Frequently Asked Questions

A1. Plastex Plastic Repair Kits have developed different kits to help with a solution based on your repair needs. PLASTEX Original kits are a powder and activator liquid that becomes hard once combined. Use this kit for hard plastics like ABS, acrylic, fiberglass, wood, and more. PLASTEX 3000 is a two-part adhesive specifically designed to repair oily, softer plastics. You see this type of plastic typically on Dirt Bike Fenders, Water & Holding Tanks, etc. PLASTEX has also added a metal repair kit for aluminum and steel, which works like the original plastic kits for castings.

A2. PLASTEX Original Kits do not have a shelf life or expiration date, given that you follow the directions for the activator liquid. Store out of direct sunlight/high heat with a cap on tight to avoid evaporation. PLASTEX 3000 does have an approximate. Two-year shelf life if stored out of high heat.

A3. The general rule of thumb is to use rubbing alcohol, or in a bind, you can use PLASTEX Activator Liquid. If you use a PLASTEX activator, please ensure that you do not get into an area that you are not repairing, or that is on existing paint. Do not use acetone or other oil-based cleaners. Also, if you have previously tried other repair products, clean them or grind them off. This will only cause issues for PLASTEX to bond to your repair.

A4. The general rule of thumb is 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature (approximately. 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius). If you will be sanding and painting, please wait an hour if possible. Thinner repairs or colder temperatures will take longer for your repairs to cure.

A5. No, for repairs using the original PLASTEX kits, please let it cure on its own. You do not need to apply heat or UV. PLASTEX also has UV inhibitors to help create a permanent repair.

A6. Best is a non-stick pan or griddle to approx. 120–130 degrees Fahrenheit or 48–54 degrees Celsius. You just want to get it warm enough to become soft, like silly putty, to take a good mould. If it is too hot to touch, let it cool down before handling. Keep in mind that boiling water is approx. 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

A7. – PLASTEX Original Kits works on 98% of hard plastics such as ABS, Acrylics, Carbon Fibre, Composites, Fiberglas, FRP, Phenolic, Polycarbonate, Polyurethane, PVC, wood, and more! For those tricky flexible plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, please check out PLASTEX 3000. We now offer PLASTEX repair powders in aluminum and steel for metal repairs and castings.

A8. There are usually letters stamped somewhere on the plastic part you are trying to repair. Also, the manufacture of the part itself is a great resource in most cases. We are also here to help if you need further assistance identifying which kit you might need. PLASTEX Original Kits are for harder plastics, PLASTEX 3000 for softer, oily plastics, and PLASTEX Metal Repair Kits for metal repairs & castings.

A9. PLASTEX mimics the original plastic material in most cases. It can usually withstand approximately. 260 degrees Fahrenheit or 126 degrees Celsius.

A10. PLASTEX Original Kits will achieve a 100% bond to acrylic; however, it is not acrylic.

A11. No, PLASTEX is not a superglue or cyanoacrylate. It is a completely different formula that allows you to make permanent, strong repairs at a molecular level.

A12. PLASTEX is strong on its own, and in most cases, you won’t need to use it for your repair. We do offer it for parts that are prone to cracking so that you will not have to build up the repair thicker than it was originally intended, possibly making a crack somewhere else. Plastic parts will always break at their weakest point. Please watch our “How to Videos” on how to successfully incorporate this into your repair.

A13. Plastex Plastic Repair Kits offers free tech support and is willing to help. If you ever need additional advice or are having trouble using your repair kit, please see the contact information included. You can also email us pictures of how to approach your repairs once you have watched our videos.