Adhesive & Bonding Agent Compatibility Matrix

Match the right adhesive to your materials for the strongest bond. Covers epoxy, polyurethane, CA glue, and more for various surfaces.

Adhesive Compatibility Matrix
MaterialBest ChoiceGood AlternativeAvoid
MetalEpoxy (2-part)Polyurethane, Metal CAConstruction adhesive
Hard PlasticsPlastic epoxy, Plastic cementCA glueHot glue
Damp ConcretePolyurethaneWet-rated epoxyCA glue, Regular construction adhesive
Rubber/FlexibleFlexible polyurethaneContact cement, Flexible epoxyRigid epoxy, CA glue
Wood to WoodWood glue (PVA), PolyurethaneEpoxyCA glue (too brittle)
GlassClear epoxy, UV-cureCA glue (thin surfaces)Construction adhesive
Epoxy (2-Part)

Best For: Metal, glass, ceramics, hard plastics, wood, concrete

Advantages:

  • Strongest bond available for most materials
  • Chemical and temperature resistant
  • Gap-filling properties
  • Can be sanded and painted after curing
  • Waterproof when cured

Disadvantages:

  • Requires mixing two components
  • Working time limited (5-30 minutes typically)
  • Rigid when cured (not good for flexible materials)
  • Messy to work with

Surface Prep: Clean, dry, roughened surface for best adhesion

Cure Time: 5 minutes to 24 hours depending on formulation

CA Glue (Cyanoacrylate / Super Glue)

Best For: Smooth, non-porous surfaces needing instant bond

Advantages:

  • Instant bond (seconds)
  • No mixing required
  • Works on many materials
  • Available in thin, medium, and thick viscosities

Disadvantages:

  • Brittle when cured - breaks under impact
  • Poor gap filling
  • Not good for flexible materials or high-stress joints
  • Can fog clear plastics (use gel formulas to minimize)
  • Bonds skin instantly - safety concern

Surface Prep: Clean, dry, smooth surfaces, tight fit essential

Pro Tip: Use CA accelerator spray for instant cure

Construction Adhesive

Best For: Wood, drywall, foam board, masonry, subfloors

Advantages:

  • Excellent gap filling
  • Flexible when cured
  • Moisture resistant (many formulas)
  • Strong initial grab
  • Economical for large projects

Disadvantages:

  • Long cure time (24 hours+)
  • Not suitable for metal, hard plastics, or smooth surfaces
  • Requires clamping or bracing during cure

Common Types:

  • Standard: Interior/exterior general purpose
  • Heavy-duty: Increased holding power
  • Subfloor: Prevents squeaks, high shear strength
Polyurethane Adhesive

Best For: Multi-material bonds, outdoor use, damp conditions, flexible materials

Advantages:

  • Water-activated cure (works on damp surfaces)
  • Expands slightly for gap filling
  • Strong, flexible bond
  • Excellent for wood, composites, and dissimilar materials
  • Waterproof and weather resistant

Disadvantages:

  • Foaming during cure can be messy
  • Requires moisture to cure (mist surfaces in dry conditions)
  • Difficult to remove once cured
  • Can't be repositioned after application

Surface Prep: Clean surface; lightly dampen for faster cure

Popular Brands: Gorilla Glue (original), Titebond Polyurethane

Specialized Adhesives

Contact Cement

Best For: Laminates, veneers, rubber, leather

Method: Apply to both surfaces, let dry, press together for instant permanent bond

Plastic Welding Cement

Best For: PVC, ABS, acrylic (must match plastic type)

Method: Solvent melts plastic surfaces, creating chemical weld

Silicone Adhesive

Best For: Flexible seals, glass, aquariums, high-temp applications

Note: Not paintable, primarily a sealant with bonding properties

Hot Melt Glue

Best For: Crafts, temporary bonds, light-duty applications

Note: Not suitable for structural or outdoor use

Surface Preparation Guidelines
  • Clean: Remove all dirt, dust, grease, and old adhesive
  • Degrease metals: Use acetone or denatured alcohol
  • Roughen smooth surfaces: Light sanding improves mechanical bond
  • Dry surfaces: Unless using polyurethane (which needs moisture)
  • Test difficult plastics: PP and PE (polypropylene/polyethylene) are hard to bond - may need special primers
  • Temperature matters: Apply adhesives at recommended temperatures (usually 50-90°F)
  • Read instructions: Each adhesive has specific requirements for best performance
Common Bonding Failures & Solutions

Problem: Bond breaks under stress

Solution: Use stronger adhesive (epoxy) or redesign joint for mechanical support

Problem: Adhesive doesn't cure

Solution: Check expiration date, ensure proper mixing, verify temperature conditions

Problem: Bond breaks with temperature changes

Solution: Use flexible adhesive (polyurethane) that can accommodate expansion/contraction

Problem: Plastic "melts" or fogs

Solution: Wrong adhesive - use plastic-safe formulas, avoid solvent-based on sensitive plastics

Additional Information

About This Adhesive Compatibility Guide

This comprehensive adhesive compatibility matrix helps DIYers and professionals choose the right glue or bonding agent for any material combination. Whether you're bonding metal to metal, repairing plastic, working with wet concrete, or joining dissimilar materials, selecting the correct adhesive is critical for creating strong, lasting bonds that won't fail under stress or environmental conditions.

Different adhesive chemistries excel with different materials and applications. Epoxy provides the strongest bonds for rigid materials, polyurethane works on damp surfaces and flexible joints, CA glue (super glue) offers instant bonding for smooth surfaces, and construction adhesive excels at gap-filling wood and masonry applications. This guide covers the advantages, limitations, and proper surface preparation for each adhesive type.

Using the wrong adhesive is one of the most common causes of project failures. This reference helps you avoid wasted materials and failed repairs by matching adhesive properties to your specific bonding requirements, material types, and environmental conditions.

Why Use This Adhesive Reference Guide?

Selecting the right adhesive ensures strong, durable bonds and prevents project failures. This guide helps you work confidently with any material combination.

  • Quickly identify the best adhesive for any material combination
  • Understand which adhesives to avoid for specific materials
  • Learn proper surface preparation techniques for maximum bond strength
  • Choose between rigid and flexible adhesives based on application needs
  • Troubleshoot common bonding failures and find solutions
  • Compare adhesive types by cure time, strength, and working properties
Frequently Asked Questions

Free Adhesive Compatibility Matrix - Simple Bonding Guide | DIYProject.ai