plastic welding and fabrication illustration – photo courtesy of plasticweldingandfabrication.com
Plastic is everywhere because it is durable, lightweight and inexpensive. Even so, plastic sometime breaks and knowing how to repair it can save you a lot of money.
Plastic Repair
There are two basic ways to repair plastic: glue and welding. The method you choose depends upon the type of plastic you are working with and the nature of the damage. If the damage is severe, you should probably call a company that provides plastic welding services instead of tackling the repair yourself.
Glue
Glue is great for a small crack, especially if there won’t be any strain on the repair. Make sure that you get a glue that will work with the type of plastic you are trying to repair. The glue package will often provide that information. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before starting. Wipe off excess glue to give the repair a smoother look.
Welding
As with metal, welding uses heat to repair holes and cracks in plastic. You will need a few tools: an iron, a utility knife, metal mesh and some filler. Be sure to clean the surface before making the repair, then cut a piece of the mesh to cover the break. It’s best to place this on the underside of the crack when possible. Use the heating tool to gently melt the plastic under the mesh. Don’t heat the area too much or you will create a hole. Let the area cool between treatments. When you have finished the underside, turn the piece over. If a crack is visible, you can use a piece of filler to cover it. Some plastic welding kits come with filler, or you can shave a small section off of the piece you are repairing. Use the iron to heat the filler until it flows into the crack.
Plastic welding is a useful skill to learn in order to repair plastic pieces that break. It’s easy to get a kit and save yourself some money.