What is the best adhesive for bonding glass?

There are many types of glass adhesives to suit different applications, whether you are bonding glass to metal or glass to glass, here are some recommendations on the best adhesives to use.

What is the best adhesive for bonding glass?

Glass to metal bonding

UV Curable Adhesives

Can bond substrates with different thermal expansions, providing the best adhesion for glass. These adhesives use light instead of heat to create a photochemical process that causes the adhesive to harden.

These adhesives form high strength bonds that are flexible, stress absorbing and good for load-bearing joints. Other benefits include optical clarity, non-yellowing and the ability to cure in seconds on demand. Some recommended products to use are the Permabond UV610 and Permabond UV625.

Permabond UV610 is a single part, fast setting adhesive designed for bonding glass to metal. The adhesive has no solvents, making it environmentally friendly and it provides a colourless clear bond.  Ideal for industries that manufacture glass furniture that requires high strength edge joints.

Permabond UV625 is a fast curing, thixotropic adhesive for bonding and sealing glass and metal joints. The adhesive is tough and flexible with good impact resistance. The gel-like viscosity makes it a non-drip adhesive, perfect for dispensing on vertical surfaces or where there are large gaps.

Glass to glass bonding

MS Polymer Glass Adhesives

Are good for glass to glass bonding, although some UV Curable Adhesives (UV625) can also be used. These adhesives are high strength, easy to apply with a pleasant, mild odour and non-yellowing. A recommended product to use is the Permabond MS359 Clear.

Permabond MS359 Clear is a single part, high viscosity, optically clear adhesive for glass to glass applications, making it a good choice when the aesthetic appearance is important. The adhesive is free from silicones, isocyanates and PVC compounds and is weather resistant making it ideal for exterior construction.

To maximise the performance of the adhesive, it is essential to prepare the surface before application.

Surface Preparation

The surface should be dry, clean and free from grease, oil and any other contaminants.

For glass surfaces, use a solvent wipe to remove greasy residues.  You can use solvents such as Acetone or Isopropanol over the surface. Make sure the solvent has completely evaporated before bonding the glass.

For metal applications, such as aluminium and copper, you can use a fine emery cloth to lightly abrade the surface to remove the oxide layer.

For more advice on bonding glass, please contact us.