Material guide
Gluing Polystyrene
Brittle clear or coloured plastic used for CD cases, model kits and disposable items.
Also called model kit plastic, PS, recycling code 6.
How Polystyrene behaves when you bond it
Dissolves readily in the solvent cements sold for plastic modelling, giving a true weld. That same sensitivity means an unsuitable adhesive can melt a visible scar into the surface.
Solid polystyrene is a rigid, often brittle thermoplastic with a receptive surface but high sensitivity to stress cracking and strong solvents. Solvent cement can create a weld, while an uncontrolled solvent-bearing adhesive can craze or deform the part.
Material properties
- Surface energy
- Medium
- Porosity
- Non-porous
- Rigidity
- Rigid
- Maximum service temperature
- 70C
- Normally needs abrading
- No
- Normally needs a primer
- No
- Solvent sensitive
- Yes. Solvent-based adhesives can craze or dissolve the surface.
- Solvent to avoid
- Acetone (Permabond warns that acetone can attack polystyrene and recommends isopropanol or other mild cleaners if cleaning is needed.) Manufacturer verified
Surface preparation
Permabond permits as-received bonding when clean. If cleaning is needed, use isopropanol or another mild cleaner and avoid acetone. Minimise hoop stress, excess adhesive and uncured dwell. Use a polystyrene-specific cement for welding and a compatible clear adhesive for visible joints.
Which adhesives work on Polystyrene
Excellent
Solvent cement
Solvent cement is rated excellent for this material as an application-level assessment, not as a blanket manufacturer claim. Suitability still depends on the other substrate, joint design and service environment.
Good
Cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate is rated good for this material as an application-level assessment, not as a blanket manufacturer claim. Suitability still depends on the other substrate, joint design and service environment.
Good
UV cure adhesive
UV cure adhesive is rated good for this material as an application-level assessment, not as a blanket manufacturer claim. Suitability still depends on the other substrate, joint design and service environment.
Last reviewed 8 October 2026.