Best Glue for Plastic Eyeglass Frames – Full Guide

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If you are someone who needs to wear glasses all the time or simply requires glasses for reading, one of the most irritating things that can happen is when you find yourself with a pair of broken glasses. This is something we are sure you have experienced at some point, and if you are unable to replace the glasses right away, you will have to fix them immediately. Using glue seems to be the best option to quickly fix your glasses frames, and this is a product which most of us have lying around the house. We have put together an article that will aid you in choosing the correct glue to repair your plastic eyeglass frames.

Why Use Glue to Mend Your Plastic Eyeglass Frames?

Glue is the ideal material for repairing glasses frames, and you can be certain that it will do a quick job without being a huge hassle. As a very versatile material, glue can be utilized on an assortment of materials such as plastic, wood, metal, and many more. There is hardly any limitation to how you can use glue.

Everyone has DIY repairs that need to be done around the house on an almost daily basis, and glue plays an essential role in these tasks, such as eyeglasses, ceramics, jewelry, wooden items, crafting, car parts, toys, and many more. This gives you an idea of the many uses of glue, and the best part is using glue is a budget-friendly solution.

The type of glue that is used to repair eyeglass frames is not the same form of glue that children use for craft projects, as the bond needs to be stronger to ensure that the eyeglasses pieces are stuck together properly. You will require glue that offers a very strong bond,  that offers a very strong bond without melting the plastic or damaging the eyeglasses. The weaker craft glue used by children will just not work, and neither will the strong industrial glues – you must use a glue that is compatible with plastic.

You need a form of glue that will dry clear or can be sanded down so there is little to no visual impact on the repaired area. As your glasses are always resting in the center of one’s face, and significantly impact one’s appearance, you want to ensure that there is no unsightly blob of glue that is visible for all to see. You want to ensure that you have achieved a discrete repair that is seamless, and this will be dictated by the type of glue you choose to use.

Which Type of Glue is Best for Plastic Eyeglass Frames?

When repairing plastic eyeglass frames there are a handful of glues that you can use. The majority of them are relatively versatile and will give you what you require. Whenever you need to use glue, it is best to work in an area that has good ventilation as many types of glue give off odors. As it can be quite delicate work, you will need a steady hand to ensure that you do not get glue on areas you do not want to get it.

Epoxy Resin

This form of glue is considered the most durable and strongest of all the available adhesives for repairing your plastic eyeglass frames. You receive it in packaging made up of two parts (consisting of resin and hardener), where one tube holds the hardener and the other tube contains the adhesive.  Before you can apply the epoxy to repair your glasses, you will need to combine the components.

Although epoxy resin is durable and strong, it can be difficult to work with, which can make it tricky to ensure a reliable repair. The glue creates a lot of mess when working with it and will require sanding down before it sets completely, to get rid of any rough, uneven spots. You do not want to apply too much of the adhesive, as doing so may result in the epoxy spreading over the eyeglass lenses, thus causing further damage.

UV-Activated Superglue

The product is like standard superglue, the difference being that this superglue will only begin to set when it has been exposed to ultraviolet light. This is perfect, as it means you have sufficient time to align the pieces correctly, and when you are happy you can then apply the light and allow the glue to cure. You will often receive a small UV light with this adhesive, otherwise, you will have to purchase one separately to assist in curing the glue.

You must consult the instructions that come with the packaging and follow them to ensure a strong bond is achieved. If you are unable to cure the glue completely using UV light, you can always use the natural UV light from the sun to finish the job for you. 

Superglue

This is the most popular option when it comes to glue for repairing plastic eyeglass frames. As a glue it is simple to use, very popular, dries quickly, can be applied to an assortment of surfaces, and you will not require any additional equipment to use it. Superglue for glasses offers you a strong bond that can be utilized to repair almost any household object.

