Best Glue for Metal to Plastic in 2022 – The Only 5 Worth Your Money
Gluing metal to plastic can be hard because these two surfaces are non-porous and will react differently to adhesives. There are many different kinds of glues on the market, so you need to find one that will effectively bond both materials together.
To help you choose the right kind of glue for your project, here’s a compilation of some of the best glues for metal to plastic available along with a breakdown of their pros and cons.
Contents
List of the Best Glues for Metal to Plastic in 2022
- Gorilla Two-Part Epoxy Glue – Best Overall
- J-B Weld KwikWeld Epoxy Glue – Runner Up
- Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue – Best on Budget
- Gorilla Original Glue
- Franklin 2303 Titebond Glue
The Top 5 Best Glues for Metal to Plastic in 2022
1. Best Overall – Gorilla Epoxy Glue
This Gorilla Epoxy Glue is one of the best when it comes to bonding non-porous materials such as metal and plastic. However, it’s most effective with specific metals like steel and aluminum.
The bottle is designed with two barrels to keep the resin and hardener separate until you’re ready to apply the glue. It’s also designed with a syringe-like applicator tip which allows you to dispense the glue easily and precisely.
It forms an extremely strong bond with water-resistant properties. It also sets fast and dries transparent to give a smooth finishing look on the surface.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can bond non-porous materials
- It creates an extremely strong bond
- It allows for easy and precise application
- It has water-resistant properties
- It has a fast set time
- It dries transparent
Cons
- It’s not effective with all metals
Bottom Line
The Gorilla Epoxy Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for an overall high-quality glue to bond nonporous surfaces and give a smooth clear finish.
2. Runner Up – J-B Weld KwikWeld Epoxy Glue
This J-B Weld KwikWeld is another excellent epoxy glue for bonding all kinds of metals and plastics. It comes in two separate tubes containing the resin and the hardener which require mixing before application.
It forms permanent bonds with the surface that have extremely high tensile strength as the glue’s formula is reinforced with steel. It also has water-resistant properties and can withstand high temperatures up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit.
The glue will set and cure very quickly and can also be sanded, shaped, and drilled through after curing. However, it’s not transparent as it dries in a light gray color.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It works on all kinds of metals and plastics
- It forms permanent bonds with high tensile strength
- It has water-resistant properties
- It can withstand high temperatures
- It sets and cures very quickly
- It can be sanded, shaped, and drilled after curing
Cons
- It doesn’t dry clear
Bottom Line
J-B Weld KwikWeld Epoxy Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for quick setting glue that can form a permanent bond with all kinds of metals and plastics
3. Best On a Budget – Loctite Super Glue
Loctite Super Glue is one of the most versatile and affordable glues on the market as it can be applied on metal and plastic as well as various other materials like rubber, leather, ceramic, and cardboard.
The way the applicator on the container is designed and the glue’s gel-like consistency make it easy to control how much of the glue is dispensed and to spread it across the surface without causing a mess.
Once it’s applied, it will create a strong bond that is also water-resistant and impact resistant. It dries clear and doesn’t need the surface to be clamped while drying as it set and cures quickly
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It’s easy to control and apply
- It can create a strong bond with various materials
- It sets and cures quickly
- It dries clear
- It doesn’t need the surface to be clamped
- It’s water-resistant and impact resistant
- It’s relatively cheap
Cons
- It has a short shelf-life as it’s prone to drying in its container
Bottom Line
The Loctite Super Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a versatile glue that will provide a strong bond with various materials and comes at an affordable price.
4. Original Gorilla Glue
The Original Gorilla Glue is polyurethane-based and can be used for projects that require bonding metal to plastic or other kinds of surfaces.
The glue can create a strong, long-lasting bond that’s also waterproof. It is commonly used for repairing or filling in cracks in objects, but keep in mind that it doesn’t dry clear, so the damage will be visible.
It’s is easy to apply and it comes with a sealable applicator to prevent the glue from drying inside the bottle, however, you need to take some precautions when working with this kind of glue as it’s very hard to remove from skin and it gives off a strong odor that can be harmful if inhaled for extended periods of time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can effectively bond metal to plastic and other surfaces
- It creates a strong, long-lasting bond
- It’s waterproof
- It’s best for making repairs or filling in cracks
- It comes with a sealable applicator
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- It doesn’t dry clear
- It’s hard to remove from skin
- It gives off a strong odor
Bottom Line
The Original Gorilla Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for a strong glue that can be used to repair or fill in cracks in various surfaces including plastic and metal.
5. Franklin Titebond Polyurethane Glue
Franklin Titebond Glue is another polyurethane-based glue that can bond different kinds of materials including metal and plastic.
It doesn’t have the highest bonding strength compared to other polyurethane-based glues, but it can still create a bond that’s good enough to hold the material together for a long time and it’s completely waterproof.
It’s easy to apply to a surface and allows for making adjustments or repositioning as it takes about 20 minutes to set. It also requires the surfaces to be clamped for at least 45 minutes until it dries.
