Accidents are inevitable, whether big or small. And when comes a car bumper, it is one of the common exterior parts of the car that gets various damage issues. But the good thing is you can repair car bumper damage without emptying your pockets by taking it to the car repair service.
However, the problem is that there are many car damage repair glue available on the market. So it is challenging to choose a glue without knowing if it will do the job properly. But the good thing is, a few weeks ago, I had to fix my car bumper, and it made me test various glue.
So after a long search and a few types of glue later, I found a few effective plastic glues. While I think all of them did a pretty good job, let’s go through the reviews to check which is the best glue for car bumper repair.
Best Glue For Car Bumper Repair ( Honestly Reviewed )
It is challenging to pick one glue since all my top picks turned out great. But here is the best of all, according to my experience.
1. Best Glue: K Tool International Q Bond Adhesive Kit
Top Features
- Strong bonding strength
- Quick-drying
- Becomes hard after curing, which is suitable for sanding
- Easy to mix and apply
- Heat and water-resistant
What I Didn’t Like
- The bottles clog quickly
- Does not have a long shelf life
The Q-Bond adhesive from k Tool International is one of the quickest, strong, and most durable glue to fix car bumper cracks and damages. I found this two-part adhesive with 2 bottles a few months ago, and it turned out to be the best glue for car bumper repair.
But before I dive in further, let’s talk about why it has two different pairs of bottles. These different adhesives serve different purposes. The one with the black lid is for repairing plastic parts, while the grey one is for metal surfaces and those with grey plastic parts.
These are two-part glue solutions. So you will find that one container has liquid glue while the other has powder. You need to mix them to prepare the glue before applying them to the bumper. The area you fix needs to be prepared and properly cleaned so that the glue can bond the crack.
As for its bonding strength, I was amazed at how quickly the glue dried on my bumper. Though the label says 10 seconds, it took around 15-30 seconds to dry completely, which is still pretty impressive. Moreover, the glue can resist heat up to 365°F/180°C and is waterproof.
I kept my car bumper separate to let the glue heal overnight and found the glue rock hard the next morning. It helped with all the sandings and cleaning because if it hadn’t cured into a hard surface, sanding it would have been hectic.
But what bothered me was the sealing system. You get 2 pins to open the glue bottles’ seals. However, the lids do not ensure an airtight sealing after opening them. Though my glue still appears to be okay, I am not sure how long they will stay like this without drying.
Product Summary
- Size: 3.52 ounces
- Drying Time: 15-30 seconds
- Compatibility: Plastic, metal, PVC, ceramics, rubber, leather, etc.
2. Best Value: J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive
Top Features
- Reliable and long-lasting glue
- Comes at a budget-friendly price
- Cures pretty quickly
- Has a sealing cap
- Easy to maintain an accurate ratio
- Versatile glue and suitable for various surfaces
What I Didn’t Like
- The glue turns black after curing, making it more suitable for black surfaces
- Does not include an applicator
The J-B Weld is one of the most recognized glue brands that offer various robust epoxy glue. And the J-B Weld 50139 glue has been one of my favourites and most-used glue for several years. I prefer this glue over others because of its versatility and affordability.
The containers come with enough epoxy and hardener that last several uses. And I have fixed several things from plastic car parts and appliances to ceramic and fibreglass. And the glue never disappointed me. And when it came to fixing car plastic parts like the bumpers, it worked efficiently.
The glue’s drying time varies depending on the type of surface I apply it on, which is always between 15-20 minutes. Though it cures in about an hour, I would recommend leaving it for 6-12 hours for the best result.
However, the downside of the J-B Weld 50139 Epoxy Adhesive is that it turns black once it cures, which is not suitable for light colour cars unless you decide to paint it. But I would say it is one of the best epoxy glue on the market at the best price.
Product Summary
- Size: 4 ounces
- Drying Time: 15-20 minutes
- Compatibility: Plastic, fibreglass, wood, PVC, ceramic, concrete, etc.
