What’s the best strategy for gluing glass to wood? We’ve got the answer! Read on to learn which glue is best for any kind of wood to glass gluing project, and application tips for using epoxy.
Glass can be a stubborn material to glue because of its nonporous surface, but you can glue glass to wood with the right adhesive. Before reaching for a random glue, consider the following questions:
- Do you need a flexible or ridged bond?
- Will the item be exposed to water or temperature variants?
- Do you need the adhesive to dry clear?
Here’s a run-down of the different types of projects involving glass and wood and which glue is best suited for it.
For best gluing results, you’ll want to roughen smooth wooden surfaces with sandpaper
For small delicate project like picture frames, ornaments or figurines, you need a super glue that dries clear and has a rigid bond strength. For a gap-filling indoor/outdoor adhesive with an easy-to-use applicator, reach for Loctite Extreme Glue.
If you need all the strength of super glue, but with a flexible bond that stands up to extreme conditions, contact adhesive is a more fitting match.
For more advanced glass to wood projects like building furniture or garden decorations, you’ll need an adhesive with a strong rigid bond. For a seamless glass to wood bond, Loctite Epoxy Clear Multi-Purpose is the best choice. This powerhouse epoxy is gap-filling, sets in 5 minutes and reaches full cure in 24 hours. It’s resistant to water, humidity and most solvents and can be sanded and drilled. It dries clear but can be tinted with earth pigments or sand for color matching.
Do not apply too much adhesive so it won’t spill out from under the wooden object
Unlike super glue, epoxies require special preparation before applying. Here’s what you need and how to prep and apply it.
Here's how to glue wood to glass using epoxy.
- Roughen up smooth surfaces with a sandblaster or emery cloth.
- Wash glass with soap and water, then dry. Wood must be completely dry. Pre-fit parts.
- Remove the applicator cap and cut the tips off the syringe at the desired size. For precise application, cut the opening at 3mm. For liberal application, cut at 4 or 5mm mark.
- Point the syringe upward and pull the plunger back slightly allowing air bubbles to rise to the top. Press the plunger to clear the air.
- Flip the syringe and press the plunger to dispense equal parts onto a disposable surface.
- Mix resin and hardener for one minute and apply a small amount of adhesive to both surfaces within two minutes of mixing. Press the parts together.
- Remove excess run off immediately. Support the bond for 10 minutes. Full cure in 24 hours.
- Wipe the syringe tip clean after using the epoxy. Retract the piston slightly and close with the applicator cap.
If you have sections of cured adhesive that need to be removed, simply cut it away with a sharp blade or rub with acetone. Note: acetone isn’t compatible with all materials, check before applying to a wood surface.