10 Best UV Glues
In This Article
If you are looking for a glue that offers sturdiness and durability, you should consider investing in the best UV glues from the market. Unlike usual glues, the UV ones are designed to stay put for a long time and help you achieve desired results. They mainly come in handy for carrying out minor repairs around the house or during a DIY project. The market is replete with many UV-curing adhesives, and finding the right one can be pretty challenging. The kind of UV glue you choose depends on your needs and preferences. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the top-quality UV glues perfect for your projects. Keep reading to find the right one to assist you in your everyday DIY projects.
[table “5117” not found /]What Is UV Glue And How Does It Work?
UV glue is essentially a unique adhesive that is ideal for an epoxy resin or acrylic base. It is a polymer that works by being exposed to UV light that crosslinks and creates a solid bond at a molecular level.
As compared to adhesives that require a drying time, UV glues may require a lot longer time or a significant exposure to higher temperatures. As a rule of thumb, the higher the temperature, the faster the curing process. The light source can be anything from natural sunlight, LED lights, or UV gas discharge lamps.
Let’s now take a look at our reviews of the best UV glues that you can buy online.
10 Best UV Glues
1. Best For DIY Jewelry:Limino UV Resin
The clear, epoxy Limino UV Resin is ideal for DIY jewelry, cast figurines, crafts, resin paintings, and decoration. With 36W of UV light or sunlight, this resin cures within a few minutes, which is way faster as compared to its counterparts. This safety-tested, self-levering, and self-degassing UV resin creates a high glossy and transparent bonding with excellent yellowing resistance.
Pros
- Durable
- Odorless
- Quick-drying
- Transparent adhesive
- Heatproof (up to 248 ℉)
- BPA-free
- VOC-free
- High gloss finish
Cons
- Epoxy resin, not for larger objects
2. Best For Bonding:GUGUYeah UV Light Glue
The GUGUYeah UV Light Glue is a strong adhesive that is used for fixtures as well as to build structurally unbreakable materials. It can be used on any material, including glass, wood, PVC, ceramic, metal, and acrylic base. This UV bonding agent helps create a strong and permanent bond without using any clips or jigs in a matter of 5-10 seconds. This glue kit includes one glue pen, refill, UV light with battery, and an instruction manual.
Pros
- Heat-resistant
- Durable bond
- Fast curing time
- Non-hazardous
- Waterproof bonding
- Value for money
Cons
- None
3. Best For Smartphone Repairs:MmobieL Loca Glue + UV Flashlight
If you are looking for a UV glue to do digital screen fixtures for your smartphone and tablets, look no further than the Mmobiel Loca Glue + UV Flashlight. This Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive (LOCA) is designed to bond the outer glass to the LCD or digitizer in the display assembly of your smartphone. Many reviewers agree that it provides an excellent gap fitting and can easily fill the smallest scratches on the LCD surface.
This is one of the best chemical-resistant adhesives that has low viscosity and can flow easily, ensuring that you get effective performance even with a lesser amount. It also provides a higher light transmittance by increasing the contrast and minimizing quality loss to give you a better overall viewing experience. Moreover, the UV light torch included in the set can be used to harden the LOCA glue in place for long lasting results.
Pros
- Fast curing time
- Crystal clear finish
- High light transmittance
- Value for money
- UV flashlight
Cons
- UV light may not be strong enough
4. Best Gap-Filling:Damn Good UV Glue Plastic Weld
The Damn Good UV Glue Plastic Weld is one of the best multipurpose adhesives that can help fix, build, bond, and fill a variety of materials like plastic, glass, wood, metals, and more. It takes mere seconds to cure using a 395 nm LED UV light source. This reviewer-tested glue dries clear and can be sanded, filed, or painted over once it’s fully cured.
Pros
- Clear finish
- Excellent for gap filling
- Fast curing time
- Value for money
Cons
- None
5. Best All-Purpose Kit:Aventik Edison Bonding UV Glues Combo Tool Kit
The Aventik Edison Design Bonding UV Glues Combo Tool Kit is all you need to fix everything around the house, carry out your DIY projects, and more. The kit contains three bonding function UV glues – an all-purpose UV glue for acrylic, PVC, glass, ceramics, and metals, a metal and glass special glue, and a PET special UV glue.
