Since a lot of sticky enthusiasts are curious about which one is stronger for super glue and baking soda Vs. epoxy, I did a super glue and baking soda strength test. So in this article, you’ll find answers to almost every question you might think of for that topic.
🧪 My Experiment: Does mixing super glue and baking soda work as well as epoxy?

This rapid hardening was due to an exothermic reaction between the super glue and the baking soda, which sped up the curing process.
Objective
I aimed to compare the bonding strength and effectiveness of a super glue and baking soda mixture with that of epoxy for different materials in this super glue and baking soda strength test.
Materials
- Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- Epoxy
- Plastic samples (e.g., fiberglass, duroplast, ABS, PVC)
- Adhesion promoter (for car plastics)
- Acetone or PVC cleaner (for certain plastic repairs)
- Plastic welder (for some plastic repairs)
- Stainless steel mesh (for plastic welding)
- Soldering iron with a higher temperature and a specially shaped tip (for plastic welding)
Procedure
- I prepared the plastic samples for bonding by cleaning the surfaces with the appropriate cleaners (adhesion promoter for car plastics, and acetone or PVC cleaner for certain plastics).
- For each plastic type, I prepared two sets of bonding samples. One set was bonded using super glue and baking soda, while the other set was bonded using epoxy.
- For the super glue and baking soda samples:
a. I applied a thin layer of superglue on one side of the bonding surface.
b. I sprinkled a small amount of baking soda over the glue.
c. I pressed the other side of the bonding surface onto the glue and baking soda mixture and held them together for a few seconds. - For the epoxy samples:
a. I mixed the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. I applied a thin layer of the mixed epoxy on one side of the bonding surface.
c. I pressed the other side of the bonding surface onto the epoxy and held them together for a few seconds. - I allowed both sets of samples to cure for the recommended time (usually 24 hours).
- After the curing time, I performed strength tests on the bonded samples, such as tensile strength, shear strength, and impact resistance.
- I observed how well each bonding method held up under the tests and compared the results.
- Additionally, I tested the flexibility of the bonded samples by bending or flexing them and observed if the bonding material cracked or broke.
Results
The results varied depending on the type of plastic I used in the experiment. I observed that the super glue and baking soda mixture worked well on materials like fiberglass, not better than specific fiberglass glue of course, whereas epoxy was more effective on certain other plastics. In addition, the flexibility of the bonded area also played a role in the effectiveness of each bonding method. Epoxy had the advantage of being more flexible than a super glue and baking soda, which was crucial for certain repairs.
Read More: plastic fuel tank repair epoxy
Experiment Conclusion
Materials | Super Glue with Baking Soda | Epoxy |
---|---|---|
Fiberglass and Duroplast parts | Works well, providing a strong and rigid bond. | May not provide as strong a bond as super glue with baking soda, but still suitable for certain repairs. |
Sneakers, rubber, or flexible car bumpers | Not suitable, as the bond will crack off when flexed due to its rigidity. | Epoxy, such as E6000, works better for flexible materials as it provides a strong bond and remains flexible. |
Refrigerator plastics and ABS car parts | May provide a strong bond, but may not be the best choice for these specific materials. | Acetone or PVC cleaner/primer can create a strong bond by melting the surfaces of certain plastics like these. |
Plastic welding (melting plastic back together) | Not applicable, as this method doesn’t involve glue. | Not applicable, as this method doesn’t involve glue. |
Car plastics (with oil) | Bonding may be difficult due to the oil present in the material; an adhesion promoter is needed for proper bonding. | Using an adhesion promoter to remove oil ensures a strong bond with epoxy, making it suitable for car plastics. |
❓ What happens when you mix super glue and baking soda?
When I mixed super glue and baking soda, an interesting chemical reaction occurred. As soon as I applied the super glue, which is a cyanoacrylate adhesive, to a surface and sprinkled baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, onto it, the mixture started to harden almost instantly. This rapid hardening was due to an exothermic reaction between the super glue and the baking soda, which sped up the curing process.
The resulting bond was strong and rigid, making it suitable for repairs that required rigidity and a quick curing time. However, I noticed that this mixture was not ideal for flexible materials, as the bond tended to crack or break when the material flexed. Overall, the combination of super glue and baking soda created a potent and fast-acting adhesive that worked well on certain materials.
Read More: e6000 vs super glue

❓How do you fix plastic with super glue and baking soda?
To fix plastic with super glue and baking soda, follow these steps:
- Clean the surfaces: Ensure that the surfaces of the plastic parts you want to fix are clean and free of dirt, grease, or any other contaminants. Use rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent to clean the surfaces, then let them dry completely.
- Apply super glue: Apply a thin layer of super glue (cyanoacrylate adhesive) to one of the broken surfaces. Be cautious not to use too much glue, as it may create a weaker bond.
- Join the pieces: Carefully align and press the broken plastic pieces together. Hold them in place for a few seconds to allow the superglue to bond the surfaces.
- Add baking soda: While holding the pieces together, carefully sprinkle baking soda onto the glued area where the broken parts meet. The baking soda will act as a filler and accelerant, helping the super glue to cure more quickly and creating a stronger bond (Nail Glue vs Super Glue).
- Press and hold: Continue to hold the pieces together for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the super glue and baking soda mixture to harden. The mixture should cure rapidly, forming a rigid bond between the plastic parts.
- Sand and finish (optional): If desired, you can sand the repaired area to smooth out any excess glue or baking soda, and then paint or finish the surface as needed to match the appearance of the surrounding plastic.
❓Can baking soda remove superglue
Baking soda itself is not an effective solution for removing superglue from surfaces. However, you can use a combination of baking soda and water to create a gentle abrasive paste that may help you remove small amounts of cured superglue.
To use baking soda for removing super glue, follow these steps:
- Create a paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste.
- Apply the paste: Using a cotton swab, toothbrush, or soft cloth, gently apply the baking soda paste to the area where the superglue is present.
- Rub gently: Rub the paste onto the super glue using circular motions, applying gentle pressure. The abrasive nature of the baking soda paste can help break down the super glue, but be cautious not to scratch or damage the surface beneath.
- Wipe clean: Periodically wipe away the baking soda paste with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel, checking your progress. Repeat the process until the super glue is removed or significantly reduced.
- Clean the surface: Once the super glue is removed, clean the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining baking soda paste.
For more stubborn superglue, you may need to use a different method, such as using acetone (found in some nail polish removers) or a commercial adhesive remover. Always be cautious when using these stronger solvents, as they may damage some surfaces, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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