Using bodywork adhesive

Why use glue in the car workshop?

In the automotive workshop, glue has become an essential tool, both for quick repairs and for the durable assembly of certain bodywork components.

1. To replace or supplement welding :

• Some modern structural adhesives offer high mechanical strength, equivalent to welding on certain substrates.
• They can be used to bond steel, aluminium or composite parts without heating the sheet metal, which limits deformation.

2. Repair without replacing :

• Specific adhesives for plastics are ideal for repairing bumpers, trims and interior components.
• They avoid the need to replace an entire part, reducing the cost and time of repairs.

3. Sealing and protection :

• Some adhesives and putties also provide a seal against moisture, dust and vibration.
• This extends the life of the repaired part and improves the acoustic comfort of the vehicle.

4. Time saving and flexibility:

• Adhesive is often quicker to apply than welding or riveting
• It can be used on a variety of substrates (metal, plastic, glass), making it versatile.

Which adhesives should be used in bodywork?

In bodywork workshops, adhesives have become essential for assembling, repairing and sealing different vehicle components. They save time, prevent certain deformations caused by probing and ensure a durable bond.

The different professional adhesives :

1. Structural adhesives :

• Use : assembly of metal (steel, aluminium) or composite parts.
• Advantages : high mechanical strength, comparable to welding, without heating up the sheet metal
• Examples of use: bonding bodywork components, reinforcements, panels, etc.

2. Plastic adhesives :

• Use : repair of bumpers, mouldings, interior trim, etc.
• Advantages : specific adhesion to ABS, polypropylene and engineering plastics
• Application examples: filling cracks, bonding clips or supports, etc.

3. Windscreen glue (polyurethane)

• Use : bonding and sealing glazing
• Advantages : strong adhesion, elasticity, vibration and moisture resistance
• Examples of application: replacement or fitting of windscreens, side windows, rear windows, etc.

4. Universal adhesives :

• Use : quick fixing, various repairs
• Advantages : versatility, fast drying, good resistance to metal, plastic and glass
• Application examples: temporary bonding or small non-structural Spot-repairs

How is adhesive used in car bodywork?

Automotive adhesives have become indispensable in the bodywork industry for assembling, repairing and sealing different parts of a vehicle. But to ensure optimum, long-lasting adhesion, their use must follow a precise protocol.

1. Preparation of the car surface :

• Clean and degrease with a suitable professional product.
• Lightly sand the area if necessary to improve adhesion
• Check that the part is dry, clean and dust-free

2. Choose the right bodywork adhesive:

• Structural adhesive: for assembling metal or composite panels
• Plastic adhesive: for bumpers, trim and ABS/PP parts
• Polyurethane (PU) adhesive: for glazing (Windscreen glue, rear window glue)
• Universal adhesive: for quick, versatile repairs

3. Apply to the type of surface to be repaired :

• Apply the adhesive using the appropriate gun (manual, pneumatic or electric)
• Spread evenly over the surface in question
• Assemble the two elements immediately to avoid premature drying
• Keep under pressure if necessary, using suction pads or wedges for example
• Allow the adhesive to cure for the time recommended by the manufacturer

A few Tech'team tips :

• Never apply to a contaminated surface (grease, silicone, dust)
• Always respect the setting and drying times.
• Wear gloves and work in a ventilated area
• Only use recent cartridges, as an out-of-date adhesive loses its effectiveness.

What is epoxy adhesive?

Epoxy adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive made up of two components: resin and Hardener. When mixed together, they react chemically to form an extremely strong and resistant bond.

What are its main characteristics?

• High adhesion: metal, plastic, wood, composites and sometimes glass
• Chemical and mechanical resistance: ideal for assemblies under stress
• Controlled curing: the setting time can be adjusted according to the type of epoxy and the needs of the workshop
• Versatility: some models can be used for bonding, filling or even repairing cracks

Use in bodywork workshops:

• Assembly of metal or composite parts where welding is not possible or desirable
• Repairing plastics or bumpers using specific epoxies for plastics
• Reinforcing parts subjected to vibration or mechanical stress

Epoxy adhesive is a powerful, versatile adhesive, perfect for strong, durable bodywork repairs, especially where structural bonding is required or where traditional methods (welding, riveting) are not suitable.

