I have some 1/4" aluminum plate I will be gorilla gluing on the backside of a HDU Foam sign. The aluminum is not primed (mill finish) should I prime it first or will I get better adhesion unprimed? Thanks!
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on November 07, 2009 04:50 AM:
My inexperienced opinion is: 1. degrease it & wipe it clean 2. scuff it with a scotchbrite pad 3. wipe it clean again, then glue it
If you're lucky it may stick without a cleaning or a scratching, but if in doubt, test a small sample in the workshop, then a couple of days later, put half of it in a vice and hit it with a hammer & see if it separates at the join or elsewhere...
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on November 07, 2009 04:54 AM:
I'd suggest using epoxy. It's much tougher than Gorilla glue and doesn't expand while drying. And do what Ian says.
Posted by Bruce Crawford (Member # 495) on November 07, 2009 09:28 AM:
Ian, thanks for the info, that was my thought but its nice to have a little re-enforcement. Joe do you have a brand epoxy you would recommend? Thanks again
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on November 07, 2009 09:35 AM:
I don't have a preferance. I've tried Wess, Precision Board, Mass as well as others. I can't tell any difference. They cost about the same.
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on November 07, 2009 10:52 AM:
Bruce, I would drill a series of random holes (1/4" or 3/8")in the aluminum plate. The glue will "ooze" through them and will make a much better bond!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on November 07, 2009 11:43 AM:
Another vote for epoxy. Scratch up the aluminum, everything clean, then glue. I just don't like the way Gorilla glue expands in that application.