The combo of these three makes a versatile glue that is enough for repairs, jewelry making, gap filling, electronics potting, tacking, and parts fabrication. According to reviews, this glue can fix a variety of materials, including glass, metals, and ceramics and especially it is perfect for electronics repair. This combo kit also contains a 395nm zoomable UV glue pen equipped with a specialized UV-through lens and a high-quality LED head that can cure the glue within 10 seconds.
Pros
- Strong bond
- Multipurpose
- Fast curing time
- Best for home improvement
- Set of 3 glues
- UV pen
- Value for money
Cons
- May feel sticky
6. Best For Professional Use:Loctite AA 349 Light Cure Adhesive
This medium viscosity Loctite AA 349 Light Cure Adhesive ideal for all your potting and tacking projects. It can also be used for fixing, gap filling, bonding, and sealing glass to glass or metal to glass components, such as optical instruments, furniture, and industrial applications This is a perfect adhesive that cures under UV light and creates a strong bond within a matter of few seconds. Moreover, it garnered numerous positive reviews for its multifunctionality and ease of usage.
Pros
- Clear finish
- Instant adhesion
- UV light activation
- Durable results
- Value for money
Cons
- None
7. Fastest Curing Time:Pacer Technology Zap It Light Curing Glue
The Pacer Technology Zap It Light Curing Glue has a medium viscosity designed to bond at the speed of light and can also be used to fix, seal, and fill cracks. This high-strength adhesive cures in a jiffy when exposed to UV and visible light. It is also paintable and sandable once completely cured. The reviewer-tested kit includes a small LED lighting device that you can use to cure the adhesive on the go.
Pros
- Instant bond
- Durable results
- Easy to use
- Paintable
- Sandable
- Also cures under visible light
Cons
- None
8. Best Universal Superglue:Super Glue Zap It Light Curing Glue
The Super Glue Zap It Light Curing Glue is your all-in-one solution for bonding any material. It features a unique dual-cure technology that enables the glue to cure with or without any light exposure, enabling convenient use. This odorless glue can be used for gap filling purposes and sanded and painted over once cured.
Pros
- Quick curing time
- Universal adhesive
- Instant strong bond
- Easy to use
- Paintable
- Sandable
Cons
- None
9. Best For Glass Fixtures:CRL UV701 Ultraviolet Adhesive
This low viscosity UV glue CRL is designed to form permanent, high strength, and resilient bonds while providing excellent elasticity. It can be used for glass-to-glass and tempered glass-to-tempered glass bonding and for producing durable glass furniture. This UV glue cures within a few seconds when exposed to UV light. It creates a crystal-clear bond that is resistant to yellowing and moisture. The product has received rave reviews for being so easy to use and versatile.
Pros
- Quick curing time
- Durable results
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Great for outdoor applications
Cons
- None
10. Best For Small Repairs:Bewitu Super UV Glue Pen
The Bewitu Super UV Glue Pen is great for repairing materials like wood, metal, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and plastic. The pen is designed with a fine quality stainless steel glue outlet that offers you a thin and precise application with excellent results within 5 seconds. This pen is tested and trusted by many reviewers for its impressive quality. It also features a UV light switch and a UV lamp that can be used to cure the UV glue.
Pros
- Refillable
- Easy to use
- Quick curing time
- Durable results
Cons
- Not for heavy projects
UV glues are sturdy and durable alternatives to regular glues. They are perfect for school projects and carrying out certain household repairs. Since the market is filled with many alternatives, choosing one excellent UV glue can be tricky. You must consider a few things to ensure you are getting the best possible product for your needs. Here are a few tips.
Things To Look For In UV Glues
- Use: First, consider what you will be using the glue for. Some UV glues are better suited for certain applications than others. For example, if you need to glue two pieces of glass together, you will want a stronger and more durable glue than if you were simply attaching a small piece of plastic to metal.
- Size: Next, take into account the size of the area you need to cover with the glue. If you only need a small amount, there are mini bottles available that can save you money. Larger jobs may require multiple bottles or even gallon-sized containers.
- Finish: Choose a UV glue that dries in a clear, seamless finish. You want glue that is not noticeable. Therefore, read the reviews before choosing a product.