3. Best All-Purpose Glue: Rhino Glue Gel
Top Features
- Super strong glue
- Bonds almost everything quickly
- Robust curing capacity at a short time
- Easy to apply
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Water and collision-resistant
What I Did Not Like
- Risky to use without gloves
- Comparatively expensive
Just like a rhino, the Rhino Glue Gel is a strong, powerful, durable glue suitable for various projects. If you are familiar with Gorilla Glue, you will know how this one works. Nevertheless, here is everything I experienced with this glue.
It is a one-part liquid glue, and you can apply it on various surfaces with the nozzle. I found that applying a thin layer of glue works better than thick or multiple layers. While fixing the car bumper crack, the glue took about a minute to dry completely and cured in less than 12 hours.
But let me tell you that you cannot use this glue without wearing safety gloves. This glue is so strong and dries so quickly that you will find your fingers sticking together if you do not wear gloves. Moreover, it is best to work with this glue in an open or well-ventilated area because you can feel the strong fumes coming out of the glue.
After using the glue, tap the bottle on a hard surface so that the glue on the nozzle goes down. And make sure to store the glue in the upright position to prevent spilling.
Product Summary
- Size: 2.36 ounces
- Drying Time: 30-60 seconds
- Compatibility: Plastic, wood, glass, fibreglass, ceramic, porcelain, PVC, canvas, fabrics, etc.
4. Temporary Alternative: 3M 08061 Plastic and Emblem Adhesive
Top Features
- Easy to apply
- Suitable for commercial and industrial use
- Dries pretty fast
- Resists water and heat
- Dries into a transparent colour
What I Didn’t Like
- Not very durable
- Only suitable for plastics and emblems applications
- Comparatively expensive
If you need a quick solution to fix the car bumper, the 3M 08061 Plastic and Emblem Adhesive will work just fine for you. It comes in a tube with a tight lid, which makes it easy to use and store after each use.
I noticed the glue works fine on plastic surfaces, such as the car bumper. But you can also use it to emblem the car logos. And it dries impressively faster than I thought it would. However, it took 24 hours to cure before I could use the bumper.
But be careful when handling it because the glue is a bit runny. The glue is more suitable for industrial or commercial use than household or DIY repair. Yet, it worked fine for the time being. I would say professionals can handle the glue better than consumers.
Product Summary
- Size: 4.9 ounces
- Drying Time:
- Compatibility: Plastic surfaces, emblem application
Choosing The Best Glue For Car Bumper Repair
What should the best glue for car bumper repair have? Well, it should have everything that the user requires and be worth the money. This buying guide will help you know what to look for and consider when buying glue for repairing a car bumper.
Damage Type
Before picking the glue, make sure you know what type of damage the bumper has suffered because it will determine which type of glue you need. If it is a light scratch, you might not need a strong glue but something that will cover it up. On the other hand, if it’s a deep scratch or parts coming loose, you need strong glue.
Glue Type
There are several types of glue available to fix car bumpers and other plastic parts. You will find anything from liquid super glue to solid putty to fix various damages. Some temporary damages even get fixed just by using double-sided tapes.
Superglue and epoxy glue are more suitable for doing serious repair work. They are more robust, strong, and durable.
Colour
You do not want the glue colour to pop out and make the car bumper look a century old. That is why I always recommend purchasing transparent glue, which will not change colour after drying and healing. But if you do not mind repainting over the glued area, feel free to choose any durable glue.
Container Size
How big or small is the damage to the car bumper? There is no need to spend extra money on a larger container if the damage is small.
You will find various small glue tubes or containers that will cover up everything. But if there is extended damage, it is best to go for larger containers or those that come with money-saving options.
Ease Of Application
The application process should be easy because the ones that are tough to apply can mess up the work further. You can choose the glue containers that come with applications or nozzles.
But epoxy that comes in two parts in separate containers may not always come with an applicator. And you will need to use popsicle sticks to mix and apply it.
Drying And Curing Time
The drying and curing time of the glue is essential to look into. Fast-drying glue is better than drying slowly, but it shouldn’t dry too fast before finishing the task. And while most car parts repair glue takes 8-12 hours to cure completely, it is best to leave them alone for at least 24 hours.
