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Best Glue for Glass to Metal: FAQ & Tips

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Written by: Jeremy Sanchez

Updated:

Best Glue for Glass to Metal: FAQ & Tips

Finding the right glue for glass or metal alone is challenging enough. It’s even more difficult when you want glue that works for both materials.

Glass and metal are smooth and slick materials; depending on the size of the materials you’re working with, they can also be heavy.

In this article, I’ll list the best glass to metal glues you can use!

With these glues on hand, you’ll have a much easier time working with glass and metal.

Despite being notoriously hard to bond, these materials can still be put to great use using the right adhesives.

Stick around, and you’ll find out what I’m talking about!

Recommendation: Rhino Heavy-Duty Ultra Glue Gel is commercial-grade super glue that works well on virtually any material, even smooth ones like glass, metal, and ceramics. This glue has incredibly high durability and adhesion power, thanks to the triple distilled formula. This glue is also resistant to shock, heat, and moisture.

Keep reading for more great glass to metal glue options!

Suitable Glues for Glass to Metal

There are many great types of glue, but not all of them will work well in glass-to-metal applications. Even a simple metal glue or glass glue might not work.

To save yourself some time and disappointment, you need to know exactly which types of glue will work on your specific materials.

When in doubt, always look for one of the following glues. The exact one you choose will depend on factors like the type of hold and durability you need.

Hot Glue

Hot glue is extremely easy to apply because you can only dispense it with the help of a glue gun.

It’s suitable for all types of surfaces, both porous and non-porous. You can thus use it to glue glass to metal or any other material.

It has quick drying times and a very powerful hold. Hot glue also dries clear and can have different melting options, depending on the brand or product.

Super Glue

This glue is perfect when you need a near-instant, permanent bond. It works great for porous surfaces but can bond glass and metal equally well.

Once dry, super glue is waterproof. It’s also resistant to most other solvents.

Combine that with the fact that it dries almost instantly, and super glue becomes overkill.

If you need to work on delicate, detailed projects, keep in mind that this glue leaves little room for error correction.

Yellow Glue

Also known as “aliphatic resin glue” or “carpenters’ glue,” yellow glue is a good option if you need an adhesive that allows repositioning.

This glue is water-based and suitable for porous and non-porous surfaces.

This glue looks yellow upon application. It has a similar consistency to white glue but has a stronger bond and is more resistant to water.

Bonding takes time, so if you make a mistake, you can fix it fast.

Also, again keep in mind that some types of glues are not appropriate for bonding glass to metal, such as regular glass glue, gorilla glue, epoxy glue, normal silicone sealant, polyurethane glue, wood glue, PVA glue, and Krazy glue.

Best 10 Glues for Glass to Metal

Read below my suggestions for the best glue for glass to metal:

1. Rhino Heavy-Duty Ultra Glue Gel

Pros

  • Great choice to bond metal to glass
  • Suitable for any metal surface
  • Fixes any broken glass
  • Heat and moisture resistant

Cons

  • Hard to remove once applied

This glue does it all! It’s a commercial-grade adhesive suitable for any material or surface, including glass and metal.

Thanks to the triple-distilled formula, this glue forms an instant, strong, and durable bond.

Once dry, this glue becomes tough and highly resistant to impact, shock, moisture, and heat.

The Rhino Heavy-Duty Ultra Glue Gel is perfect for small and big fixes. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor repairs, and it can withstand even heavier-weight materials.

This glue comes with a nozzle tip for precise application. The medium-thick gel-like consistency makes this glue easy to control and prevents dripping and sliding.

The adhesive also dries clear, so it’s perfect for visible surface applications or transparent glass.

I think this product is the #1 choice to glue metal to glass.

Rhino Heavy-Duty Ultra Glue Gel is also an excellent choice if you need glue for marble.

2. Permatex 81844 Professional Strength Rearview Mirror Adhesive

Pros

  • Great for bonding metal to glass
  • Works with any glass surface
  • Strong metal bonding
  • Suitable for any metal surface

Cons

  • Only works on windshields

This adhesive is specially formulated to work on glass and metal, albeit only with one specific use.

You’re only supposed to use this glue to bond the rear-view mirror onto the inner side of your car’s windshield.

The Permatex 81844 Professional Strength Rearview Mirror Adhesive has a powerful, permanent, and near-instant bond and is suitable for heavy-weight materials.

It dries clear and fast, so you don’t have to spend minutes to hours holding the mirror in place.

You’ll need to be quick and precise because once you’ve used this glue on anything, there’s no turning back. They aren’t kidding about that durable bond feature.

However, the glue comes with a no-drip activator, so you’ll at least be able to use it without creating a mess everywhere.

Permatex 81844 is also perfect if you need glue for mirrors.