- Heat-Resistant: Pick a glue that resists heat up to 200℉ or more. The bonding power of these glues is not affected by high temperatures.
- Non-toxic: When looking for UV glue, it is important to ensure it is non-toxic. There are a few ways to tell if a glue is non-toxic. First, check the label. Avoid products containing ethanol, toluene, and xylene as they develop breathing problems. Next, check if the product is certified by the FDA. An FDA-certified glue is free of common toxins and is potentially safe.
- Label: Finally, carefully read the instructions on the label before purchasing and using any UV glue. Different glues may require special preparation or application techniques. Pick one that suits your requirements.
- Fast-Curing Time: Glues with quick curing time are convenient and easy to work with. They offer mess-free results. Pick one that dries up in 10 to 15 seconds.
The types of UV glues differ based on their curing processes and not necessarily their texture. Let us check out the most common types of UV glues in the next section.
Types Of UV Glues
- Heat Cured UV Adhesive: As the name suggests, this type of UV glue uses heat to allow high-speed surface mounts on polycarbonate boards.
- Moisture-cured UV Adhesive: This is used for a high-speed, conformal coating onto a printed circuit board and protect its components. This enables curing in the shadowed areas as well.
- Anaerobic UV Sealant: This is used by manufacturers for quick and effortless assembling of parts. The shadow cure areas then proceed to cure anaerobically to give permanent, long-lasting, and high strength bonds that are resistant to chemical and environmental anomalies.
Here are a few important safety tips while using UV glues.
Safety Tips For Using UV Glues
UV light, even though good for the curing of the glue, may end up being harmful to you. So, using a proper PPE, including gloves, lab coats, face mask, and safety goggles, is imperative when handling this kind of an adhesive.
Do not touch the UV light equipment directly during the curing process as it may reach higher temperatures and cause severe burns. Wait for 15 minutes before you pack up UV lamp or torch.
Ensure appropriate ventilation when working with UV glue. Lamps or lights that are not ozone-free may end up causing claustrophobia.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using UV Glues
UV glues are powerful adhesive solutions, but they require careful handling and proper technique for optimal results. To ensure your safety and achieve a strong bond, you need to keep certain dos and don’ts in mind while working with UV glues. Check out the infographic below for more information.
The Bottom Line
If you are keen on repairing minor things at home or like to do DIY projects, you need to invest in UV glues that offer durability. UV glue is a cross-chain polymer that strongly bonds when exposed to UV light. They have great adhesive capacity and are designed to provide long-lasting results. The Limino UV Resin is a popular choice as it is made with non-toxic ingredients, while the MmobieL Loca Glue + UV Flashlight is designed specifically for smartphone screen repairs. The CRL UV701 Ultraviolet Adhesive creates a clear bond that is resistant to yellowing and moisture. These tried-and-tested gels have a fast curing time, are easy to use, and are durable. However, they are not useful for heavy-binding products. If you want a strong binding glue, research through expert-recommended products and pick one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UV glue solvent resistant?
Yes, UV glues offer solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and resistance against acids. However, a stronger solvent such as acetone or methylene chloride may dissolve UV glue.
How strong is UV glue?
UV glues are ten times stronger than regular glue and work on plastic, glass, metals, ceramic, or acrylic materials.
Are UV glues flammable?
No, UV glues are non-flammable. Therefore, these glues do not emit flammable vapors, which makes them safe for the environment.
How long does UV glue last?
UV glues may last forever. However, they may not work efficiently in areas with poor ventilation.
Is UV glue heat-resistant?
Yes, the temperature resistance range of UV glue is -45°C to 135°C. This is great for bonding items.
Is UV glue flexible?
Yes, UV glues are flexible and create a bond that does not break easily.
How do you remove UV glue?
To remove UV glue, heat the adhesive to 150°C and soften it. Now pull the two materials stuck with the glue away from each other gently.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Pratyasha Ray, the author of this article, loves researching and reviewing home and kitchen appliances. Her keen interest in the various appliances, their quality, and utility helps the users get an idea about the best ones available on the market. She prepared a list of the best UV glues to help you with your DIY projects. They are durable, water-proof, and non-hazardous.
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