However, due to how quickly it dries you do not have much time to align the pieces you wish to glue perfectly. Sometimes you will need a bit more time to ensure the pieces have been aligned correctly. Should you notice you have made a mistake once you have finished gluing, it is unfortunately impossible to undo the bond, and attempting to will just result in further damage.

Fluorescent Light Adhesive

This glue product is simple to use and the glue will cure when you place it directly under fluorescent light, which the majority of households have access to. This is a very safe adhesive to use and most DIY-ers love it. You can use it to not only fix your plastic eyeglasses frame but also to mend the glass as well.

Positive and Negative Aspects to Using Glue to Mend Spectacles

Occasionally, you will want to repair something which you, yourself have broken, this is often true when it comes to eyeglasses. You will need to ensure that the frame pieces are clean before you can begin applying glue. There are of course disadvantages to you repairing yourself. To create a lasting repair job, your ideal would have to use heat. So, depending on the extent of the damage, it might be best to replace the glasses completely or have a professional handle the repairs.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Glue

There is such a variety of superglues and glues available it can be difficult to know which is the correct one to use to repair your glasses, as the majority of them will work just as well as any other.

Adhesive Bond Strength

This dictates the weight that it can withstand before it will break; certain glues claim they can withstand thousands of pounds of weight. However, everything considered, the cured glue needs to be much stronger than the materials it is holding together. Ideally, you want the bond to be able to carry at least one hundred pounds of weight.

You should look at purchasing a glue that has a thicker viscosity, as it will offer reinforcement for your eyeglass frames while also offering a little stretch that can withstand pressure.

Durability

This refers to how long it will take for the bond to weaken and deteriorate. Some adhesives start to lose their strength in a matter of years, yet the bond formed should be able to last a lot longer. This translates to the fact that you will only be required to repair your glasses once and they will last for a long period.

Curing Time

The majority of superglues available will dry in a matter of seconds, meaning that you will be able to begin wearing your glasses again almost immediately. However, be careful of the glue drying too quickly. This will leave you with limited time for you to prepare and adjust the pieces before the glue begins to cure. If you are someone with shaky hands, it is suggested that you rather use the UV-activated superglue that offers you sufficient time to position the pieces before it cures.

Ease of Use

The majority of glues are simple to use: You just need to take the cap off the bottle and adhere the pieces together. Other glues will need you to begin by combining two compounds, and then you can apply them. You can just use superglue if your eyeglasses require a simple fix. However, should you have to fill in any pieces which are missing, or mold a section then we recommend rather using epoxy resin.

Adaptability and Compatibility

When you purchase glue for your eyeglass’s repairs, you want to make sure the glue you are buying has been formulated to work with plastic. Materials that are utilized in making eyeglass frames include polyamide, propionate polycarbonate, nylon-based plastic, and many other forms of plastic. So, you will have to select a glue that can be used on hard plastics and the container should clearly state that it can be utilized for eyeglass materials.

You can also look at purchasing multi-purpose glues that can be utilized to bond other materials such as metal, rubber, wood, ceramics, and many more. You will find that your eyeglasses are not the only object that will need repairs around the house, so rather have glue on hand that can be used on materials other than just plastic.

Price

Do not immediately opt for the cheapest glue available, although this does not mean that you need the most expensive product on the market either. Instead, purchase a product that is a lot stronger and better than simple school glue. You will be able to find a glue that can handle the job with ease and is hopefully in the middle of the price range. Try not to be dictated by a particular brand name as some of them can be relatively expensive, while there are better brands available that are a lot cheaper.

Customer Reviews

Do not just pop into the store and purchase the first glue you can find. Do your research first, and in particular, have a look at what other users and customers have had to say about a particular brand. If you locate a product that has hundreds of positive reviews, this will confirm your decision to purchase it.

Protection and Safety

Once the glue has dried, you will want to be able to wear your glasses outside and on a day-to-day basis. Thus, you will need to ensure that your glue can withstand hazards such as direct sunlight. Additionally, your glue should be waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures. You will also want your glue to be resistant to impacts, vibrations, and various pressures.

