Qualities like extremely high thermal conductivity, lightweight and barrier properties are the reason why aluminum is so widely used both in the industrial sector as well as by DIY’ers and craftsmen.
Whether it’s the thin foil you use to bake your favorite pasta or moldings, you can find this material everywhere, which is a testament to its wide use and importance.
Since it’s such a commonly used metal, one often needs to bond it with other materials or even another aluminum surface.
In such a case, you might have several options, such as welding, but the easiest and quickest way to achieve the desired effect is with good old adhesives.
If you think adhesives might not be able to form strong bonds to stick aluminum together, then you couldn’t be far from the truth because when done correctly, using adhesives is just as good as welding.
The good news is finding the appropriate adhesive is even simpler because I will be dropping the top picks that I think are the best adhesives for aluminum on the market.
Top 10 Adhesive for Aluminum
As promised, I bring you the top picks that I think are some of the best adhesives used for aluminum.
Each product reviewed in this list has only been selected after carrying out extensive research, so rest assured that no matter which option you pick among them, you would not be disappointed.
These reviews will save you from wasting your time looking through the aisles.
Instead, you can trust the included pros and cons, which will give you enough insight to find exactly what you are looking for.
1. J-B Weld 8276 KwikWeld Glue for Aluminum
The J-B Weld is a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals mainly because it offers a quick and easy solution to multiple problems.
The product is versatile enough to be used on various surfaces but works especially great for aluminum. Users claim the bond is so strong it is permanent.
Why should you then go for complicated bonding processes when applying the J-B weld 8276 that is waterproof, petroleum, chemical, and acid resistant?
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Strong
- Durable
Cons
- It takes time to dry up
- The bottle is difficult to squeeze
2. 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive Sealant
If you own a boat either for work or leisure, chances are it has aluminum components since the modern craft takes advantage of the lightweight and high strength the metal has to offer.
In such a case, it is always handy to keep the 3M marine adhesive sealant on deck at all times.
This adhesive is not only easy to use but is also weather and saltwater resistant, which makes it ideal to use at sea.
The flexibility it offers is outstanding because you won’t have to worry about problems such as vibrations, swelling, or shrinking.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to use
- Weather and saltwater resistant
- Flexible
Cons
- Needs to be cured for a few days
- Messy
3. Permatex 84109 PermaPoxy Glue
Get yourself an adhesive that is specially made to work rigid materials, including aluminum.
It is easy to use, which is why you can join multiple pieces together with ease, no matter how complicated the assembly might be.
It can also be used for filling gaps, so joining different materials is not its only use. Once cured properly, you will find that this adhesive is also waterproof.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Strong odor
- Better for smaller projects
4. Hy-Poxy H-450 Alumbond Aluminum Putty Repair Kit
The Alumbond can meet all your aluminum glue needs. It has high strength and can be drilled, sanded, threaded, and even painted.
Consider your HVAC, radiator, or appliances that might have issues fixed without putting in the welding effort.
Instead, you can use this adhesive to get a bond just as good. It even has non-rustic, nonmagnetic properties, so you will not have to face any after-use complications.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Non-rusting
- Non-magnetic
- Especially for aluminum repair
Cons
- It takes time to cure
- Not strong enough for engine blocks
5. J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Marine Epoxy
No matter who you refer to on tips to bond aluminum surfaces, the answer usually includes J-B Weld.
It is no surprise, after all this product is a favorite among both professionals and novices both.
The adhesives are heavy-duty, super versatile to use, and a reliable option that you must consider for surfaces that come in contact with water, specifically because this epoxy will stay intact without any signs of deterioration.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Versatile
- Reliable
Cons
- It needs to be mixed
- Small SKU
6. Loctite 1360700 Adhesives
Need an adhesive that can repair, fill or rebuild and bond metals like aluminum. These tasks fit right in with the job description of this product.
What’s more, is that it’s anti-freeze and won’t shrink either. The only problem is that you might not be able to use it again because the product can dry up with time.
I also think it will be better suited for smaller surfaces instead of heavy-duty projects.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- No shrinking
- Anti-freeze
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Hardens inside the tube after opening
- Not as strong as other options
7. J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size
The reason why JB-weld is mentioned so many times in this list is a testament to just how amazing this adhesive is.
You get the same exceptional quality, but in a bigger SKU, you with this option which makes sit perfect to use for those who use it frequently and work in an industry that utilizes bonding aluminum together frequently.
You will be sure to get as much use out of it as possible because it can be used on multiple surfaces in various products, making it a very versatile option.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Big Size
- Multiple uses
- Heavy duty
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Quality Issues
8. Sikaflex-221 Aluminum Adhesive/Sealant
Need an adhesive that can help you glue aluminum sheets to any surface? This PU option will put others to shame, thanks to its high quality and great gluing ability.
