suggestions for adhesive to bond wood and acrylic

[pwhitby]

I have a large acrylic tank and I am in the process of cladding the stand and the sides of the tank with oak. In a couple of places I need to bond the wood to the acrylic, notably a the front trim edge. I dont however have a clue as to which adhesive to use.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Paul.

 

[rmanecke]

I just went through this issue. Please take this only as anecdote.

I was successful using gorilla glue to mount some wood light standoffs to my acrylic hood. They are supporting T5s and reflectors. Not a lot of weight, but, defying gravity well. Holding for one month now.

I also used the Gorilla Glue to mount wood standoffs to acrylic panels which are holding the ice cap ballasts for the above lights. These are holding much more weight and also doing well for one month.

The wood is untreated on the side that is glued to the acrylic. Gorilla glue expands into a foam like substance as it dries, so, it is important that the two surfaces are clamped together tightly. Make sure to wet the wood side with a little water when you glue it.

I have also used Weldon #16 in similar applications with at least one year of durability. I got this idea from "Old Town Aquariums" in Chicago. You might give them a jingle or email for advice from guys with more experience than me. Weldon is a little harder to comeby, hence, my experiments with Gorilla Glue.

In either case, the wood needs to be porous on the side that is glued.

Good luck!

Ryan.

 

[rmanecke]

Two more things.

First.
I checked out your tank. Awesome.

Second.
...if you use Gorilla Glue, watch out for the seams. When the stuff expands, it can squirt out of the seams and leave a sloppy looking edge that would be difficult to fix.

Considering this... the Weldon #16 might be a better choice for what you are doing.

Cheers.

 

[pwhitby]

Thanks,

I appreciate the input.

P.

 

[gws294]

Paul,
Try some 3M 5200
You can get it ar West Marine. We use it to bond mahogany planks on the sides of antique wooden runabouts (i.e., Chris Crafts, Centuries, etc)
This stuff takes about 24 - 48 hrs to cure, but you won't be able to get the stuff apart. (almost forever)

This is truely tough stuff and is meant to be used in a marine environment.

Good Luck,
Geoff

It comes in white, black, and mahogany colors

 

[pwhitby]

Thanks Geoff,

This is one task I want to stay put.

P.