Certain plastic eyeglass pieces and glue give off a toxic smell when you apply them, so you will be required to wear gloves and a mask when working with them. Others come with warnings on the packaging such as being flammable, so take note of these warnings. However, a good option would be one of the many environmentally friendly glue options.

Design and Use

The majority of glues come in bottles or small tubes that make them simple and comfortable to handle. They also only hold a small quantity of glue, as you will only require a drop or two at a time. Most of the time you will have a nozzle on the container that assists you in the application process. The glue in these small containers will harden quickly so the container must have a resealable cap to stop this from occurring.

What Is the Best Glue for Plastic Eyeglass Frames?

There are a variety of glues available on the market, making it seem quite overwhelming to select a reliable, strong glue that is perfect for repairing your plastic eyeglass frames. You will need to select the best glue to tackle the repair yourself and do a stunning and long-lasting job. This will also ensure you save a decent amount of money.

Best Available Epoxy Resin for Repairing Plastic: J-B WELD Plastic Bonder

The adhesive is long-lasting and durable and is a perfect choice to use as glue for eyeglasses.

This adhesive is made up of two parts: being hardener and adhesive. It is a fast-setting, urethane adhesive. You will need to combine the hardener and adhesive in equal parts. This is simple to do by pushing the tube plunger and ensuring both components are completely mixed giving you a uniform color.

Once the adhesive has been applied and allowed to cure completely, the bond is unbreakable. It will take between 15 and 30 minutes to set. Once set you will be able to sand it. When it has cured, it provides a permanent hard bond with a tensile strength of 3770 (Pounds per Inch) with a slight tan color.

The adhesive comes with an exclusive dispensing system. The tube comes equipped with a syringe that provides you with the correct volume of glue to be dispensed each time. You are also able to stop the glue from hardening in the container thanks to it being resealable, and therefore you can use the glue as many times as possible.

You are also able to use this product on carbon fiber composites, metal, aluminum, concrete, tiles, and fiberglass. You can use this glue as a filler, particularly for car body repairs Thanks to it being able to be molded into an assortment of shapes, you can even use it to fix the ear of a cup should it have broken off. So, you will be able to form a brand-new part that will be much stronger than the original piece.

J-B WELD Plastic Bonder Structural Adhesive Syringe

• Fast setting for a strong and lasting bond 
• Syringe system means easy mixing and no leakage or drying out
• Bonds multiple materials, from plastics to metals, and even concrete

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Best Option for Superglue for Use On Plastic: GORILLA Superglue Gel

This particular glue is perfect for fixing your eyeglass frames. Both the formulation and the design are of top quality. The viscosity of the glue is particularly thick which means it can be applied with ease, even by a beginner. The Thicker viscosity also means it will not leave any form of overrun on the glasses.  This can be attributed to the controlled nozzle feature, making it simple to control the application. The bottle has been designed to make it comfortable to hold and you will not have to brace the broken piece together or squeeze the bottle.

The glue dries fast, only taking between 10 and 45 seconds to be completely set and cured. When it has set, the reinforced strength is superb, and your repaired glasses will have heightened impact resistance. So, you will even be able to wear them safely when you are playing sports.

This is a very versatile glue and can be used effectively on an assortment of materials such as ceramics, rubber, leather, wood, paper, and many more.

GORILLA Super Glue Gel

• No run control gel formula that is great for use on vertical surfaces
• Gorilla tough anti-clog cap helps keep glue from drying out
• Specially formulated for increased impact resistance and strength

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Best Option for UV Light Glue for Plastic: BONDIC LED UV Liquid Plastic Welder

This is one of the best adhesives available on the market for fixing your plastic eyeglass frames and comes with many positive reviews and recommendations. This product is significantly stronger than standard glue and can be utilized to build up the material. This is a simple-to-use adhesive and is mess-free. The glue comes in a pen applicator and is perfect to use when you require a quick fix.

