Choose epoxy if you need maximum strength. It’s the strongest of the three and can fill in gaps if pieces don’t fit perfectly together. [2] X Research source It comes in flexible or non-flexible varieties and is heat- and impact-resistant. [3] X Research source Use polyurethane for moderate household repairs. It’s slightly weaker than epoxy but is easier to apply. [4] X Research source Choose it for outdoor projects since it’s resistant to heat, UV, and water. [5] X Research source Opt for super glue to bond small pieces together very quickly. It’s best for spot gluing flat surfaces together. [6] X Research source It does not fill in gaps, so the metal pieces must fit together perfectly. [7] X Research source
Consider wearing a mask and goggles to keep fumes and adhesive out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. Lay down a protective cloth or paper to shield your work surface, too. Gloves also protect the metal from the oils and greases on your fingers.
Keep your gloves on to avoid leaving grease or fingerprints on your freshly cleaned metal. [10] X Research source Remove stubborn adhesives from metal with a strong solvent like acetone.
Wipe the metal with a clean rag or microfiber cloth afterward to remove any sanding dust or debris. After sanding, double check the fit of the metal pieces. If they no longer fit very closely, be sure to use an epoxy glue to fill in the gap.
Make sure the metal is clean and sanded before you mix the epoxy. It will harden within minutes, so apply it to the metal as soon as it’s mixed. Some epoxies come in a dual-chamber syringe that mixes the hardener and adhesive while you squeeze it onto the metal.
Make sure to rest the pieces in a place where they won’t be disturbed or moved. Use a rag moistened with acetone or mineral spirits to wipe away runs or globs of glue that get squeezed out from between the pieces. [18] X Research source
When in doubt, leave your metal to cure longer. If you spot a run of glue that dried on the outside of your metal, scrape or slice it off with a razor blade. After curing, the adhesive is at full strength and your metal is ready to be used or displayed again.
