Learn the best methods on how to glue glass to wood in this short article. We have the strategy for choosing the best adhesives and instructions on how to proceed.
How to adhere glass to wood: Common methods
The hard, non-porous surface of glass makes it difficult for most adhesives to stick to it. So, if you want to glue wood to glass, you will need to use a product that bonds to non-porous materials.
Super glue is among the most common adhesives used to glue glass to wood. Please note, however, that many super glues are not rated for adhering to glass. Check the label before you buy. Also, some types of super glue retain flexibility after drying, whereas others become quite rigid. This can be important when the object will be exposed to frequent vibration.
Super Glue and epoxy are the two adhesives of choice when gluing glass to wood
Epoxy is another common choice for gluing glass to wood. Epoxy is a two-part system, and you must mix equal parts of the resin and hardener to activate the adhesive. This results in an extremely resilient bond. Once cured, epoxy will be stronger than the glass and wood that it joins, so it will last the life of the item to which it is applied. For example, a glass-top table can be secured to the legs once and for all. No more rattling!
The advantage of epoxy is that it is extremely rigid and will span gaps, fill in surface imperfections, and hold up to extreme conditions. This makes it perfect for bonding wood trim to curved glass surfaces, repairing windows and doors.
Simple instructions for how to attach glass to wood
Follow these steps to glue glass to wood:
- Ensure that all surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry, then lightly roughen smooth surfaces for best adhesion.
- Pre-fit the parts to be joined to make sure they align properly.
- If using epoxy, dispense equal parts of resin and hardener onto a disposable surface, such as a piece of cardboard, and mix thoroughly. Review the product label for specific instructions.
- Apply a small amount of the adhesive to one surface.
- Press the parts together and hold them in place until a bond forms.
- Leave the item to fully cure before use.
- Clean up your work area and replace the cap on the glue.
Removing dried adhesive: if you discover excess adhesive after it has cured, gently scrape away as much as you can with a razor blade. Any remaining residue can be removed with acetone.
How to glue wood to glass: Top choices in adhesives
LePage Extreme Glue is a top choice in this category. Not only will it adhere glass to wood, but it will stand up to extreme temperatures and UV light. Plus it’s moisture resistant. It is ideal for small repairs on window glass or when reattaching loose glass in a cabinet door or coffee table. It dries crystal clear, sets quickly, and is suitable for all projects, indoors or out.
Press the two parts together to achieve a permanent bond between the wood and glass
If you need the extra resilience of an epoxy, LePage Epoxy Gel will do the trick. It produces an extremely strong bond just 6 minutes after mixing the components, and it will not crack or shrink. The gel formula is easy to work with and stays in place while the repair sets. This makes it the perfect solution to bond wood to glass. Epoxy is resistant to moisture, impact, and solvents and will bond to glass, wood, metal, ceramics, and even concrete or stone.