When you think of cement, you likely think of the thick, grey mixture of sand and water to build sidewalks and large constructions. However, did you know that there are several varieties of cement, and some of them are nothing like the preconceived notion in our heads?

Today, we want to go through the different types of cement, focusing primarily on acrylic and vinyl cements. These products range from thin to medium-bodied solvents, and all of these cements are guaranteed to cure rapidly and hold securely, yet flexibly.

But first… what is Acrylic Cement?

It is a poly methyl – methacrylate which is a combination of a liquid acrylic resin which is a transparent bonding agent that can bond to same materials.  A free-flowing solvent type bonding agent which generally is used for edge gluing since it softens surfaces and welds them together producing a strong, optically clear cemented joint.

What is Vinyl Cement? 

It is a fast-drying adhesive for bonding vinyl coated and vinyl laminated fabrics to themselves or to various materials such as leather, rigid plastics, synthetic fabrics, vinyl foams, wood and metals.  Not for use on polyethylene or polypropylene vinyls.

What we recommend…

SciGrip #3

One of our thinnest cements available is the SciGrip #3, which is a water-thin, non-flammable cement designed to quickly develop crystal clear, high-strength bonds that ideally work with acrylics. This cement’s chemical makeup works to first soften the substrate to be bonded, then fusing them together with the dissipation of the solvent.

SciGrip #3 is used almost exclusively in sign fabrication as well as in store displays. This cement works beautifully in adhering letters to acrylic panels, as well as trim-capping acrylics. However, it is NOT recommended for cross-linked acrylic surfaces.

SciGrip #2007

Another thin-bodied, yet effective solvent is our SciGrip #2007. It can be applied by brush, syringe, spray, or nearly any other method. Like the SciGrip #3, SciGrip #2007 works by softening and then fusing the two surfaces in contact with rapid-cure technology.

Sci-Grip #2007 is much more versatile than any other SciGrip product; it can be used on both large assemblies and smaller, delicate assemblies. Signs, displays, light fixtures, electrical assemblies, decorative items, and much more can be fabricated with this product. It is recommended, however, that assemblies be fabricated from rigid vinyl or foamed PVC for ideal fusion.

Acrylic and vinyl cement are remarkably similar in appearance, but are suitable for very different purposes. Unsure about which product best suits your application? Our representatives are here to help! Give us a call, toll-free, at 1-800-220-1966 or send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!