Wood to Metal
Glue Metal to Wood
To glue metal to wood, there are different glues & adhesives available. In this article we will look at how to stick metal to wood together using an adhesive & why Adiseal is the best adhesive to attach metal to wood. We will also look at other methods of attaching wood to metal, and look at the positives negatives of each method.
What is the best wood to metal glue?
There are many different products that will stick wood to metal, but to get a good strong long-lasting bond, use the record breaking strongest Adiseal adhesive & sealant.
Why Adiseal is the best to glue metal to wood
Adiseal adhesive & sealant is the best product at sticking wood and metal together. In an independent wood to metal adhesive strength test by Ultimate Handyman, Adiseal was easily the strongest. It was over 3 times stronger than the nearest competitor in the wood to metal bond strength test. In fact, it was so strong that the screws holding the metal sheet down started to rip out forcing the test on Adiseal to be stopped.
Strongest Wood to Metal Glue Test Results
- Adiseal : 3123 psi plus
- SupaBond : 1115 psi
- Tec 7 : 1016 psi
- HB42 : 942 psi
- Loctite PL Premium : 873 psi
- Gorilla Grab Adhesive : 862 psi
- Bond It PU18 : 582 psi
- Bond It Saves Nails : 411 psi
“That is actually unbelievable!”
Ultimate Handyman
Testimonials
Other benefits of Adiseal
Some of the other reasons why Adiseal is the best product to use when trying to to bond wood to metal:
- Adiseal is the record breaking strongest adhesive & sealant. It proved it’s the best in an independent adhesive strength test by Ultimate Handyman.
- Adiseal stays permanently flexible so it will absorb any vibration and allow any items to expand & contract without the adhesive becoming weak.
- Adiseal is waterproof so it is also suitable for use outdoors or indoors. It works it dry, wet & even underwater.
- As long as the surface is clean of any dust, grease, paint or any other dirt, priming the material should not be required.
- Adiseal does not soak into wood so sealing of the wood is not required.
- It has very high gap fill properties.
- Adiseal has high initial grab meaning temporary supports may not be required while the adhesive cures. Adiseal Hi-Grab has even higher grab than the standard product.
- It is suitable for use of softwood, hardwood & all metals.
- EC1 Pus certified (lowest VOC)
Considerations when choosing correct product
When choosing a wood to metal adhesive, there are several considerations to keep in mind. These factors will help ensure a strong and durable bond between the two materials. Here are some important considerations:
- Bond Strength: The adhesive should provide a strong bond between wood and metal surfaces. Consider the load and stress the bond will be subjected to and choose an adhesive with sufficient strength for the intended application.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the adhesive is compatible with both wood and metal surfaces. Some adhesives may work well on one material but not on the other. Check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer to confirm compatibility.
- Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for a successful bond. Wood surfaces should be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or finishes. Metal surfaces should be clean and free from rust, oil, or any other contaminants. Some adhesives may require roughening or priming of the surfaces for better adhesion.
- Application Method: Consider the ease of application and the specific requirements of your project. Some adhesives come in tubes or cartridges for easy application, while others may require mixing or special application tools.
- Setting Time and Curing: Different adhesives have varying setting and curing times. Consider the time you have available for the adhesive to set and cure before it can bear any load. Faster curing times may be desirable for projects with time constraints.
- Environmental Factors: Evaluate the environment in which the bond will be subjected to. Consider factors such as temperature, moisture, UV exposure, or chemical exposure. Some adhesives may have specific recommendations or limitations regarding these environmental factors.
- Flexibility and Durability: Depending on the application, the bond may need to withstand vibrations, impacts, or other stresses. Consider the flexibility and durability of the adhesive to ensure it can withstand the expected conditions.
- Longevity: If the bond needs to be long-lasting, consider the adhesive’s lifespan and resistance to aging. Some adhesives may degrade over time when exposed to certain conditions, leading to a weakened bond.
- Safety: Take into account any safety considerations associated with the adhesive, such as toxicity, flammability, or ventilation requirements. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe handling, storage, and use of the adhesive.
It is important to carefully assess these considerations and choose an adhesive that best meets the requirements of your specific wood to metal bonding application. Consulting with adhesive manufacturers or industry professionals can provide valuable guidance in selecting the most appropriate adhesive for your needs.
Safety Considerations
When gluing wood to metal, it’s important to consider the following safety considerations:
- Ventilation: Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area or use proper ventilation equipment, especially when using adhesive products that emit strong fumes. Adequate ventilation helps prevent the buildup of potentially harmful vapors and provides fresh air for breathing.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE to protect yourself during the adhesive application. This may include safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and a respirator or mask if the adhesive produces strong fumes or if you are working in a poorly ventilated area. Consult the adhesive manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS) for specific PPE recommendations.
- Skin Protection: Avoid direct skin contact with the adhesive. Some adhesives can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Wear gloves to protect your hands and consider covering exposed skin areas to prevent accidental contact.