It can be used to make repairs but keep in mind that it turns to a pale yellow color once after curing
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can bond various materials including metals and plastic
- It’s completely waterproof
- It’s easy to apply
- It has a long set time
- It allows for adjustments and repositioning
Cons
- It doesn’t have the strongest bonding strength
- It needs to be clamped until it dries
- It doesn’t dry clear
Bottom Line
The Franklin Titebond Polyurethane Glue is the best choice for you if you’re looking for glue that’s has a long set time so you can adjust or reposition the surfaces while gluing.
All You Need to Know About Gluing Metal to Plastic
Can You Glue Metal to Plastic?
You can glue metal to plastic if you’re using the right kind of glue. It can be challenging since both of these materials are non-porous and will react differently to adhesives.
You need to find a kind of glue that can form a bond with the kind of metal and plastic surfaces you want to stick together without causing any damage to either of them.
If you are not sure about the kind of plastic you have, you can check the recycling symbol that is embossed or printed somewhere on the item.
Other properties you need to keep in mind when choosing glue for metal to plastic glue are tensile strength, flexibility, water resistance, and temperature resistance.
What Kinds of Glue Are Best for Metal and Plastic?
As mentioned before, there are many different kinds of glues that can be used on metal or plastic separately, but some kinds can be effectively used on both.
So, let’s take a closer look at the kinds of glue that are best for metal and plastic:
Epoxy-based Glue
Epoxy-based glue is known as two-part glue as it’s made from two chemical components which are resin and a hardening fluid.
These components come in separate containers and need to be mixed thoroughly before applying them to the surface otherwise the glue will not bond effectively.
This kind of glue might take a long time to completely cure, however, it can create an extremely strong bond with different kinds of surfaces including metal and plastic.
Cyanoacrylate-based Glue
Cyanoacrylate-based glue is also known as Super Glue or Crazy Glue
It can form extremely strong bonds with various kinds of surfaces such as metal, plastic, wood, and glass.
The surface this glue is applied to needs to have a degree of moisture in order for the glue to react and bond.
Polyurethane-based Glue
Polyurethane-based glue is also known as Gorilla Glue
It can form an extremely durable bond with various kinds of surfaces including metal, plastic, wood, glass, stone, and ceramic.
The bond formed is also completely waterproof and can withstand a significant amount of pressure.
How to Glue Metal to Plastic?
To get the adhesive bond to achieve its maximum strength when gluing Metal to plastic, you need to make sure that you’re using the right kind of glue and that the surfaces you’re applying the glue on are prepared for bonding.
So, here is a step by step guide you can follow to help you properly glue metal to plastic:
Step 1: Preparing the surfaces for bonding.
Preparing the surfaces for bonding involves making sure they’re completely clean from any like dirt or grease because these contaminants can interfere with any glue’s ability to form a bond.
To clean a plastic surface, you need to wipe it off with a cloth soaked in water and mild soap. If the plastic surface is too smooth, the glue might not be able to bond properly, so you’ll also need to go over the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen it a little before applying the glue.
To clean the metal, on the other hand, it’s best to avoid using any water or soap as they might cause some damage to the metal. Instead, you can scrub the surface using a wire brush or fine-grit sandpaper.
Then, you need to apply some rubbing alcohol on both surfaces to dissolve any accumulated grease, oil, or waxes.
Make sure both surfaces are completely dry after you’re done cleaning them and avoid touching them with your bare fingers so you don’t contaminate them again.
Step 2: Applying the glue to both surfaces
Apply a thin layer of glue on both of the surfaces you want to stick together and make sure to cover the surfaces entirely.
It’s recommended to apply the glue using a brush so you can cover more surface area as well as have more control over where the glue is applied and how thick the layer is.
After you’re done applying the glue, you need to press both surfaces firmly together until the glue starts to set.
Step 3: Leaving the glued surfaces to dry and cure
Make sure not to disturb or move the glued surfaces during the drying process, otherwise, the bond won’t reach its maximum strength and you will need to re-apply the glue.
It’s recommended to use adhesive tape or weight clamps to hold the surfaces together until the glue is completely dry and cured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Does Glue Dry When Applied to Plastic?
Glue can dry in about 10 to 20 minutes when applied to plastic. It will also take up to 24 hours to cure before you can use the surface. The speed of the drying process depends on factors like the kind of glue used, the amount of glue applied, and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
How Fast Does Glue Dry When Applied to Metal?
Glue can dry in about 15 to 30 when applied to metal. It will also take 12 to 24 hours to cure before you can use the surface. The speed of the drying process mainly depends on factors like the kind of glue used, the amount of glue applied, and the temperature of the room you’re working in.
How to Remove Dried Glue from Plastic?
To remove the glue from plastic, you can use a solvent such as acetone. This will help soften the dried glue and make it easier to remove or separate the glued surfaces. It’s recommended to test the solvent on a small area first to ensure it won’t cause any damage or discoloration to the surface.
How to Remove Dried Glue from Metal?
To remove dried glue from metal, you need to soften the glue. You can use a strong solvent like acetone or apply heat to the surface using a hairdryer. Once the glue is soft, the bond formed on the surface will be weaker and you will be able to easily remove it or separate the glued surfaces.
You can also learn about the best glue for metal to wood here.
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