- Guides
Choosing the right glue for the job can often be tricky, even at the best of times; this is especially true for projects involving metal. With so many different types of glue on the market—not to mention the virtually endless list of materials you may be wanting to adhere the metal to; knowing which product to use can be challenging to say the least.
Here is our guide to glue on metal to help you understand how to create strong bonds, no matter the surface.
Which glue is best to use on metal?
The best glue to use on metal doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Polyurethane based glues (like Gorilla Glue) and cyanoacrylate based adhesives (like Gorilla Super Glue) will both work on metals, as will epoxies and contact adhesive; which glue is best depends on a few other considerations. These include; the other surface, how quickly you need the glue to cure and what environment the finished project will be in.
Let’s take a look at some of the common surface combinations and what factors to take into account when choosing the right glue.
How to glue Metal to Rubber
When gluing metal to rubber a cyanoacrylate based adhesive, like our Super Glue, would be ideal, as it provides a flexible, but incredibly strong bond. It also has the added benefit of drying very quickly. Keep in mind that this bond is not water-proof though; if this is an issue, consider using our fast drying Contact Adhesive instead.
How to glue Metal to Velcro
The most important factor to consider here is whether the bond will be indoors or outdoors. Contact Adhesive would do the trick for both with its water-proof solution. Stay away from glues that should not be used on fabric or plastics as they would not be suitable and may damage the velcro.
How to glue Metal to Plastic
If you thought metal and glue was tricky; plastic can be positively baffling. First and foremost; you need to know what type of plastic it is that you’re looking to affix to the metal surface. Certain glues are not recommended for use with plastic; either because they will not bond sufficiently or in some cases, will cause damage to the surface. The most versatile option for a strong bond between metal and plastic is an epoxy. Other glues will work; however with many caveats, so always ensure the adhesive is compatible with the plastic.
How to glue Metal to Glass
Both cyanoacrylate-based adhesives and epoxies are ideal for gluing metal to glass. However, if you need a bit more time to ensure the placement of the glass on the metal, an epoxy may be preferable. Take care not to leave fingerprints or oils on the bottom of the glass as this can interfere with the bond.
How to glue Metal to Wood
A polyurethane-based adhesive like Gorilla Glue or Gorilla Wood Glue is ideal for gluing metal to wood. Wood can be a tricky surface to glue to metal because the two are so different in density and porosity. However, the strength and flexibility of polyurethane-based glues are more than up for the challenge. In fact, the bond may end up being stronger than the wood itself.
How to glue Metal to Metal
Epoxies, polyurethane and cyanoacrylate based adhesives will all work well for gluing metal to metal, although an epoxy is probably the most versatile, if you’re looking for a strong, weather-resistant solution. In order to effectively adhere the two, it’s important to clean thoroughly and sand the two surfaces down so they are slightly rough—this will enable a strong bond to form. Also, be sure to clamp the metal in place for the duration of the drying time.
