How to Get Glue to Stick to Aluminum

Aluminum is a durable and sustainable metal that is thin enough to be recycled into homemade crafts. Crafts like aluminum can airplanes, sharks, purses and lampshades; or commercial aluminum applications, where welding is not recommended, need a strong permanent glue. Being able to glue it to itself or other materials makes using aluminum easier.

Things You'll Need

• Grease-fighting dish detergent
• Aluminum
• Metal glue
• Small binder clips or clamps

Instructions

1. Wash the aluminum with a mixture of water and grease-fighting dish detergent to remove any dirt and accumulated oils. Rinse it with warm water and allow it to dry.

2. Apply a fast-drying metal glue to the pieces to be joined by following the glue manufacturer's application instructions.

3. Clip the joined pieces together with binder clips while the glue dries and forms a bond between the two surfaces.

Tips & Warnings

• A variety of aluminum craft patterns is available online.

• Wear gloves when cleaning and cutting aluminum to avoid cuts on your hands.

• Look for metal glue in the craft department or auto supply store.

References

• Beacon Adhesives: Adhesive Selection Table
• Tesscar Aluminum Craft: Free Shark Plans