It is non-corrosive and can be used on other surfaces like plastic and wood as well.
The only problem is that it has been mislabeled because the color is white, not grey, so make sure you pick the right color before you decide to get it.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- High quality
- Multi-purpose
- Non-corrosive
Cons
- Application isn’t easy
- Mislabeled
9. Metalset A4 ALUMINUM ADHESIVE
You are going to have a blast using this product on any aluminum epoxy projects.
This product is so reliable that it is trusted by a major airlines and automotive manufacturers all over the world.
It can fix any metal surface and has a very short cure time of only 16 hours which is nothing compared to the other options available on the market.
It is not runny at all, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable
- Short cure time
- Thick consistency
Cons
- It needs to be mixed
- Not easily available
10. 3M 38315 Panel Bonding Adhesive
Save your time and trust this product you will reconsider welding as an option to bond aluminum. Once you start using this product, you are bound to fall in love with it.
It has long-lasting effects as it is corrosion-resistant.
Some users do complain that it has very little product in the tube, but the efficient application and great quality ensure that you don’t have to use a lot of product in the first place.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Efficient application
- Super strong
- Good quality
Cons
- It needs to be mixed
- Very small SKU
Buyer’s Guide
It can be tricky to figure out how to bond aluminum even if you have a great adhesive on hand, don’t worry, though, because this buyer’s guide will equip you with all the background information you need to convert any project into a successful one.
Keep the following pointers in mind, and the rest of the process will feel like a piece of cake!
Types of Metal Adhesives
The market is full of a variety of metal adhesives, but because of the unique properties of aluminum metal, you can’t just pick any of the options available on the counter and think they will perform the required job.
Instead, it would help if you kept in mind which adhesives will facilitate you more in the bonding and desired process, along with the level of strength required.
Let’s look at some of the different types of adhesives that will enable strong bonds with other materials when used with aluminum.
Anaerobic adhesives are best used for applications such as gaskets and flange sealing which means that they are good to use when working with soft metal alloys.
In contrast, Epoxy systems, which come in one component and 2k variants, are also suitable for use with aluminum.
Keep in mind that the one-component variety of epoxy systems are much more convenient to apply and cure exceptionally fast upon heating, and the 2k version proves to make the strongest bond.
You can also use acrylics with aluminum, both surfaces activated and bead to bead varieties with favorable qualities that can be very convenient for the user.
The cyanoacrylate type of adhesive works like a charm and can be used to bond aluminum. You don’t require any special grade of this adhesive because all of them are suitable to be used with this type of metal.
You can choose any of these different types of metal adhesives to have a problem-free experience, so pick the option that is most convenient for you.
Bonding Materials
If you are thinking of using an adhesive to bond aluminum, you will also have to consider what kind of material you are planning on joining it with.
Each adhesive has different components, so its performance will also vary depending on the materials used; therefore, here’s an easy blueprint that can help you choose the right adhesive.
To join aluminum with materials such as wood, stone, or plastic, it is a much better option to use epoxy resin options because they have a sticky construction.
Generally, using PU or PUR is a preferable option to using on small surfaces; however, if you are looking for joining large surface areas, stick to epoxy resin.
However, if you are planning on using the adhesives on joining aluminum to aluminum surfaces, a two-component resin epoxy might be your best shot.
Method To Prepare Aluminum To Use With Adhesives
This may be your first time using adhesives with aluminum; if that is the case, be warned that it’s not as simple of a process as you think.
Since aluminum surfaces mostly have a weak oxidized layer on the surface which can prevent the adhesive from forming a very strong bond.
You should first wipe the surface clean with a solvent, roughen up the surface with the help of a sandblaster and remove the residues.
The next thing you need to do is ensure that you don’t touch the surface and finally apply the adhesive.
If you follow this procedure, you are bound to have a strong tensile bond that won’t come apart easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section includes various frequently asked questions regarding adhesives for aluminum. You can refer to the answers in case you have any queries left.
Does Gorilla Glue work on aluminum?
Yes, gorilla glue can be used on aluminum.
How do you bond aluminum to aluminum without welding?
You can use 2 component adhesives to bond aluminum with aluminum without having to go through the tedious process of welding.
Does epoxy stick to aluminum?
Epoxy resin can be used to stick aluminum with various materials such as wood, stone as well as glass.
How do you connect aluminum to aluminum?
You can connect aluminum to aluminum in various ways, such as welding or using adhesives.
Can I glue aluminum to wood?
With the right adhesive, this is possible.
How do you bond plastic to aluminum?
You can bond plastic to aluminum with the help of acrylic-based adhesives.
Conclusion
I hope the list of reviews and buyer’s guide helped you select the right product for all your needs.
Keep the pointers mentioned in the buyer’s guide as they will lead you to the most suitable adhesives for aluminum that has all the qualities you are looking for.