How to Glue Chrome to Chrome

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.

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

Glue Chrome to Chrome

  • 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.

    Two-part epoxy glues work well when gluing chrome to chrome.
    Two-part epoxy glues work well when gluing chrome to chrome.
  • 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.

    Use sandpaper or steel wool to abrade chrome surfaces before gluing.
    Use sandpaper or steel wool to abrade chrome surfaces before gluing.
  • 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.

    Clamps can hold chrome pieces together until glue sets.
    Clamps can hold chrome pieces together until glue sets.
  • Wait the prescribed time for the glue to bond the chrome pieces together. Remove the clamp if using one and polish away any fingermarks.

    Re-attach loose chrome trim on a car with epoxy glue.
    Re-attach loose chrome trim on a car with epoxy glue.