Silicone is great stuff. It's flexible, waterproof, and heat-resistant, which makes it useful for tons of projects. But finding the right glue to bond it can be tricky. Regular adhesives often fail because silicone's surface is non-porous and chemically inert. So, I've tested a bunch of glues to find the ones that actually work. These are my top picks for getting a strong, lasting bond with silicone.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Loctite Super Glue Gel Control: Best overall for small silicone repairs.
- Permatex 82180 Surface Prep Activator: Essential for preparing silicone surfaces for bonding.
- Sil-Poxy: Ideal for bonding silicone to silicone, especially in crafts and hobbies.
- 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005: Strongest industrial adhesive for silicone, requires a dispensing gun.
- DAP 00688 Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant: Great for sealing and bonding silicone in wet environments.
Top 5 Best Glue For Silicone
1. Loctite Super Glue Gel Control
Loctite Super Glue Gel Control is a fantastic all-around adhesive, especially handy for quick fixes involving silicone. The gel formula prevents drips and runs, giving you more control when applying it to smaller surfaces. It sets quickly and forms a strong bond on various materials, including some types of silicone when used with a surface prep.
Pros:
- ✅ Non-drip gel formula offers excellent control.
- ✅ Sets quickly, reducing the need for clamping.
- ✅ Works on various materials, making it versatile for household repairs.
Cons:
- ❌ May not bond well with all types of silicone without surface preparation.
- ❌ Bond strength can be affected by temperature and humidity.
- ❌ Can be brittle and prone to cracking under stress.
Verdict: Best for small, quick silicone repairs where precision is key. Use with a surface prep for best results.
2. Permatex 82180 Surface Prep Activator
The Permatex 82180 Surface Prep Activator isn't technically a glue, but it's an essential product to prep the silicone surface. It significantly enhances the adhesion of many glues to silicone surfaces. By chemically altering the silicone, it creates a more bondable surface for adhesives to grip onto. Think of it as a primer for glue!
Pros:
- ✅ Dramatically improves adhesion of glues to silicone.
- ✅ Easy to apply with a simple wipe-on application.
- ✅ Works with a wide range of adhesives, including cyanoacrylates (super glues).
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a separate adhesive for actual bonding.
- ❌ Can affect the appearance of some silicones. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
- ❌ Only effective if used correctly according to instructions.
Verdict: An indispensable product for anyone needing to bond silicone reliably. Always use this before applying glue.
3. Sil-Poxy
Sil-Poxy is specifically designed for bonding silicone to silicone. If you're working on a project that involves joining silicone parts, this is the adhesive you need. It creates a flexible, waterproof bond that can withstand stretching and bending, making it ideal for crafts, cosplay, and model making. I've used it to repair silicone molds for resin casting, and it worked perfectly.
Pros:
- ✅ Specifically formulated for silicone-to-silicone bonding.
- ✅ Creates a flexible and durable bond.
- ✅ Waterproof and resistant to many chemicals.
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for bonding silicone to other materials.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than general-purpose adhesives.
- ❌ Requires careful application to avoid air bubbles.
Verdict: The go-to choice for any project that requires bonding silicone to itself.
4. 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005
3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 is a heavy-duty industrial adhesive designed for bonding low surface energy plastics, including silicone. This two-part acrylic adhesive provides exceptional strength and durability, making it suitable for demanding applications. It's often used in manufacturing and automotive industries where a reliable bond is critical.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides the strongest bond for silicone compared to other adhesives.
- ✅ Resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and impacts.
- ✅ Suitable for bonding silicone to a wide range of other materials.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a specialized dispensing gun for mixing and application.
- ❌ Longer cure time compared to super glues.
- ❌ More expensive and complex to use than other options.
Verdict: Best for industrial applications or projects where maximum bond strength is essential. Not ideal for casual DIYers.
5. DAP 00688 Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant
DAP Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant is a versatile product that works as both an adhesive and a sealant. It's excellent for creating waterproof seals around silicone parts, as well as bonding them together. It remains flexible and resists cracking, making it suitable for applications where movement or vibration is present. I've used this to seal around a silicone hose in my aquarium setup with great success.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for sealing and bonding silicone in wet environments.
- ✅ Remains flexible and resists cracking over time.
- ✅ Easy to apply with a standard caulk gun.
Cons:
- ❌ Lower bond strength compared to specialized silicone adhesives.
- ❌ Requires a longer curing time.
- ❌ Can be messy to apply and clean up.
Verdict: Best for sealing and bonding silicone in applications where waterproofing is important.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right glue for silicone depends heavily on your specific project. First, consider the type of silicone you're working with. Some silicones are more difficult to bond than others. Always check the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations to ensure compatibility.
Next, think about the materials you're bonding the silicone to. If you're bonding silicone to another material, choose an adhesive that is compatible with both surfaces. If you're only bonding silicone to itself, a silicone-specific adhesive like Sil-Poxy is your best bet.
Bond strength is another critical factor. For demanding applications, a high-strength adhesive like 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 is necessary. For less critical repairs, a super glue gel or silicone sealant may suffice.
Finally, consider the application method. Some adhesives require specialized equipment, such as a dispensing gun. Others are easy to apply with a simple squeeze tube. Choose an adhesive that you are comfortable using.
Don't forget surface preparation! Cleaning the silicone surface with a solvent like isopropyl alcohol can improve adhesion. For best results, use a surface prep activator like Permatex 82180.
FAQs
Q: Will regular super glue work on silicone?
A: Regular super glue may provide a weak bond on silicone, but it's generally not recommended without surface preparation. The bond is often brittle and unreliable.
Q: How do I prepare silicone for gluing?
A: Clean the silicone surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any contaminants. For best results, use a surface prep activator like Permatex 82180 before applying the adhesive.
Q: Can I use silicone sealant as an adhesive?
A: Yes, silicone sealant can be used as an adhesive, especially in applications where waterproofing is important. However, it typically provides lower bond strength compared to specialized silicone adhesives.
Q: What is the best glue for bonding silicone to plastic?
A: 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 is a good option for bonding silicone to plastic due to its high strength and compatibility with low surface energy materials. Always prepare the surface properly first.
Conclusion
Finding the right glue for silicone can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right information, you can achieve a strong and lasting bond. Whether you're working on a small repair or a large-scale industrial project, there's a silicone adhesive out there that will meet your needs. Remember to consider the type of silicone, the materials you're bonding it to, and the required bond strength when making your selection. And don't forget to prepare the surface properly for best results!
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