You will create a permanent bond within just five to ten seconds once you have applied the UV light, this gives you sufficient time to reposition the pieces if so required and will not require clamps or clips. The formulation is heat resistant, odorless, environmentally safe, waterproof, and non-toxic. It can be used on an assortment of materials such as craft projects, stainless steel, jewelry, wood, ceramics, plastics, and many more. The kit includes a glue pen, LED UV light, two tubes of liquid adhesive, and 15″ x 15″ cloth, in a metal case. To ensure the best results you must consult and follow the instructions carefully.

BONDIC LED UV Liquid Plastic Welder

• 100% waterproof and heat-resistant
• Dries to a clear bond that can be sanded
• Not just a glue, can be used to build and fill a surface as well

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Fixing Your Broken Eyeglass Frame

As noted from the above information, the ideal method to repair your broken glasses frame is to simply use glue. We have already been through the different types of glue available and what to consider when buying the glue. Now it is time for us to deal with how you go about repairing the frame. We need to determine two things: is the frame made from metal or plastic, and is the frame broken, or simply bent?

Repairing Plastic Eyeglass Frames

Unlike other types of frames, plastic frames tend to break much easier. Most of the time you will be able to simply use household objects and repair your plastic frames yourself and be able to wear your glasses again in a matter of hours. There are two main problems in terms of repairing glasses frames, those being broken frames or bent frames.

How to Fix Glasses Arm With Glue

Glue is the go-to medium to use when fixing your plastic eyeglass frames, and the perfect glue for the job is superglue. By simply following the steps, you will know how to fix the glasses’ arm with glue and they will be ready to wear again within the hour.

• To begin you will require superglue, a clean cloth, some warm water, and alcohol. To get the surface ready you can utilize some fine sandpaper. With the clean cloth and the alcohol, wipe the area you need to repair clean and allow it time to dry.
• Carefully apply some superglue for glasses to the affected area. Ensuring that it is in the right position, hold the frame securely for roughly one minute to assist in strengthening the bond. If you are unable to steadily hold the frame, you might require a form of support to ensure the frame remains stable.
• Rest the frame for roughly five minutes and then place the frame into the warm water. Now you will be able to reshape the bridge or the arm. You can work it until it adjusts to fit your face correctly and comfortably.

How to Fix Broken Plastic Glasses Bridge

When you have to repair the broken bridge of your glasses, you will require a more detailed repair as the bridge is the strongest part of your glasses. The following steps will advise you on how to fix a broken plastic glasses bridge and you will end up with glasses that will last much longer.

• Gather together the tools you will require, which are two rubber bands, a clean cloth, hobby knife, clear superglue, tape, alcohol, 1mm drill bit, a flat stick, and cotton. You need to get cotton in a color that is as close as possible to that of the plastic frame.
• If need be, you can use some fine sandpaper to prepare the surface. Take the clean cloth and the alcohol and wipe the section clean, then allow it time to dry sufficiently.
• Cut the flat stick so that it can fit on the inside of the glasses between the two arms. Using some wax paper, wrap the stick so that you protect the lenses during gluing. You could alternatively use a soft cloth. Line up the glasses and the stick and use the rubber bands to clamp them together, placing one over each lens.
• You can now apply the superglue for glasses carefully to the break and leave it for an hour so it can cure. You can choose to stop at this stage, or you can continue with the next steps to ensure an even better repair job.
• Drill two small holes on either side of the break using the drill bit. Using the cotton thread, tie one end to the arm and thread the other end through the holes, and wind around the fixed section on the other side.
• Fill the holes with the superglue, allowing the glue to soak into the cotton. It will take between 15 and 20 minutes for the glue to set. Using a knife, you can now remove the cotton. It is ok that a tiny amount of thread remains in the hole. Next take another length of thread and tape one end of it to the area just above the lenses, at the top of the frame.
• Cover the whole bridge section by wrapping the thread around it, then tape the thread down on the frame over the other lens, but do not trim it off. This ensures that the thread will be unable to unravel and remains taut.
• You can now apply glue to the wrapped thread and allow a few minutes for it to cure. Next un-tape the thread’s ends and reverse wrap it around the entire bridge area. Again, take the glue and soak the wrapped thread and allow a few more minutes for the glue to cure. You can then trim the thread and then set the glasses aside for 24 hours to completely cure and then you can use your glasses once again.

