Can You Glue Glass to Metal? How to Apply Glue to Both Surfaces?

You might need to stick glass and metal together for a craft project or if you’re replacing windows at home.

This can be quite challenging because glass and metal are two hard, non-porous surfaces and they require a special kind of adhesive that will bind them without damaging either surface.

So, can you glue glass to metal? You can glue glass to metal as long as you’re using the right kind of glue which will be able to form a strong bond with both surfaces. The best kind of glue for glass and metal is super glue, gorilla glue, or epoxy glue. You also need to make sure both surfaces are completely clean and dry.

Keep reading to learn more about the kinds of glue you can use on glass and metal surfaces as well as how to properly apply glue to glass and metal.

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What Kind of Glue Can Be Used on Glass and Metal Surfaces?

glass glued to metal to show can you glue glass to metal

Choosing the right kind of glue for glass and metal can be tricky because most kinds of household glue will not bond with either surface.

You need to choose glue that will bond strongly with both surfaces without causing any damage. You also need to choose a kind of glue that will dry clear so it wouldn’t leave an unattractive finish.

Let’s take a look at the kind of glue that can be applied to both glass and metal:

Cyanoacrylate Glue

This kind of glue is commonly known as Super Glue or Crazy Glue.

Its main ingredient is a chemical compound called cyanoacrylate which gives it the ability to form extremely strong bonds with various kinds of surfaces including metal and glass.

The surface the glue is applied to needs to have some degree of moisture in order for the glue’s molecules to react quickly and form a stronger bond. You can learn more about using superglue for glass here.

Polyurethane Glue

This kind of glue is commonly known as Gorilla Glue.

Its main ingredient is a chemical compound called polyurethane which makes it one of the strongest and longest-lasting adhesives.

It’s completely waterproof and can be used on various kinds of surfaces including metal, glass, stone, wood, and ceramic.

I recommend the Gorilla Superglue (amazon link).

Epoxy Glue

This kind of glue is made from two main ingredients which are resin and hardening substances. The two typically come in separate tubes.

The glue bonds with the surface when the resin and hardening substance are combined just before application.

It might take longer to dry than other kinds of glue, however, it creates an extremely strong bond that can resist chemical influences and withstand high degrees of pressure.

How to Glue Glass to Metal?

In order to effectively glue glass to metal, you need to make sure both surfaces do not contain any containments such as dust or grease that will interfere with the glue’s ability to bond and dry.

How to Prepare Glass and Metal for Bonding?

To prepare glass and metal for bonding with glue, you need to clean the surface from any dirt or dust.

With glass, you can just wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in water and soap. With metal, however, it’s better to use fine sandpaper to clean the surface as water might cause some damage to the metal.

It’s also recommended to apply some alcohol on both surfaces to help remove any grease, oils, or waxes. Make sure to dry both surfaces with a clean cloth after cleaning them and avoid touching them with your bare fingers so you wouldn’t contaminate them again.

How to Apply Glue to Glass or Metal?

Here are the steps you need to follow to properly apply glue to a glass or metal surface:

Apply a thin layer of glue on both surfaces you want to stick together. It’s recommended to use a brush to apply the glue for better control over where the glue goes and how thick the application is.
Keep both surfaces pressed together until the glue sets and dries. Avoid using or applying too much pressure on the surface until the glue is completely cured.
Remove any excess glue using a damp cloth for a cleaner finish.

How Long Does It Take Glue to Dry When Applied on Glass or Metal?

Super glue, gorilla glue, and epoxy glue dry can take about 10-20 minutes to dry when applied to glass or metal. However, it will take up to 24 hours for the bond to fully cure

There are several factors that can affect the speed of the drying process including:

The kind of glue you’re using.
The amount of glue used and how many layers are applied to the surface.
The temperature of the room you’re working in and the level of humidity in the air.

How to Remove Dried Glue from Glass or Metal?

You need to be careful when removing dried glue from glass or metal surfaces to avoid causing any damage.

It’s recommended to soften the glue first using a strong solvent like acetone or by applying heat to the surface. Once the glue is softened enough, you can easily scrape it off the surface.

Can You Glue Glass to Metal? How to Apply Glue to Both Surfaces?