Resistance
The car bumper goes through many things, including various weather and temperature changes. So it is essential to ensure the glue will not wear off if it comes in contact with water or heat. The good thing is most car bumper repair glues are heat and water-resistant
Strength
Do not forget that the glue’s essential quality should be a strength because its main job will be repairing. So it is wise not to spend on low-quality glue because they are neither strong nor durable. Though super glue is strong, you can choose epoxy glue if you want something more durable.
Shelf Life
Talking about durability, you also need to consider how long the glue lasts before drying out. You might not need all the glue in the container and keep the leftover for later use. But what if you find the glue dried and unsuitable for use at the time?
That is why it is better to know the shelf life of the glue you choose. Some high-quality glue tends to stay usable for a year, while others can expire in a few weeks.
Price
I know glue is not expensive, but there is no harm in looking for the best glue for car bumper repair at an affordable price. Generally, the price depends on the brand, size of the container, and type of glue. So keeping these in mind, you can look for glue at a reasonable price.
How To Fix Cracks In A Car Bumper With Glue
If you are fixing the car bumper with epoxy glue, you need to follow a few steps. But make sure that you have the essential tools and equipment before starting the crack repair process.
Things You Will Need
- Epoxy glue
- Rotating grinder
- Sandpaper
- Acetone/Rubbing Alcohol
- Paper towel
- Locking clamp
- Cleaning cloth
- Masking tape
- Drywall tape
- Filler
- Primer
- Spray paint that matches your car colour
Step 1: Grind Around The Cracked Area
Grinding helps increase repairable surface area and gives better access when you apply glue. So you should start the repairing process by grinding the cracked area with a rotating grinder. Make sure to reach every inch so that you can apply glue evenly.
Step 2: Sand The Area And Clean It With Acetone
Then take 40-grit sandpaper and sand over the cracked edges. It will roughen up the cracked area a little. After that, pour some acetone or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub on the cracked area. You need to rub both the inside and outside areas of the bumper with acetone.
Step 3: Close The Crack With A Clamp
Once the area is clean, take a locking clamp to lock the crack. Just hold both bumper parts together and lock it with the clamp keeping the cracked parts as close as possible.
Step 4: Put On Masking Tape
Take some masking tape and tape over the entire crack that you just locked with the clamp. Use as much tape as you need to ensure the cracked parts stay together. You should be putting the masking tape only on the outside area of the bumper.
Step 5: Mix Epoxy And Apply Glue Layer
Now it’s time to apply epoxy glue to the crack on the bumper’s inside area. Since the epoxy glue comes in two parts, you need to pour the parts on a paper plate or cardboard. If the glue does not come with an applicator, you can use a popsicle stick to mix them. Then carefully apply the epoxy over the crack that the tapes are holding together from the other side.
Step 6: Enforce With Drywall Tape And Apply Another Layer
Though it can be optional, you can put on some pieces of drywall tapes over the glued area. It will help enforce the crack and create a stronger bond. After putting the tapes on, apply another layer of epoxy over them.
Step 7: Let The Epoxy Dry And Cure
The glueing part ends with the second layer or coat of the application. Now, it is time to let the glue dry and cure. You can leave the bumper alone overnight so that the glue cures completely and becomes hard.
Step 8: Remove The Clamp And Masking Tapes
Next, remove the clamp that helped join the cracks together. And also, take off all the masking tapes you put over the external surface of the bumper. You will notice the crack appears smoother than before.
Step 9: Sand The Area And Clean It
Then use 220-grit sandpaper to sand over the area a bit. This will roughen up the surface and help carry on the next process. But after you finish sanding, make sure to clean around the area with a clean fabric or piece of cloth.
Step 10: Apply Filler And Sand
To get a better result, in the end, you can apply some car body-part filler over the crack. I recommend using a good-quality plastic body-part filler if you want it to be more durable. And once the filler dries and becomes hard, sand it with 80-grit sandpaper. Once you remove the excess filler from the crack, use 320-grit sandpaper for sanding the area again.
Step 11: Apply Primer And Wetsand The Area
Before applying the primer, pour rubbing alcohol or acetone on a paper towel and clean the bumper surface well. It will help remove any remaining dust and grease so that the primer can set well. Then apply spray primer all over the surface and wait for it to dry.