How to Repair a Bent Plastic Glasses Arm

If the arm of your plastic glasses frame has been bent, you need to be very careful when straightening it, as applying too much force can result in the plastic breaking. If you stick to the steps we have put together, your glasses will be perfect once more.

• It is necessary to apply heat to make it possible to bend the frames without further damaging them. You can achieve this by filling the kettle and allowing it to come to a boil. You can then hold the glasses frame over the steam, being careful to not burn yourself. The steam will heat the plastic making it supple. By hand, you can then bend the frame into the correct position again.
• Never use a naked flame directly over the frame as it will cause irreparable damage. Once you have finished bending the frame back into place, you can allow it to cool down.

Repairing Metal Eyeglass Frames

Metal is a stunning and reliable material to use for eyeglass frames. That being said, it can also be fragile and thin, so you must take good care of your metal frame glasses. It is not a huge concern if your metal frames do become damaged as you can fix them with ease using glue for metal glasses frames.

Exactly like plastic frames, two main issues will require repairs, namely broken frames, or bent frames.

You can use glue for metal glasses frames to repair your metal glasses frames, however, it is a little harder to use than with plastic-framed eyeglasses. You can potentially use glue to fix the frame, but as metal is thin it might not last long. Ideally, metal frames should be welded utilizing precision and special equipment. If it is not welded properly, they may no longer fit comfortably on your face. So, we highly recommend you rather turn to professionals to handle the problem.

As a metal eyeglass frame is fairly thin, it can be bent easily. This can be seen as a positive as it can be just as easy to straighten. If you follow the steps we have put together you will be able to repair your glasses with ease.

On a flat surface, place your glasses down and note which of the sides lifts off the surface – that is the side you will have to straighten. Use a small pair of long-nosed pliers and on the end you wish to straighten, apply a little pressure. Be careful as you can cause additional damage if too much pressure is applied. If you are still sitting with a problem, you can use a hairdryer to heat the frame, and then follow the same steps, you must never use an open flame.

It might seem like a huge inconvenience breaking your glasses, but it is quite simple to fix plastic eyeglass frames with the use of glue. You can have your glasses frames usable once again in a matter of hours, depending on which glue you use. The steps given will assist you to be able to repair your eyeglass frames with ease.

Tutorial on How to Repair Plastic Eyeglasses with Glue

It might seem like a huge inconvenience breaking your glasses, but it is quite simple to fix plastic eyeglass frames with the use of glue. You can have your glasses frames usable once again in a matter of hours, depending on which glue you use. The steps given will assist you to be able to repair your eyeglass frames with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Eyeglasses Be Damaged by Heat?

If your glass lenses have been coated in any type of coating such as anti-reflective, heat can result in damage to the coating on the lenses. So, take extra care should you need to apply heat to your glasses when repairing them.

Which Is the Ideal Glue to Use On Plastic Eyeglass Frames?

The best glue seems to be superglue which is an affordable product that offers a strong bond, works in seconds and is something found in most homes. There are such a variety of uses for superglue in the home, and it can even be used for school projects and crafts.

Will Gorilla Glue Work to Fix My Plastic Glasses Frame?

Gorilla glue offers one of the strongest bonds for plastic and has been specifically formulated to bond with glass, making it the ideal option for repairing glasses frames.

Once Glued, How Long Will the Frame Last?

This is all dependent on how strong the bond is, which type of glue for eyeglasses you have used and if you followed the right steps when repairing the glasses frame. Most repairs done using glue are not permanent and might only last you a short while until your next eye appointment when you can then purchase new frames.