The Best Adhesives for Cast Acrylic sheets and How to Use Them

Panels World
6 days ago
2 min read

Cast acrylic is a versatile material used for everything from signage and displays to glazing and DIY projects. One of the most common questions we get is:

What glue or adhesive should I use to install or bond acrylic?

It depends on the type of application. Below, we’ll go through the best adhesives for acrylic and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving clean, professional results.

The Best Adhesives for Acrylic

1. Solvent Cements (Weld-On / SCIGRIP Range)

These are the standard for acrylic-to-acrylic bonding. Instead of simply sticking surfaces together, solvent cements actually chemically weld the acrylic by softening and fusing the edges.

SCIGRIP/Weld-On 3 or 4 – Water-thin, designed for perfectly machined, tight-fitting joints.
SCIGRIP/Weld-On 16 – Thicker consistency, better for small gaps.
SCIGRIP/Weld-On 40 – Two-part adhesive for structural or load-bearing applications.

Pros: Strong, clear, permanent bonds.

Cons: Requires precise application; not suitable for large gaps.

2. Epoxy (2-Part Clear Adhesive)

If you need to bond acrylic to other materials like metal, glass, or wood, a clear two-part epoxy is a great choice.

Pros: Versatile, strong, bonds dissimilar materials.

Cons: Not optically clear; joints may show.

3. Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)

Super glue works in a pinch, but it can leave a white "frosting" on acrylic and isn’t recommended for large or visible joins.

Pros: Quick, easy, good for small repairs.

Cons: Weak on larger surfaces, may discolour.

4. Mounting Adhesives (for installation)

If you’re installing acrylic panels or signage rather than edge-joining, you’ll want a mounting solution:

3M VHB Tape – Double-sided acrylic foam tape that offers incredible strength and instant adhesion. Ideal for flat mounting.
Neutral-Cure Silicone – Provides flexibility and vibration resistance. Great for uneven surfaces or outdoor installs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bond Acrylic with Solvent Cement

If you’re looking for that seamless, professional finish, here’s how to use solvent cement (like SCIGRIP 4):

What You’ll Need:

Cast acrylic sheets, cut and polished
Solvent cement (SCIGRIP/Weld-On 3, 4, or 16)
Applicator bottle with needle tip (for precision)
Clamps or right-angle jig
Clean, lint-free cloth

Instructions:

Prepare the edges
- Ensure the acrylic edges are smooth, square, and free of dust. Flame-polished edges should be avoided, as they can cause bubbles.
Set up your joint
- Position the acrylic pieces in place using clamps or a jig. The tighter the fit, the stronger and clearer the joint.
Apply the solvent cement
- Using a needle applicator, run the solvent cement along the joint line. Capillary action will draw it between the sheets.
Let it bond
- Hold the pieces steady for at least 5–10 minutes. Do not disturb the joint during this time.
Cure fully
- Light handling is possible after a few hours, but full strength develops after 24–48 hours.