When joining a pipe or plastic, we think about PVC cement. PVC cement is a pretty effective adhesive. Generally, you might think that PVC cement is glue. But this cement doesn’t only join the surfaces; it fuses the joining surfaces.
So, you might be confused about whether you can use PVC cement on plastic or not. Generally, all plastics are not the same.
So, you must know about the properties of different plastics and the effect of PVC cement on those plastics. Moreover, learning about the application and removal process are also essential. Let’s see details about PVC cement and its effectiveness.
PVC cement on plastic
You can use PVC cement on plastic, but the cement is not suitable for all plastics. Plastics come in different forms with different characteristics. But PVC cement is meant to be used on plastic pipes. This cement works on the plastic pipes effectively and fuses the pipe surface firmly.
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However, all plastics are not suitable to work with PVC cement. Plastics can come in varieties of forms. So, let’s see whether you can use PVC cement on these plastics or not.
ABS plastic:
If PVC cement is used on ABS plastic to connect PVC pipe with ABS pipe, you can use the PVC cement.
But you must be careful about where you are using the PVC cement. You might know that PVC cement is so strong that it can defuse the pipes together while joining.
So, if you randomly use the PVC cement on ABS plastic, the cement might fuse the plastic and ruin the entire system.
But if you use the PVC cement on an ABS drain system inside the home that connects to a PVC system inside or outside the house, you can use the cement.
Other plastic:
You can use PVC cement on different plastics. But all plastics are not suitable for PVC cement.
That’s why you can’t use PVC cement on all plastics. For example, you can’t use PVC cement on polyethylene. Because polyethylene can’t be welded with this cement.
Generally, PVC cement is suitable for vinyl-based plastics. So, this cement is not that effective for other plastics. Moreover, if the PVC cement and the joining material are incompatible, you can’t use the cement.
The joining material must be chemically fused with PVC cement. Generally, using PVC cement is like welding. So, you can’t use PVC cement on random plastics. For example, you can only use PVC cement on PVC pipes and ABS pipes.
But you can’t use this cement on polyethylene, polypropylene, and other plastics. These plastics might be ruined if you use cement on them. So, you can’t use PVC cement on other plastics.
Will PVC cement work well on plastic?
No, PVC cement will not work well on all plastics. You might want to know the effectiveness of PVC cement on plastics. So, let’s see whether PVC cement will work well on plastic.
Specific use:
Generally, PVC cement has particular and limited uses. This cement is meant to be used on vinyl-based plastics. For example, the pipeline in drainage, waste, and vent systems.
You can use PVC cement if you want to join or connect PVC pipes. But you can’t use this cement on other plastics. So, the use of PVC cement on plastic is minimal.
Welding property:
Generally, the cement works like welding and fusing the PVC pipes. The PVC cement binds the pipes strongly. But if you use PVC cement on other plastics, the plastics might be damaged by the cement.
You can’t fuse polyethylene or other plastics because these plastics are not rigid like PVC pipes. You can find alternatives to join other plastics. But you can’t use PVC cement on these plastics.
Less compatible:
PVC cement is not compatible with most plastics. Generally, this cement is only compatible with PVC-based plastics. For example, PVC pipes are used inside or outside of a building. But this cement is not compatible with most plastics.
This cement breaks down the chemical bonds in PVC pipes and joins them together. The process is called fusing or welding.
The bonded parts are so strong that they become inseparable. So, you can’t use any plastic with PVC cement. The cement might damage the plastic.
Does PVC cement melt plastic?
Yes, PVC cement melts plastic. Generally, the working or joining process of PVC cement is like welding. For example, applying the cement to two PVC pipes for joining will melt the pipes.
The chemical bonds between the PVC pipes will break down, and the plastic will melt. Then they will re-join, and a strong bond will be created between the pipes. The cement generally fuses the plastic and helps to join the pipes together.
That’s why PVC cement is not suitable for most plastics. This cement will melt and damage the plastics if the plastics are not strong, like PVC pipes. So, you can’t use the cement on any plastics.
What’s the difference between plastic glue and PVC cement?
You might think that plastic glue and PVC cement are the same things. Many people use these names interchangeably. But these two adhesive materials have differences. Let’s see what the differences between plastic glue and PVC cement are.
Compatibility:
Generally, PVC cement is not compatible with all plastics. This cement is best for joining PVC pipes.
But you can’t use this cement on other plastics. But plastic glue is compatible with many other plastics. Uses of plastic glue are not limited to one specific plastic.
Weldability:
PVC cement works like welding. When applying this cement on PVC material, this cement melts the plastic and joins two surfaces together. The cement breaks the plastic bonds and joins them together again.
But plastic glue doesn’t work like welding. This glue joins two surfaces but doesn’t melt them. Moreover, plastic glue doesn’t break the bond between two materials. This glue only joins two surfaces.
Uses:
The use of PVC cement is limited. You can use the cement on PVC-based plastics. But you can’t use this cement on all plastics. Because if you use the cement on random plastics, it might damage or ruin the plastic.
But plastic glue can be used on different surfaces. Generally, you can use plastic glue on a surface and remove it by following a method. This glue doesn’t damage the surface and is not specific to use on special plastic.
Durability:
You might know that PVC cement makes a firm and permanent bond. The bond is not separable. So, the durability of this cement is more. But plastic glue is not permanent. You can remove the bond following a process. So, this glue is less durable than cement.
Where can you use PVC glue?
You can use PVC glue on PVC-based plastic. You must keep in mind that you can’t use this glue on random plastics. The name implies that the PVC glue is meant to be used on PVC pipes. This glue is also known as PVC cement.
You can use this glue or cement on PVC pipes used for drainage and wastewater management systems.
The pipeline might be inside or outside the building. But you can use the PVC glue on the PVC pipe connection. Don’t use PVC glue on polyethylene and other lightweight plastics.
How to remove PVC cement from plastic?
Generally, PVC cement bond is inseparable. PVC cement bond is so strong that removing it becomes very difficult. But you can remove PVC cement from plastic following a process. So, let’s see how you can remove PVC cement from plastic.
Observe the cement:
First, you must observe whether the cement is dried or not. You can remove the cement from the surface without applying anything if the cement is wet. Wet cement is not bonded with the surface well.
So, there is a chance to remove it without other chemicals. But if the cement is dried, you must move to the next step.
Apply acetone:
You have to use a small amount of acetone on the dried cement. Then dab the area and wait a couple of seconds. Then remove the loosened cement. Don’t soak the cement in acetone. You must apply on a small area and then move to the next section.
Cleaning:
After removing the cement, clean the plastic well so that you can see whether there is any residue or not. Finally, clean the surface well and all residues will be cleared.
Final Thoughts
You can use PVC cement on plastic. But the plastic must be PVC-based. Otherwise, you can’t use the cement on any plastic. All plastics are not compatible with it. The cement fuses the surface of the plastic and joins them together. So, random plastics might be damaged if you use PVC cement.