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If you’re wondering how to stick plastic to metal – and keep it stuck – you’ve come to the right place! We’ll show you the best way to glue metal to plastic and recommend products that will help you achieve lasting results.
How to bond metal to plastic: Choosing an adhesive
What’s the best way to glue metal to plastic? The answer requires a little explanation, as it all depends on your project.
Before you get started – and before we show you how to stick metal to plastic – think carefully about the materials you’re working with, and the qualities you’re looking for in an adhesive. If the plastic you’re bonding is polyethylene or polypropylene, use a special adhesive designed for use on these plastics, such as Loctite Superglue All Plastics.
For most interior repairs, however, you can use a standard super glue. Just check the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure it’s compatible with both plastic and metal. You should also consider whether the adhesive needs to be suitable for gap-filling as super glues require smooth, close fitting surfaces.
In addition, think about the ambient conditions for your project. Is it indoors or outdoors? Will the surfaces be exposed to water? For example, if you’re repairing car parts, you’ll need a resistant adhesive that’s suitable for outdoor use. Keep all these factors in mind as you pick a glue, double-checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
Here are a couple of our top recommendations for super glue – the best way to glue metal to plastic if you’re simply bonding two interior, flat surfaces together.
Loctite Super Glue Liquid Precision is ideal for strong, precise bonding. The specially designed nozzle allows for added precision. It’s a versatile adhesive that’s effective for bonding metal, most plastics, and a variety of other materials. An additional advantage is that it dries transparent – perfect for invisible repairs.
Alternatively, if you’re working with a larger surface area, try Loctite Super Glue Liquid Brush On. It has similar qualities to many other super glues – high strength, versatility, and transparent bonding. But unlike other glues, this product comes with a handy brush applicator. It’s a good choice if you need to get the job done quickly, covering a large surface area with minimal effort.
Overall, super glues are a great solution for gluing metal to plastic. However, they’re not the only option. For filling in gaps and carrying out high-strength, permanent exterior repairs, we recommend using an epoxy. Try Loctite Extreme Epoxy, a strong adhesive that’s compatible with metal and most hard plastics. It’s easy to use, and it creates extremely strong bonds in a matter of minutes.
For hard to bond plastics such as PE, PP, Teflon etc, use Loctite Super Glue All Plastics.
How to glue metal to plastic: Using super glue
In this section, we’ll show you how to bond metal to plastic with super glue. These are general guidelines to help you successfully glue plastic and metal together, with lasting results. For specific information about details such as timing, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen product.
When working with super glue (or any other adhesive), make sure you take safety precautions. Work in a well-ventilated space and consider wearing gloves to protect your hands. If you get any glue on your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Here’s how to glue metal to plastic, step by step:
- Prepare your workspace. Cover the work surface with scrap paper in case of any accidental spills.
- Prepare your materials. The surfaces of the metal and plastic should be completely clean and dry. You can use sandpaper to roughen the surface of the plastic, to improve adhesion.
- Pre-fit the pieces. Before gluing, check that the pieces fit together closely, with no gaps.
- Apply the super glue. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto one of the surfaces. Then press the surfaces together and hold in place, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean up. Adhesive is easier to remove while it’s still wet, so clean up any excess immediately with a cloth or tissue soaked in acetone. Once the adhesive has cured, you can remove it with a sharp blade. Bear in mind that acetone may damage some surfaces, so test it on a less visible area first.
Now you know how to stick plastic to metal with super glue! The process for bonding other materials is just as simple. So, keep your super glue safely stored, ready for your next project