How do I choose the right adhesive for bodywork repairs?

Choosing the right adhesive is crucial to ensuring a strong, durable bond and avoiding defects in the bodywork. Several criteria need to be taken into account:

1. Identify the type of part or component to be repaired:

• Metal or aluminium: use a structural or epoxy adhesive for maximum adhesion and mechanical strength.
• Plastics (bumpers, trim, ABS, PP): use a specific plastic adhesive adapted to the type of plastic.
• Glazing (windscreen, rear window): choose a polyurethane (PU) adhesive to ensure watertightness and elasticity.

2. Define use and constraints :

• Loads and vibrations: choose a structural or epoxy adhesive for maximum adhesion and mechanical resistance
• Resistance to heat, solvents and humidity: check the chemical properties of the product
• Setting time: some adhesives harden quickly for express use, others are slow for precise fitting.

3. Consider the substrate and finish:

• Some surfaces need to be degreased and sanded for optimum adhesion
• Universal adhesives offer versatility, but may perform less well on structural repairs

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations:

• Always follow the indicated proportions and application method or you risk poor results
• Check compatibility with the bodywork products used(primer, paint, putty).

Discover the adhesives available on the Carross website for your automotive work:

How much does Windscreen glue cost?

Windscreen glue is an essential bodywork product for sealing car windows (windscreen, rear window, side windows), but how much does it cost?

In France, the price of an adhesive cartridge generally varies between €5 and €30, depending on the brand, quality and performance of the product.

• Entry-level (€5-€12): standard polyurethane adhesives, suitable for standard replacements
• Mid-range (€12-€20): faster adhesives, with optimised drying time and good vibration resistance.
• Top of the range (€20-€30): approved adhesives for ultra-fast drying (1h-2h) and enhanced safety.

Adhesive prices are influenced by capacity, technology, brand and packaging.

How do I remove Windscreen glue?

When replacing a car window, it is essential to remove the windscreen glue correctly to ensure a clean and long-lasting new installation. Here are the steps recommended by professionals:

1. Use the right tools :

• Special glazing cutter or cutting wire to separate the windscreen from the bodywork
• Squeegee or sharp metal blade to remove excess adhesive
• Heat gun (if necessary) to soften excessively hard residue, at the right temperature.

2. Remove the old adhesive step by step:

• Carefully remove the windscreen using the cutting wire
• Scrape off any remaining adhesive residue using a suitable blade
• Leave a thin even layer (about 1mm) of old adhesive: this will act as a bonding agent for the new polyurethane adhesive.
• Degrease and clean the surface before applying the new bead.

3. Good bodybuilder practice: a few Tech'Team tips:

• Never leave thick or irregular pieces of adhesive
• Avoid damaging the paint on the bay by scraping too hard
• Always wear protective gloves when working
• Check that the surface is dry and clean before gluing the new glass.

The use of bodywork adhesives has become essential to ensure fast, reliable repairs. Before any bonding, it is essential to apply a primer: it protects the surfaces from corrosion and prepares the substrate for maximum adhesion.

Modern adhesives, whether one-component or two-component, offer performance to suit every need. Some allow immediate fixing, ideal for saving time, while others require a longer process to ensure greater durability.

The choice also depends on the structure to be repaired and the mechanical constraints: a high-strength adhesive is preferable for structural elements, while a low-strength adhesive is suitable for secondary or cosmetic repairs.

In just a few seconds, the correct application of adhesive can transform the strength of a repair. Used correctly, it ensures a reliable, durable and effective bond, meeting the safety and quality requirements of the car body repair industry.

Discover all our professional products for your bodywork repairs:

Find all the professional categories for carrying out all the different types of work. Whether it's for preparing, finishing or painting your car, tools or personal protective equipment such as Coveralls, gloves, masks, etc.... Our products are offered at the best prices and with fast delivery in France (24 hours) and Europe (48 hours), provided the product is in stock. Our sales department is at your disposal to answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to carry out your work as effectively as possible.