3. Loctite 34931 Light Cure Adhesive

Pros

  • Dries clear and cures fast
  • Works with any glass surface
  • Creates a permanent bond
  • Suitable for any metal surface

Cons

  • Requires UV light

The Loctite 34931 Light Cure Adhesive allows you to fill in large gaps and works well on hard, dry surfaces.

It bonds to glass, metal, and plastic and cures quickly and clearly. This adhesive creates strong, durable, yet flexible bonds.

Once dry, the glue remains water, shock, impact, and UV resistant. However, you might need a UV lamp to cure it.

Check out my guide on UV glues for more info.

This glue won’t dry completely until exposed to UV light. Normal daylight exposure might be enough, but an artificial light source would work even quicker for the best results.

4. Beacon Permanent Glue

Pros

  • Bonds with most types of material
  • Is waterproof
  • Dries very fast
  • Comes with a dispensing tip

Cons

  • Can irritate skin and eyes
  • Is flammable
  • Does not work with some plastic

Beacon Permanent Glue is waterproof and weather-resistant, bonding almost any material instantly.

You can use it on glass, metal, leather, rubber, and many types of plastics. Thanks to its versatility and high resistance to weather factors, you can use this glue on indoor and outdoor repairs.

This premium glue dries extremely fast. It has a permanent, powerful hold and forms flexible bonds.

Thanks to its dispensing tip and metal tube packaging, this glue is easy to use and store.

Once you’re finished applying the adhesive, you can seal the tip back to prevent the glue from drying.

This glue contains potential irritants. Direct eye contact might lead to adverse reactions.

Also, beware that this glue has harmful, flammable vapors.

It’s also a perfect option if you need glue for jewelry.

5. Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue

Pros

  • Bonds as fast as 10 seconds
  • Works with any metal, glass, plastic and ceramic
  • Has a precise dispensing tip
  • Comes with anti-clog cap

Cons

  • Not microwave safe
  • Can be toxic

This adhesive offers an easy application from one of the best glue companies in the world.

Gorilla Precise Super Glue bonds fast and dry clear in an impact-resistant formula with excellent tensile strength.

As you apply this glue, it’ll bond everything into place, especially glass to metal.

It can bond any item within 10-15 seconds and has a micro dispensing tip. It means you won’t mess up using Gorilla Micro Precise Super Glue.

It can bind paper, rubber, ceramics, leather, wood, glass, metals, and plastics. However, it’s not microwave-safe or dishwasher-safe.

Check out my guide on glues for ceramic repair for a detailed description.

The anti-clog cap will also help you avoid making a mess when using the adhesive.

6. Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant

Pros

  • Extremely high temperature range
  • Works with glass, metal, plastic, fabric, ceramics, leather and vinyl
  • Can act both as adhesive and sealant

Cons

  • Not suitable for windshields
  • Can cause skin and eye irritation

Permatex 80050 Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant is the right choice if you want a long-lasting bond with a clear-drying formula.

The weather-resistant and waterproof formula will also resist temperatures between 75°F to 400°F.

Permatex can also be used as a sealant to block the flow of any fluids on joints or other material openings.

Due to its attachable tip, glass-to-metal jobs aren’t difficult anymore if you have the Permatex RTV Adhesive Sealant.

The application of glue is much easier with this tip.

I wouldn’t recommend using this adhesive for windshield installations, electrical connection repairs, or engine gaskets.

Moreover, be very careful about direct contact with your eyes or skin, as it may irritate you.

It’s also very good in case you need glue for pottery.

7. PC Fix PC-Clear Epoxy Adhesive Liquid Double Syringe

Pros

  • Detergent and acid resistant
  • Works with metal, glass, wood, concrete, fabric and ceramics
  • Strong metal bonding
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Takes up to 24 hours to fully cure
  • Does not work with all kinds of plastic

Glass to metal jobs requires a strong bond with a clear and smooth finish. PC Fix Epoxy Adhesive is the right glue for the job – with resistance to caustics, gasoline, oil, mild acids, and detergents.

The double syringe applicator makes it easy to use anytime, even on the go.

It can bond ceramics, metal, glass, concrete, wood, fabric, and more. Once it cures, it becomes non-toxic, so there’s no problem touching it.

You can find more info on the above in my guide on glues for fabric to wood.

Moreover, PC Fix can be painted and sanded over with no issue once dry. However, you may have to clamp it for the bond to kick in fully.

8. J-B MinuteWeld Instant Setting Epoxy Syringe Clear

Pros

  • Extremely high tensile strength
  • Works with any glass surface
  • Comes with a mixing tray
  • Dries clear

Cons

  • Does not work with Styrofoam
  • Can cause eye and skin irritation
  • Set time can take a long time on low temperatures

J-B MinuteWeld’s Instant Setting Epoxy is a heavy-duty two-part epoxy with a quick, durable bond. According to the manufacturer, this adhesive is a more powerful, longer-lasting substitute for Super Glue.