- Avoiding Inhalation: Avoid inhaling the adhesive fumes or vapors. If working in a poorly ventilated area, consider wearing a respirator or mask to protect your respiratory system from potentially harmful substances.
- Flammability: Some adhesives can be flammable or have low flash points. Take precautions to prevent exposure to open flames, sparks, or other potential sources of ignition. Keep the work area clear of any flammable materials.
- Storage and Disposal: Store adhesives according to the manufacturer’s instructions, taking into account any specific temperature or storage requirements. Properly dispose of any unused adhesive, empty containers, or waste materials in accordance with local regulations and guidelines.
- Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the adhesive manufacturer. The product label and safety data sheet (SDS) will provide important information about potential hazards, proper handling procedures, first aid measures, and any specific safety precautions.
In general, it’s essential to prioritize safety by following good practices, using appropriate PPE, and understanding the potential risks associated with the adhesive you are using. Consulting the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations and SDS is crucial for understanding and implementing the necessary safety precautions.
Problems with epoxy adhesives
There are several problems with using epoxy adhesives to glue metal to wood. Listed below are the some of the problems of epoxy adhesives.
- Although epoxy adhesives might initially bond wood to metal, epoxy adhesives are not flexible meaning the bond will become weaker over time. Air temperature & moisture changes cause items to expand & contract putting extra forces on an adhesive or glue. If the adhesive or glue is not flexible, it will become weak & brittle then eventually break. Wood is a material that is likely to soak up moisture in the air so likely to expand or contract. Metals are good heat conductors so are likely to expand & contract easily with temperature changes.
- Epoxy adhesives also come in 2 separate components which require mixing. To achieve optimum epoxy adhesive properties, the 2 components need to be the correct ratio therefore require careful measuring. They also need to be mixed thoroughly together. If these 2 are not done then the optimum properties of the epoxy may not be achieved.
- Epoxy adhesives have lower initial grab than Adiseal, meaning temporary supports will usually be required whilst the epoxy adhesive cures. This increases time & money with extra labour cost.
Problems with mastic adhesives
Just like epoxy, mastic adhesives also have many problems when being used as an adhesive to stick metal to wood. Listed below are the main problems of mastic adhesives.
- The main problem with mastic adhesive is that the bond is weak in the 1st place. A mastic adhesive might be suitable at sticking light items indoors but will fail at more heavy duty applications.
- Another problem with mastic adhesives are they are not waterproof. This means they are not suitable for use where there will be water like bathrooms, kitchens or outdoors.
- Just like epoxy, mastic adhesives are not flexible meaning the already weak bond will become weaker over time. This is especially a problem with wood as wood absorbs moisture in the air causing it to expand or contract.
- The initial grab of the mastic adhesive is also low meaning temporary supports will be required, increasing time & labour cost.
Problems with contact adhesives
Contact adhesives may be suitable in sticking light sheets to a surface but not suitable for more heavy duty applications. There are a number of problems with contact adhesives.
- Contact adhesives have low initial grab meaning temporary supports will be required until the adhesive has cured.
- Contact adhesives also has low gap fill meaning if there is a gap in certain places between the 2 surfaces of the items being bonded, the contact adhesive will not stretch between the 2 surfaces. This will create a much weaker bond as only in a few places where the surfaces are very close together will the adhesive successfully bond.
- Certain wood sheets like MDF or chip board tends to soak up liquid glues & adhesives. To use a liquid glue or adhesive on these wood sheets will require sealing the wood first.
Problems with using glue
Glues are generally suitable at sticking small items to smooth surfaces but not for more heavy duty applications like bonding wood to metal. For more heavy duty applications, a construction adhesive like Adiseal will be required. Glues have lower gap fill, initial grab, bond strength, flexibility & other problems compared to Adiseal adhesive & sealant when trying to stick metal to wood.
Certain wood sheets like MDF or chip board tends to soak up liquid glues & adhesives. To use a liquid glue or adhesive on these wood sheets will require sealing the wood first.
How to glue metal to wood
How to attach wood to metal
- Remove gaps
Try to make sure there are no big gaps between the surfaces where the adhesive will be applied. If there are any big gaps then either cut or file down the surface of the wood or metal so that they match closely when the wood & metal are put together.
- Preparation of the metal
When attempting to attach wood to metal, preparing both the wood & metal is vital to achieving a good strong long lasting bond.
To prepare the metal surface, make sure the surface is clean of any dust, grease, oil, paint, rust or any other dirt. UltraLube is an ideal penetrating oil & lubricant that can help in removing rust. Adisolve is the ideal product at removing oil, grease, tar & other stubborn deposits. - Preparation of the wood
To prepare the wood surface, make sure the surface is clean of any dust, grease, oil, paint or any other dirt. Adisolve is the ideal product at removing oil, grease, tar & other stubborn deposits.
- Apply glue or adhesive
Once both wood & metal surfaces are clean, they are ready for the glue or adhesive. Wood will absorb certain glue’s or adhesives, therefore require sealing prior to applying the glue or adhesive. If Adiseal adhesive & sealant is used then there is no need to seal the wood as Adiseal will not soak into the wood. Cover as much surface area as possible to get the best bond.
