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How to Make PVC Resin

David Lipscomb

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a common household plastic. One of the best ways to mend cracked PVC pipes and other materials is to use PVC resin. Making this is surprisingly easy. PVC resin "melts" into the substrate, making a bond potentially as strong as if the break never happened.

Make PVC resin by chemically melting shavings.

Best of all, the method involves using PVC and household chemicals.

  1. Drill into a section of PVC pipe or a sheet, creating shavings. Scrape these shavings from the work surface into a glass container and fill it about a quarter full. Don a smock, latex gloves and breather mask.

  2. Introduce acetone or nail polish remover slowly into the shavings. Allow a few seconds for the PVC shavings to begin to melt from being immersed in the acetone. Apply more acetone or shavings until you reach the desired consistency.

  3. Mix the resin with a non-plastic stick or spoon until the shavings are gone and only a liquid or putty remains.

  4. Smear the mixture into the crack or break in the PVC or plastic item. The acetone in the mix will react to the substrate, chemically welding itself and sealing the damage.

  5. Tip

    The blue or purple cement commonly used to bond PVC pipe joints is essentially a diluted acetone mixture. The joint welds together from the slight melting of the plastics.

    Warning

    Always use caution around acetone. It will remove finishes, leather colorings and stain clothing.

    Always work in a well-ventilated space when working with solvents, including acetone.