The glue comes in a two-syringe recipient for easy and precise dosage. You also get a mixing tray, a stir stick to mix the 1:1 formula, and a resealable cap to prevent the glue from leaking or drying.

The J-B MinuteWeld Instant Setting Epoxy mixes easily and takes just one minute to set under temperatures above 40°F.

The adhesive cures completely in about one hour, and the final bond has a tensile strength of 2300 PSI.

The glue also dries clear and works on many materials, including glass, metal, plastic, PVC, concrete, ceramic, wood, and more.

Additional info on the above can be found in my guides on glue for plastic to wood and glue for furniture.

However, this adhesive might be too harsh for Styrofoam, causing the material to melt upon contact. The product also releases toxic fumes that might irritate the eyes and skin.

9. Epoxy Putty Steel-Reinforced Epoxy Sticks

Pros

  • Great for bonding metal to glass
  • Works with stone, glass, metal and hard plastics
  • High heat resistance

Cons

  • Does not dry clear

The Epoxy Putty Steel-Reinforced Epoxy Sticks are a replacement for traditional tube adhesives.

If you don’t like working with liquid or viscous glues, this is a great option. This glue comes in stick form, is easy to use, and is a waste-free, mess-free way to get the job done.

All you have to do is cut the quantity of glue that you need and then knead the product as you would a piece of playdough.

The glue is ready to apply when the two parts are perfectly blended together. The epoxy dries in 10 minutes and hardens completely in 24 hours.

Once dry, the glue becomes as sturdy as metal and resists temperatures up to 120°F.

You can use this product to fill in gaps, and cracks, to fix tools, furniture, appliances, leaking pipes, drains, and many more.

It works equally well on glass, metal, stone, plastics, wood, fiberglass, stone, marble, etc.

Note that the adhesive doesn’t dry clear, but it can be sanded, painted, drilled, and tapped.

10. Nano 470 Glass2Glass Glass2Metal White Light/ UV Curable Constructive Adhesive IC80

Pros

  • Noes not need a UV light
  • Specially created for gluing glass to metal
  • Dries clear
  • Comes with precision tip

Cons

  • Toxic on aquatic life – not recommended for aquariums

This adhesive is made with glass and metal in mind. It bonds glass to glass and glass to metal; it dries clear and with a powerful, permanent bond.

You can control exactly when the curing process takes place. All you need to work with this glue is a fluorescent or UV light source.

The Nano 470 Curable Constructive Adhesive IC80 also comes in a small bottle with a precision tip for easy application.

Another great thing about this product design is the jet-black recipient, which protects the glue from light exposure and prevents drying.

Avoid using this glue for aquariums and other surfaces with which your pets might come into contact.

Tips for Using Glass to Metal Glue

Once you find the right adhesive, bonding glass to metal becomes much easier. The truth is, a good glue does half of the work.

But you should still take precautions if you want the best results and the least downsides possible.

For the most efficient gluing process, consider the following tips:

Choose the glue most suitable for the job. This is especially important for big, heavy-weight pieces.

Epoxy works best when you need a strong hold. For smaller repairs and projects, super glue is enough.

Always ensure that your product is clear-drying and compatible with non-porous materials like glass and metal.

Prepare the surfaces before applying any glue. This means cleaning and drying both the glass and the metal surfaces.

Use a damp fabric to clean any dust or dirt, and follow with a dry cloth to remove the moisture.

Depending on the metal you’re using, you might have to rub down the surface for better adhesion.

Lightly scrub the surface of the metal with steel wool, and remove any remaining debris with a clean cloth.

Apply the glue to only one of the surfaces. After spreading the adhesive over the surface, you want to bond and clamp the components together.

Because curing time is usually 1-24 hours long, you might want to use clamps to keep the materials together until the glue cures completely.

Many glass to metal glues are harsh and irritating, so you must know how to prevent discomfort or accidents while working with these products.

Always make sure you respect the following safety precautions:

  • First and foremost, always follow the instructions and respect the counter-indications on the label.
  • Make sure you patch-test the glue before applying it to the real materials. Use some samples or scraps of glass and metal to get a first impression of how the glue sets and holds.
  • Avoid direct skin contact. Some glues can even bond skin instantly. Avoid using your fingertips. Use utensils to apply and spread the glue instead.
  • Never hunch over when applying the glue. Keep your face away from the product and use protective gear if you must. Do not inhale the glue vapors.
  • Keep the glue away from children and pets, and don’t use the glue on any objects that come into contact with food or water. Never use toxic glues on objects such as glasses, bowls, or cutlery.

Wrap Up

As beautiful as glass and metal are, they’re some of the hardest materials to work with, especially if you want to combine them.

The good news is that many great high-performance adhesives are suitable exactly for this job.

You can choose any of the products mentioned in this article or other adhesives compatible with glass and metal.

Once you find the best material-compatible glue, you’ll notice a night and day difference.

You should get more long-lasting results and have an easier time getting your materials to hold together.

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