- Push wood and metal together
With Adiseal, simply apply the adhesive to either the wood or metal and push the metal and wood together.
- Temporary supports
As Adiseal has high grab, temporary supports should not be required but if the item does start to slide down then place temporary supports to hold the items in place until the adhesive has cured. Adiseal usually takes 24 hours to 48 hours to fully cure, with curing times increasing in colder temperatures.
Tip: If bonding wood to metal where there is a chance of water, apply the adhesive in thin vertical strips. This allows any water to run down between the strips instead of building up on top of the adhesive. If there is a build up of water between the wood & metal, in cold temperatures it will turn to ice which expands putting additional forces on the adhesive.
Glue wood to metal with Adiglue
It is also possible to glue wood to metal using our Adiglue. Although Adiglue is less brittle than super glues, it is still not as flexible or strong as Adiseal adhesive & sealant.
Stick metal to wood with Adiseal Hi-Grab
The Adiseal Hi-Grab instant grab adhesive will also stick metal to wood. It has a higher initial grab than Adiseal adhesive & sealant. We however recommend the Adiseal adhesive & sealant when attaching metal to wood. The reason for this is because the Hi-Grab product is a very thick product. To push together the 2 items that need sticking together requires a lot bigger force if the Hi-Grab adhesive is between the items.
Glue or adhesive vs mechanical fixings
It’s possible to attach wood to metal with either glue or mechanical fixings. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. One key disadvantage of using mechanical methods like using screws to attach wood to metal is the final finish. A hole will need to be drilled in the wood and the metal. This hole will be permanently visible when the items need to be removed. Even with the screw still in, the screw will still be visible and ruin the look of the wood. An example is in the image below where wooden skirting boards were fitted with screws instead of glue or adhesive.
Sometimes using both glue or adhesive together with mechanical fixings to attach metal to wood can increase the strength of the joint.
Where to buy
In the UK, Adiseal products can be purchased from Adiseal stockists. For other countries visit www.guglue.com
Frequently asked questions about glue wood to metal
To attach wood to metal, use the record breaking strongest adhesive, Adiseal. In an independent wood to metal adhesive strength test, Adiseal was over 3 times stronger than the nearest competitor. Make sure both surfaces are thoroughly clean before applying the adhesive.
The best product to use is the record breaking strongest Adiseal. In an independent wood to metal adhesive strength test, Adiseal was over 3 times stronger than the nearest competitor.
Adiseal will attach metal to wood without screws. In a wood to metal adhesive strength test, Adiseal was over 3 times stronger than the nearest competitor. Make sure both surfaces are thoroughly clean before applying the adhesive.
Yes Adiseal adhesive and sealant will stick all types of wood to all types of metals. Making sure both items are thoroughly clean will achieve the strongest bond.
To adhere wood to metal, there are several options available. Adiseal will provide a very strong, long lasting and flexible bond. In an independent test, it has shown to be the strongest adhesive between wood and metal. To adhere wood to metal with Adiseal, first make sure both surfaces are thoroughly clean. Apply the adhesive to 1 surface. Push both items together and hold until the adhesive dries. Temporary supports might be required until the adhesive fully cures.
There are various types of adhesives suitable for wood to metal bonding, including polymer, epoxy, polyurethane, construction adhesive, and cyanoacrylate (super glue). The choice depends on factors such as the specific materials, application requirements, and desired bond strength.
Both surfaces should be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or any other contaminants. It may be necessary to roughen the metal surface and remove any rust, while wooden surfaces may need to be sanded or stripped of finishes for better adhesion.
Most types of wood can be successfully bonded to metal using appropriate adhesives. However, some oily or resinous woods may require special surface preparation or priming to ensure a strong bond.
The bond strength depends on factors such as the adhesive type, surface preparation, and the materials being bonded. When properly applied, adhesives can create strong and durable bonds suitable for many applications.
Some adhesives are specifically formulated to provide moisture resistance or outdoor durability. Check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer to ensure the adhesive is suitable for the desired environmental conditions.
Disassembling bonded wood and metal parts can be challenging, especially with strong adhesives. In some cases, heating or applying solvents may help weaken the bond, but it’s advisable to plan the project with the understanding that the bond may be permanent.
Suhail Matadar
Suhail Matadar has extensive experience in the construction industry as an electrician, involved in installing, inspecting, and testing electrical systems in various projects. He excelled in sales, working for a major UK wholesaler, selling construction products to professionals and the DIY market. Suhail's background includes working at a leading home emergency repair company dealing with trades people. With a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, Suhail has worked with PLCs in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry. During his studies, he gained practical experience at a chemical manufacturing company known for producing award-winning cleaning, hygiene, and livestock protection products for over a century. Currently, Suhail runs a global business specialising in supplying, researching, testing, and distributing chemical construction products like adhesives and sealants.