How to Repair Damaged Plastic

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When a plastic item breaks, you might think it's easier to get rid of it than to try to repair it, but working with this type of material is easier than you might think.The secret to obtaining a good result lies in fusing the contact parts between the object and the piece to be reattached, so that they can form a homogeneous and solid surface again.If you can't do this using plastic-specific glue, you can try fusing the damaged edges with a soldering iron.Even a strong chemical solvent (such as acetone) can completely dissolve some types of plastic;the resulting sticky fluid, if necessary, can be applied with a brush on the object to be repaired.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Repairing Small Pieces with Glue

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  1. Step 1 Procurati un tubo di colla ad alta resistenza, specifica per la plastica.
    If you need to repair a chipped edge or reattach a fragment of an object, a tough adhesive will suffice.This specific type of glue is formulated to create bonds between surfaces at a molecular level.Look for a product that is suitable for the type of plastic you are trying to fix.[1]
    • Many standard-purpose superglues can give equally good results on plastic.
    • You can find a variety of plastic glues, superglues, and other similar craft adhesives at hardware or home improvement stores.
    • Purchase enough glue to complete the entire job.
  2. Step 2 Distribuisci la colla sui bordi del pezzo rotto.
    To ensure a secure hold, apply the adhesive to all points that will come into contact with the damaged object.Hold the tube with your dominant hand and press it lightly to release a minimum amount of glue, so there is no risk of putting too much and you avoid dirtying the work surface.[2]
    • Wear a pair of rubber gloves when using glue to prevent some of it from sticking to your skin.
  3. Step 3 Posiziona il pezzo di plastica al suo posto premendo leggermente.
    Align the edges carefully:plastic glue has a very quick setting and once it has set you will no longer be able to fix the piece.Apply light pressure for about 30-60 seconds, thus preventing the two pieces from moving before the glue hardens.[3]
    • You can help by placing tape to hold the two parts together, or by placing a weight on top of the object to keep it still.
    • For oddly shaped objects a C-clamp may be useful.
  4. Step 4 Lascia indurire la colla.
    Each glue has its own drying time, but as a general rule 1-2 hours will be enough to be able to handle the object without risking the pieces detaching again.[4]
    • Some types of glue can take up to 24 hours to fully cure.
    • Consult the instructions specified in the product packaging to ensure you follow all recommendations for use.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Melt Plastic with a Soldering Iron

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  1. Step 1 Incolla il pezzo al suo posto.
    Begin rejoining the separate pieces by securing them with strong plastic adhesive.You must have both hands free to work safely with the tools you are about to use.[5]
    • Apply just enough glue to hold the parts together.Many adhesives react to the heat of the soldering iron causing discoloration.
    • When you need to repair a crack, crevice, or clean break, the only way to get anywhere is to melt the plastic.
  2. Step 2 Fai scaldare il saldatore.
    Turn on the soldering iron and set it to the lowest temperature.While you wait for it to get to the required heat level, prepare everything you need to do the job you're about to do.The soldering iron may take several minutes to warm up.[6]
    • Do not set your soldering iron above 200°C.Melting plastic requires lower temperatures than metals.
    • Before starting, clean the soldering iron tip with a damp sponge to remove any residue from previous work.[7]
  3. Step 3 Con il saldatore sciogli i bordi della plastica.
    With the soldering iron tip, try to smooth the joint between the two surfaces as much as possible.The intense heat will instantly liquefy the plastic, making it soft on both sides, thus allowing a perfect weld.When the plastic cools, it will become hard and strong again.The repair will therefore be much more durable than simple gluing.[8]
    • When possible, do the welding at the back, so it is less visible.
    • When using a soldering iron, always wear protective glasses for your own safety.It is also advisable to use a respirator or safety mask and work in a well-ventilated area, to avoid inhaling harmful plastic smoke.[9]
  4. Step 4 Rattoppa i buchi grandi con scarti di altra plastica.
    If an entire section is missing from the item you are trying to repair, you may be able to remedy this by using a replacement piece of plastic, similar in color, texture, and thickness.Solder the patch as you would a normal break, running the soldering iron tip along the edges of the new piece until it fuses with the larger surface.[10]
    • The ideal is to use a piece of plastic of the same type as the object to be repaired, however in many cases the job will be successful even if the plastic is not exactly identical.[11]
  5. Step 5 Leviga la saldatura ottenuta per uniformarla.
    Pass the edges of the joint with coarse sandpaper (about 120) until the most obvious roughness has disappeared.Then clean the object with a damp cloth to eliminate traces of dust caused by sanding.
    • To obtain an even smoother finish, you can use coarser-grit sandpaper to eliminate more obvious imperfections (such as bumps and rough edges), then finish the job with finer-grit paper (300 grit or greater) to even out the surface. .
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Weld Plastic with Acetone

