You can glue metal to wood using a few different types of glue.
The best results have been obtained from epoxy resin and contact cement, but hot melt plastic has also been used successfully for decades.
When gluing metal to wood, it’s important to use the right type of glue so that your project will be successful without any problems in the future.
The most common types of adhesives that are used for this purpose are epoxy or two-part polyurethane glue, rubber-based contact cement, hot melt plastic / wax, and “Hot Stuff” instant adhesive. Let’s look at each one!
What is epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is an adhesive made up of a mixture of two ingredients: an epoxy resin and a hardener. When both are mixed together, they create a chemical reaction (polymerization) that results in a very strong glue.
The most common type (in the USA) is made of two parts called “A” and “B”; when both are mixed together they form an adhesive which can be sanded or machined after it has cured , and almost any type of material can be glued together using epoxy.
The basic properties of epoxy resin include high strength , fast curing speed , high temperature tolerance , wide gap filling capability , low water and humidity tolerance, and good resistance to chemicals . It is extremely durable and water resistant .
It’s important to choose the right type of glue when gluing metal to wood.
The best results have been obtained from epoxy resin and contact cement, but hot melt plastic has also been used successfully for decades.
How do you use glue for gluing metal to wood?
When using epoxy, the best results have been obtained when both surfaces are sanded with 120-grit sandpaper before applying glue . This allows better adhesion and smoothes out any rough surface imperfections.
You can use an ordinary plastic or glass container for mixing parts A and B , but it’s recommended that you buy a special mixing container. Use all of one type (part A or part B) of the epoxy resin and mix it well with a stir stick.
Once both have been mixed together thoroughly, add them to your metal fastener in liquid form using a brush or toothpick . Make sure to apply some glue to each side .
Now clamp the assembly tightly every 2″ using clamps which allow movement . Apply pressure for an even coating of the glue and to ensure good adhesion.
When applying contact cement as your metal-to-wood glue, you should brush it liberally onto both surfaces . Then clamp the pieces together with a C-clamp, or use whatever type of clamp is available .
After about 3 hours , you can remove the clamps. Do NOT try to remove them before that time because this will result in damage to your project. Since contact cement tends to get gummy , be sure to sand off any excess using 120-grit sandpaper for better results. Although many people consider hot melt plastic / wax adhesive (which dries clear) as their preferred method for attaching metal to wood, they have not found it to be as strong or durable as epoxy. For best results, apply a bead of glue in between the metals and wait 24 hours for it to dry .
Hot melt plastic / wax can also be used with metal pieces which should not be exposed to moisture, such as screws. When you use contact cement , keep in mind that your project will need 15-20 minutes for drying on a sunny day before it can withstand any pressure . Remember that once dried, it will still take about 24 more hours until the adhesive has fully cured . As mentioned earlier, epoxy is the most common type of glue for gluing metal to wood because of its excellent adhesion properties. Contact cement requires that both surfaces have been sanded first. Hot melt plastic glue will dry clear and is good for small projects.
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding with any type of metal-to-wood gluing process.
Advantages of using a good quality glue for gluing metal to wood
Properly applied, glue for elmer’s wood repair epoxy metal to wood has proven itself over the years as long-lasting and dependable.
To maximize the potential of using a good quality glue when you are working with metal fasteners , make sure they are coated all over with glue . This will not only provide adequate adhesion, but it will also ensure that your project lasts longer. You should also check out the best type of glue for finishing nails if you still want to use them in place of screws !
How much does a tube or bottle of contact cement cost?
Contact cement can be bought at any hardware store (except those which specialize in industrial supplies) and is inexpensive, costing about $10 per bottle. It’s important to keep in mind that a little bit (about the size of a pea) is all you need to glue metal to wood.
Contact cement has been around for many years and still works well in spite of the fact that there are so many newer glues available which are said to be better . This shows just how useful it is! It’s also noteworthy that when contact cement dries, it hardens and leaves no trace of itself on the surface , unlike other types of glue for gluing metal to wood. Why would someone choose hot melt plastic over contact cement? The reason some people prefer hot melt adhesive over contact cement is because it’s stronger . Keep in mind that both products will provide an adequate bond once they have fully dried out.
Disadvantages of using a bad quality glue for gluing metal to wood
For your own safety, you should make sure that the glue you have is of a good quality (especially if you’re using contact cement). This will ensure that it does not dry out too quickly , as some low-cost contact cements tend to do . Also, be aware that cheap hot melt plastic / wax cements can leave residue on the surface , which in turn may leave stains. Without proper ventilation , this kind of adhesive can also produce toxic fumes . To avoid such misfortunes and always achieve excellent results:
How not to use glue for gluing metal to wood!
Do NOT apply too much pressure when gluing metal together with contact cement . Some people who are inexperienced at working with this type of adhesive might be tempted to put too much pressure on the metal surface, which can lead to a bad-quality bond between the two surfaces .
Do NOT use hot melt plastic or wax without ventilation and be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it. Another thing to keep in mind is that most chemicals are dangerous ; so never experiment with strange glue containers or other adhesive products! You should always remember that when you’re making repairs with metal fasteners , it’s always better to buy good quality products !
You need to make sure that your arrangement of metal pieces in your project is symmetrical , or else one side might end up being heavier than another once everything has dried out. This can cause warping, especially if you’re using cement glue for gluing metal to wood.
Select the proper glue before starting the project, as some adhesives are not compatible with each other and may cause corrosion .
To ensure that your project lasts longer and doesn’t lose its shine or luster , make sure you use a good quality glue for gluing metal to wood. Glue is inexpensive and will give you great results if used properly . If you want something tougher, try using hot melt plastic ! Don’t forget to read all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for safety before buying any product! Good luck!