You can apply a second layer of the primer if needed before you wet sand the area. Then use a clean wet rag to clean the entire bumper surface. Wash the rag in between cleaning if it gets dirty.
Step 12: Spray Paint The Bumper
Follow the spray paint mixing application to prepare the paint. It should match your car bumper or car colour. Spray the first coat of the paint and then spray a second coat after it dries. You need to wait a few hours for the paint to dry completely before installing the bumper back into the vehicle.
Types Of Glue For Car Bumper Repair
Nowadays, you can find various types of glue for repairing car bumpers or other plastic parts of the vehicle. I was surprised by the variety of glue I came across during my search. So I decided to mention all of them here.
Super Glue
Everyone knows about super glue because it is applied to repair many types of damage, including broken parts. Super glue is very thin and comes in the form of liquid. This glue is strong and durable.
However, super glue is not suitable for fixing metals because the glue is not strong enough to hold metals together. But they are suitable for repairing car bumpers and last a long time.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy glue is stronger and more durable, making it more suitable for repairing car bumpers. It is also known as a two-part adhesive because the glue comes as a two-part solution requiring mixing or prep work.
You get one-part resin and one-part hardener or healing agent in the pack. The amount of resin and hardener required to be mixed for preparing the glue comes with the instruction part. The best thing about epoxy glue is that it is water and heat-resistant.
Putty/Moldable Glue
Putty or moldable glue is also a kind of epoxy glue. But instead of liquid, this glue comes in a solid form. You need to knead the putty for a few minutes to mix the parts before applying it to any surface.
However, putty glue is not suitable for all surfaces. Putty glue works best to repair gaps and holes. But if they do not match the surface colour, you have to paint the surface if you do not want the blue colour to stand out.
Double-Sided Tape
If the bumper requires a temporary repair, there is no better option than using double-sided tapes. It is not a robust glue solution, yet it can do the job for the time being. This tape is easy to work with and saves unnecessary repair expenses.
Safety Measures For Applying Glue
Here are some safety measures you should consider when mixing or applying any glue.
Read The Instruction And Follow It
The first rule to working with glue is to read the instructions. Depending on the brand and type of glue, the application process, drying, and healing time varies. That is why it is essential to read the instruction properly and follow it precisely how it guides.
Wear Safety Equipment
It is difficult to tell if the glue contains harmful or toxic chemicals because many types of glue come with no ingredient record. But for your safety and to prevent skin contact, it is best to wear safety gloves.
Work On A Well-Ventilated Area
This precaution tip applies when you work with toxic glue or glue with a strong odour. Ensuring the working area has enough light or air is mandatory because some glue comes with the risk of releasing toxic fumes. So if you are working indoors, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Rinse Your Hands Well
Once you are done repairing the bumper or any other part with the glue, wash your hand so that there is no glue sticking to your skin. And yes, wash them with handwash or soap even if you wear safety gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Glue For Car Bumper Repair
Q. How long does glue take to dry?
The drying and cure time depends on the glue type and the surface it is applied on. Most liquid glue dries faster so that it will not become runny. On the other hand, epoxy and putty glue takes a bit longer to dry and should be left overnight to cure.
Q. Can I use plastic glue on other materials?
Yes, you can because most glues are manufactured with ingredients that make them suitable to use on other materials or surfaces. You can apply plastic glue on wood, PVC, fibreglass, ceramic, etc.
Q. How do I remove adhesive glue?
The process of removing adhesive glue depends on the surface it is on. You can remove the glue with a craft knife, vaseline, vinegar, methylated spirit, makeup wipes, etc.
Final Verdict
If you are still unsure which one to pick, let me recommend my top choices. In my opinion, the K Tool International Q Bond Adhesive Kit is the best glue for car bumper repair. It is strong, has excellent water and heat resistance, and is durable and affordable.
And if you want a glue that is more efficient to use and permanent, you can pick the J-B Weld 50139 Plastic Bonder Body Panel Adhesive. You can go through the buying guide once more before purchasing any glue and follow the repair guide for the best result.
