The right construction adhesive depends on what you're bonding. Using the wrong adhesive leads to failure — sometimes immediately, sometimes after months. Select your two materials below to get a recommendation, or browse the comparison table for a complete overview.
Find the Right Adhesive
Recommended:
Adhesive Types Quick Reference
| Adhesive | Strength | Waterproof | Gap Filling | Best Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Part Epoxy | Very High | Yes | Excellent | Metal, wood, glass, concrete, ceramic |
| Super Glue (CA) | High | Fair | Poor | Metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber |
| PVA Wood Glue | High (wood) | No | Some | Wood to wood (indoor only) |
| Polyurethane (PL) | Very High | Yes | Excellent | Wood, concrete, stone, ceramic |
| Contact Cement | Medium | Fair | No | Laminate, rubber, fabric, foam |
| MS Polymer | High | Yes | Excellent | Most materials, flexible joint |
| Silicone Adhesive | Medium | Yes | Good | Glass, metal, flexible bonds |
How to Choose the Right Adhesive
Selecting the correct adhesive type requires understanding three key factors: material compatibility, environmental exposure, and the type of stress the bond will experience. Always follow manufacturer instructions for surface preparation, application, and cure time.
Surface Preparation is Critical
80% of adhesive failures are due to poor surface preparation. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before bonding. Remove all oil, dust, rust, and paint. Rough smooth surfaces lightly with sandpaper to improve mechanical bonding. Some plastics need a primer or flame treatment to create polar surface energy for adhesive wetting.
FAQ
Is this adhesive selector free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
Is my data private?
Yes, everything runs locally in your browser.
What is the strongest construction adhesive?
Two-part epoxy is typically the strongest structural adhesive for most material combinations, with shear strengths exceeding 3,000 PSI on metals and hard plastics. For porous materials like concrete and stone, polyurethane construction adhesives like PL Premium offer excellent strength with gap-filling properties.
What adhesive works on plastic?
The right adhesive for plastic depends on the type. ABS, PVC, and PETG bond well with plastic cement (solvent welding). Polypropylene and polyethylene are very difficult to bond — use specialized PE/PP adhesives or consider mechanical fasteners. Most plastics can be bonded with 2-part epoxy or super glue (cyanoacrylate).
Can I use Gorilla Glue on metal?
Gorilla Glue (polyurethane) can bond metal but it requires moisture to activate and foams as it cures. For metal-to-metal bonds, two-part epoxy or metal-specific super glue (like Loctite) is typically stronger and cleaner. For metal to wood, polyurethane adhesives work well.
What is the best adhesive for outdoor use?
For outdoor applications, choose adhesives rated for UV resistance and moisture exposure. Marine-grade epoxy, polyurethane construction adhesives, and MS polymer adhesives are all good choices. Avoid PVA (white glue) outdoors as it is not waterproof. Silicone adhesives are excellent for outdoor joints that need flexibility.