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

Material	Best Choice	Good Alternative	Avoid
Metal	Epoxy (2-part)	Polyurethane, Metal CA	Construction adhesive
Hard Plastics	Plastic epoxy, Plastic cement	CA glue	Hot glue
Damp Concrete	Polyurethane	Wet-rated epoxy	CA glue, Regular construction adhesive
Rubber/Flexible	Flexible polyurethane	Contact cement, Flexible epoxy	Rigid epoxy, CA glue
Wood to Wood	Wood glue (PVA), Polyurethane	Epoxy	CA glue (too brittle)
Glass	Clear epoxy, UV-cure	CA 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

What's the strongest glue for metal to metal bonding?

Two-part epoxy is the strongest adhesive for bonding metal to metal. It creates bonds that can exceed the strength of the base metal when properly applied. For best results, clean and degrease both metal surfaces with acetone, then roughen them with sandpaper to create mechanical tooth for the epoxy. Mix the two components thoroughly and apply to both surfaces. Clamp or weight the joint during the full cure time (24 hours for most epoxies). For high-temperature applications, use a high-temp rated epoxy formula.

Can I use super glue on plastic?

CA glue (super glue) works well on hard, rigid plastics like ABS, acrylic, and PVC, but not on all plastic types. It won't bond polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) - the plastics used in food containers and many household items. CA glue can also fog or whiten clear plastics due to solvent vapors, so use gel formulas and work in ventilated areas. For flexible plastics or rubber, CA glue will fail because it cures rigid and can't flex. For difficult plastics, look for specialty plastic adhesives or use plastic welding cement for the best results.

What adhesive works on wet or damp surfaces?

Polyurethane adhesive (like original Gorilla Glue) is specifically designed to work on damp surfaces - it actually requires moisture to cure. This makes it ideal for exterior applications, bonding to damp concrete, and situations where you can't fully dry surfaces. The moisture activates the curing reaction. For underwater repairs, use marine-grade epoxy specifically formulated for wet application. Standard CA glue, construction adhesive, and regular epoxy won't cure properly on wet surfaces and will have significantly reduced bond strength.

Why did my glue joint fail?

Common causes of adhesive failure include: using the wrong adhesive type for your materials (like CA glue on flexible materials), inadequate surface preparation (surfaces not clean, dry, or roughened), insufficient cure time (handling joint before adhesive fully cured), poor mixing of two-part adhesives, expired adhesive products, temperature extremes during curing, or joint design that puts the adhesive in peel rather than shear. To fix failed joints, remove old adhesive completely, properly prepare surfaces, choose the right adhesive, and allow full cure time.

What's the difference between epoxy and polyurethane glue?

Epoxy is a two-part adhesive that cures rigid, offers the highest strength, and excels at gap-filling and bonding hard materials like metal, glass, and ceramics. Polyurethane is a one-part adhesive that cures with moisture, remains slightly flexible, expands as it cures (for gap-filling), and is waterproof. Choose epoxy for maximum strength on rigid materials and when you need paintable, sandable results. Choose polyurethane for outdoor applications, when bonding wood, for damp conditions, or when the joint needs some flexibility to accommodate movement.

How do I remove cured adhesive?

Removal methods depend on adhesive type. For cured epoxy, apply heat with a heat gun to soften it, then scrape away. Acetone or paint stripper can help with remaining residue. For CA glue, use acetone (nail polish remover) - it will dissolve the bond. For construction adhesive, scrape away as much as possible, then use adhesive remover or mineral spirits. For polyurethane, scraping and sanding are usually required as it's very difficult to dissolve chemically. Always test removers on an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the underlying surface.

Related calculators

All calculators

Garage Door Spring Sizing

Calculate torsion spring specifications for garage doors

Tool Rental vs Purchase ROI

Calculate break-even point for renting vs buying tools

Crown Molding Calculator

Calculate linear feet and cutting angles for crown molding installation

Related cheat sheets

All cheat sheets

Measuring & Layout

Measurement conversions, layout techniques, squaring methods, and tools

Nails, Screws & Fasteners

Fastener types, sizes, applications, and installation guidelines

Essential Tools Guide

Tool selection, maintenance, safety, and proper usage techniques

Plan the whole project

Turn these numbers into a full project plan

DIYProject.ai turns your measurements into an ordered task list, a complete materials list, and a priced shopping cart, then tracks your spend as you build. The calculators and cheat sheets stay free, no account required.

Start with DIYProject.ai