
It’s very important that you do this step before applying any primer because primers seal tiny pores in plastic and prevent further absorption by epoxies in later steps!
Conclusion
Epoxy does not stick to PVC, but it does work well on vinyl. The best way to apply epoxy to plastic is by using a putty knife or other scraping tool that won’t damage the surface being coated.
If you want an adhesive that will stick well to PVC pipe and other surfaces like concrete, use an epoxy primer first before applying any kind of paint or coating later on down the road.
