Gluing magnets to wood is simple if you know which steps to take. To glue magnets to the wood, you need to walk through the following three stages:

• Preparing both surfaces
• Selecting the right glue 
• Waiting out the full cure time 

For these stages, you will need the following tools and products:

• Magnet 
• Wood surface 
• A strong adhesive (not just any glue will do)
• Sandpaper 
• Clean cloth 

This guide will find the exact steps to follow at each stage. You will also discover the best adhesives to get this job done properly. 

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Glue Magnets To Wood

If you have the right tools and know which steps to take, gluing magnets to a wood surface is simple and can be done effectively. 

So let us guide you through each phase of this process, what you need to use, and how to implement the steps. 

Phase One: Prepare Both Surfaces

Regardless of how strong of a glue you have, if your material has a very smooth surface, such as the surface of a magnet, it won’t be able to create a strong bond to hold the magnet to the wood longer-term effectively. 

For the glue to offer your project the best results, it needs a good grip on the surface to create a strong bond. 

We will achieve this in the preparation phase before we clean the surfaces. 

For this, you will need sandpaper. 

Use rough-grit sandpaper to create a rough texture on the surface of the magnet. If the surface of your wood is also very smooth, use sandpaper to rough up this surface as well. 

Having two roughed-up surfaces offers the glue a really good grit and a highly effective bond through this. 

Now it’s time to clean both surfaces. 

Use a clean damp cloth to wipe down both surfaces. Make sure they are free of dust, debris, or any stains. 

If there is dust or grease or any other stain on either surface, this will prevent the glue from creating a strong bond. 

Phase Two: Select The Right Adhesive

Now that you have created a rough finish on both your magnet and wood and cleaned them off well, they are ready for this next stage of gluing. 

But, using the right glue is still very important if you want your magnet to remain attached to the wood surface. 

Here is our list of adhesive recommendations to glue magnets to wood:

• Two-part epoxy glue 
• Gorilla glue 
• Crazy glue
• Super glue 
• Liquid nails 
• Silicone adhesive 
• Mod Podge

Our favorite selection for this project is two-part epoxy glue because it is very strong and durable. 

Follow these steps to glue the magnets to the wood:

1. Before you apply the glue, make sure that both surfaces are clean and fully dry 
2. Apply one layer of glue on either surface
3. Press the two surfaces together and apply pressure, using your hands or clamps
4. Allow the glue to set the recommended time (read the manufacturer’s instructions on this as this time may differ depending on the product) – usually, the full curing time is about 24 hours

You can use either clamp, masking tape, or weights to keep the pressure for bonding as the glue cures 

After the curing time and the glue is fully set, remove the clamps, masking tape, or any other objects you have used as weights to keep the magnet secured to the wood. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot glue to glue magnets to wood?

Hot glue guns are not recommended on neodymium magnets. 

The hot glue gun’s hot temperature usually demagnetizes the magnet, including the low-temperature hot glue guns. 

Can I glue magnets to wood with JB Weld?

JB Weld is a very strong adhesive, and we know some sources recommend it to glue magnets to wood but here is why we caution against it for this specific project. 

JB Weld is a well-known and often used epoxy glue. It contains a steel filler material. These metal particles will set the magnet in motion while the glue is still wet and curing, causing it to move around and create a sticky mess around it. 

How can I remove the glue from the magnet?

If you accidentally glued the magnet to the wrong spot or realized that you wanted to do it differently, you can remove the glue from the magnet. 

To achieve this, there is a safer method and more effective method. 

You will need soapy water to remove the glue from the magnet using a safer method. 

You will need acetone to remove the glue from the magnet more efficiently. Just be aware that using acetone may damage the surface of the magnet. 

The application method is the same. 

Follow these steps:

1. Apply the soapy water or the acetone with the help of a clean cloth, toothbrush, or cotton swabs
2. Gently rub it against the glue until it is fully removed
3. If the glue is stubborn and won’t come off easily, add the soapy water or the acetone onto the cloth or cotton balls
4. Place it over the glue
5. Let it soak through for about 10 minutes 
6. Try to rub the glue off with the help of a cloth, toothbrush, or cotton swabs
7. If necessary, repeat the above steps multiple times
8. Once all the glue is removed, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth 

Conclusion

If you have been wanting to do some projects that involve gluing magnets to a wood surface but weren’t sure how easy or complicated it might be, now you know that it is rather simple and easy. 

All you need for this project are the following tools:

• Magnet 
• Wood surface 
• A strong adhesive (not just any glue will do)
• Sandpaper 
• Clean cloth 

Our favorite adhesive to glue magnets to wood is two-part epoxy glue, which creates a very strong bond and is durable. 

And whenever you work with glue, we recommend working in a well-ventilated area and using protective gloves.