How to Glue Chrome to Chrome
by Mary Simms
Chrome, a chromium alloy, is used to make the bright polished surfaces and trims of products such as automobiles, jukeboxes and model cars, as well as plumbing fixtures. Gluing any kind of metal to metal is problematic because you are trying to get two nonporous surfaces to bond together. Gluing metallic parts like chrome trims and fixtures together requires that the surfaces be given a simple but vital pre-treatment if the chrome parts are to hold together successfully.
Glue Chrome to Chrome
Step 1
Go to a hardware or crafts store or search online to find glues and adhesives formulated to bond metal to metal, and more specifically, chrome to chrome. Two-part epoxy glues in which you mix ingredients from two tubes to produce the desired adhesive work well when bonding chrome to chrome. Silicone glues also can be used to bond metal to metal.
Step 2
Pre-treat the chrome pieces you are gluing together by washing them with mild soap and warm water and then drying them thoroughly. Use a piece of fine-grade sandpaper or plain (no soap) steel wool to softly abrade only the areas you are gluing together.
Step 3
Clean the abraded areas with a clean rag moistened with rubbing alcohol. Apply the glue you have chosen according to its directions using a toothpick or craft stick. Clean away any excess glue. If necessary, use a screw-type clamp (available in many sizes) to hold the different parts together tightly until they bond.
Step 4
Wait the prescribed time for the glue to bond the chrome pieces together. Remove the clamp if using one and polish away any fingermarks.
References
Tips
- Wear surgical gloves when applying metal-bonding adhesives to chrome, as the oil from fingers can dull chrome trim.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using epoxies.
- Any spills can be cleaned with acetone.
Things You'll Need
- Metal-bonding epoxy glue
- Steel wool (plain, no soap)
- Sandpaper (fine grade)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean rags
- Surgical gloves
- Clamp
- Craft stick for applying glue
Writer Bio
Michigan resident Mary Simms began her journalism career in 1985 as a Foreign News Desk sub-editor at "The Japan Times," one of Tokyo's English-language daily newspapers. In the U.S., Simms has worked as a reporter, business magazine writer and copy editor. She was awarded a Master of Arts in area studies/Near East in 1983 at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
