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Expert adhesive advice

Gluing glass to metal: Which adhesive to use?

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Gluing glass to metal is easier than you think if you have the right adhesive for the job! Read on to find out how to glue metal to glass, whatever your project.

How to glue glass to metal: Super glue and glass glue

If you need to do a small job or a quick repair and don’t have a special glass glue on hand, you can use a dab of super glue for gluing glass to metal. Just check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the adhesive is compatible with your materials.

For the best results, however, we recommend Loctite Glass Glue, which is easy to apply. Loctite Glass Glue is specially designed to bond glass to other materials, including metal. You can use it for just about any small-scale, indoor project, such as repairing glassware or ornaments. The adhesive creates strong bonds in 10 minutes and dries transparent, so the object will look as good as new after application.

A pane of glass lies on a hinge coated with adhesive.
Loctite Glass Glue is ideal for quick repairs around the house – such as gluing metal hinges on a glass door

Here’s how to glue metal to glass with Loctite Glass Glue. Remember to work in a well-ventilated space, protect your work area, and wear nitrile gloves.

  1. Prepare the surfaces. Make sure all surfaces are completely clean and dry. Pre-fit the parts to ensure they fit closely.
  2. Apply the glass glue. Use a small amount of Loctite Glass Glue on one of the surfaces – one or two small drops should be enough.
  3. Immediately press the surfaces together. Ensure they line up perfectly so there are no gaps. Hold them in place for up to 1 minute.
  4. Wait for the glue to dry. Let the project dry for at least 10 minutes. For the strongest bond, leave overnight.
  5. Clean up. As soon as you’ve finished using the glue, remove any wet adhesive with a damp tissue. You can remove cured adhesive with a blade or acetone, but take care not to damage the surfaces. After you’ve finished, wash your hands.
Close-up of a small pile of adhesive between a glass plate and a metal hinge.
One or two small drops of glass glue are enough for long-lasting adhesive bonds

How to glue glass to metal: Epoxy

For larger projects, you’ll need a different adhesive and application method. Construction work usually requires a specialized construction adhesive. Loctite Power Grab Ultimate Construction Adhesive is applied with a caulk gun and is ideal for gluing glass to metal.

For permanent repairs involving multiple parts or larger surfaces, we recommend an epoxy like Loctite Epoxy General Purpose. This epoxy is water-resistant, easy to apply and creates a high-strength bond in just a few minutes. Like many other epoxies, it’s very effective for gluing glass to metal. 

Here is how to glue glass to metal with Loctite Epoxy General Purpose. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.

  1. Prepare the surfaces. The metal and glass must be clean and dry. Wash the glass with soap and water, then rinse and dry. Pre-fit the surfaces.
  2. Open the epoxy. Remove the plug and cut the tips of the syringe. Turn the syringe upside down and pull back the plunger so the air bubbles rise up. Then press the plunger to release the air.
  3. Mix the epoxy. Dispense equal parts of the resin and hardener onto a disposable surface. Mix thoroughly for 1 minute. Then clean and close the syringe.
  4. Apply the epoxy. Immediately apply a small amount of the mixed epoxy to both surfaces, and press them together. Keep the surfaces pressed together for 10 minutes.
  5. Wait for the epoxy to set. The object can be used 1 hour after application, and the epoxy will be fully cured in 24 hours.
  6. Clean up. Immediately remove excess epoxy with acetone. Once the adhesive has cured, you can carefully remove it with a sharp blade. Wash your hands when you are finished working.

Products used

  • loctite quick set epoxy 25ml card
    Loctite Epoxy Quick Set

    Multi-purpose bonding of common materials such as wood, metal, ceramics, glass and tile.

  • Loctite Glass Glue

    Bonding clear and colored, stained or tinted glass instantly. Dishwasher safe once cured.

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