Can you glue aluminum to glass?

Yes, after the aluminum is scuffed bright and degreased and the glass is clean — the same prep if you are gluing glass to aluminum. Clear 2-part epoxy is the usual rigid joint; heat or movement favors silicone.

Should I use silicone instead of epoxy on aluminum and glass?

Use silicone when the joint sees heat, water, or flex. Epoxy is the clearer, stiffer line for a close-fitting indoor piece that stays still.

Does super glue hold glass to aluminum?

Only a tiny, tight, unloaded contact. It has no gap fill and turns brittle. A shelf, pane, or anything that could fall needs epoxy or silicone plus a mechanical ledge.

Do temperature changes crack an aluminum-to-glass glue joint?

They can. Aluminum and glass expand by different amounts, which loads a long rigid glue line and can stress the glass. Silicone is the switch when those cycles are expected.

More material pairs

Material pair

How to Glue Aluminum to Glass

Use 2-part epoxy (clear) for most aluminum-to-glass joints. Forms a rigid clear bond when bright aluminum and clean glass meet closely.

Best Adhesive for Aluminum to Glass

2-part epoxy (clear)

Forms a rigid clear bond when bright aluminum and clean glass meet closely.

Reviewed and adjusted by an editor.

Why 2-part epoxy (clear) Works

The dull oxide layer on the surface is what glue bonds to — and it flakes off under load. Scuff to bright metal and degrease right before gluing for a bond that lasts.
Non-porous and unforgiving — any grease film or fingerprint weakens the joint and stays visible through the glass forever.
The strongest rigid bond — but only on aluminum scuffed to bright metal and degreased.
Cures clear and rigid, and stays waterproof.

Preparation

How to Prepare Aluminum and Glass for Gluing

Aluminum

Scuff to bright metal, degrease, and bond soon after preparation so a weak oxide layer does not rebuild.

Glass

Clean with isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth and handle only by the edges after cleaning.

Conditions

When to Use Silicone Instead

Clear epoxy suits a small, rigid, stable joint. Repeated temperature change, movement, or immersion favors silicone so the two materials can shift without loading the glass. Shelves, panels, and overhead glass still need mechanical retention.

Alternatives

Other Adhesives That Work

Silicone
Lets aluminum and glass move by different amounts without concentrating stress in the glass.
Better when: Heat exposure, Flexing or movement, Water immersion

Products

Products for Bonding Aluminum to Glass

Questions

Common Questions About Gluing Aluminum to Glass

Can you glue aluminum to glass?: Yes, after the aluminum is scuffed bright and degreased and the glass is clean — the same prep if you are gluing glass to aluminum. Clear 2-part epoxy is the usual rigid joint; heat or movement favors silicone.
Should I use silicone instead of epoxy on aluminum and glass?: Use silicone when the joint sees heat, water, or flex. Epoxy is the clearer, stiffer line for a close-fitting indoor piece that stays still.
Does super glue hold glass to aluminum?: Only a tiny, tight, unloaded contact. It has no gap fill and turns brittle. A shelf, pane, or anything that could fall needs epoxy or silicone plus a mechanical ledge.
Do temperature changes crack an aluminum-to-glass glue joint?: They can. Aluminum and glass expand by different amounts, which loads a long rigid glue line and can stress the glass. Silicone is the switch when those cycles are expected.