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  1. Step 1 Versa l'acetone in un contenitore di vetro.
    Take a glass, jar or cup that is deep enough and has a wide opening and pour 7-10 cm of pure acetone into it.The container should be full enough to cover several pieces of plastic.Once the job is finished, there may be residue left in the container that is difficult to remove, so use one you don't care about much.[12]
    • It is important that the container used is glass or ceramic otherwise, in addition to the plastic you are using, you will also melt the container.
    • Acetone is a dangerous liquid because it gives off potentially harmful fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area.[13]
  2. Step 2 Metti alcuni pezzi di plastica di scarto nell'acetone.
    Use a toothpick to dip them well to the bottom of the container.If necessary, add another splash of acetone to cover the tops of irregularly sized pieces.[14]
    • To get a less noticeable weld, try to find plastic that matches the color of the item you need to repair.
    • Don't touch the acetone.Skin contact may cause minor irritation.[15]
  3. Step 3 Lascia la plastica nel solvente per una notte intera.
    Soaking in acetone it will dissolve into a thick, sticky slurry.The time it takes will depend on the type of plastic you are using and its quantity.To be safe, leave it immersed for 8-12 hours.[16]
    • To speed up the process, cut or break the plastic into smaller pieces.Acetone will be able to act faster if it has more access points.[17]
    • The slurry should have a smooth and creamy consistency, free from lumps or undissolved parts, to allow the welding of other pieces.
  4. Step 4 Quando la plastica si sarà sciolta, essendo più pesante si separerà dall'acetone, posandosi sul fondo del recipiente.
    Do not throw residual solvent down a sink or toilet:you will have to dispose of it as chemical waste.Pour it into an airtight container and take it to a special waste disposal site.Filter the liquid into a glass jar, so that only the plastic slurry remains that you will use as a sealant for your repairs.[18]
    • It doesn't matter if there are residues of acetone left in the container:they will evaporate soon.
  5. Step 5 Usando un pennello, applica la sostanza ottenuta sulla superficie danneggiata.
    Dip a thin paintbrush or Q-tip into the liquefied plastic and dab the gap between the two broken pieces.Try to go as deep as possible.Continue working with the brush until you have filled cracks and crevices well.[19]
    • If possible, try to apply the material to the most hidden part of the object you are repairing, so that the repair is not noticeable.
    • Use as much plastic as necessary to get a perfect seal on the damaged item (you will probably have some leftovers).
  6. Step 6 Lascia alla plastica il tempo di indurire.
    Within a few minutes the last traces of acetone will evaporate and the fluid will form a chemical bond with the surrounding surface;in the meantime avoid touching the welded pieces.As soon as the new plastic has solidified, the item will be almost as good as new.[20]
    • The new seal will be 95% stronger than the original plastic.[21]
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Advice

  • Before investing time and effort in a complicated weld, consider whether it is worth it.If the plastic object is modest it can be easily replaced without the hassle of gluing and welding.
  • As much as possible, use glues and patches of the same type as the plastic you need to repair.
  • For more complicated projects you can use plastic ties as a resource material.They can be found in various colors, so it won't be difficult to find the perfect combination.
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Warnings

  • Always follow all safety measures when using a soldering iron.If you are unfamiliar with the tool, ask someone more experienced for help.
  • Do not smoke or use open flames when using acetone.Both the liquid and its vapors are extremely flammable.
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Things you will need

  • Plastic glue or superglue
  • Low voltage soldering iron
  • Pure acetone
  • Glass container
  • Brush or cotton swab
  • Safety mask or respirator
  • Rubber gloves
  • Coarse grit sandpaper
  • Sponge
  • Adhesive tape
  • Toothpick
  • C-clamp (optional)
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