Most mirrors are glued to their surface using a two-part adhesive system. For metal surfaces, we recommend Gunther Mirror Mastic. It combines strength with flexibility, quick drying time, low odor, and ease of application, and it is also acid-free.
We also offer Loctite Adhesive as an alternative adhesive for metal surfaces where high-temperature resistance is required or the price is competitive. This post will discuss the main differences between the two bonds.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Gunther Mirror Adhesive | Loctite Adhesive |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Stays rigid |
| Durability | Durable | Cannot withstand some conditions |
| Dependability | Long-lasting and secure | Easy to manipulate |
| Ease of Use | Easy to apply | Drying time causes a challenge |
| Cure Time | 24 hours | 30 seconds |
| Compatible Materials | Glass, metal, acrylic, and Wood. | Among others are leather, metal, China wood, paper, porcelain, Wood, rubber, and hard plastics. |
| Resistance | Waterproof and resistant | Solvent and water resistant |
| Price | Around $18.89 | Around $17 |
Difference Between Gunther Mirror And Loctite Adhesive
- Flexibility
If you are temporarily hanging your mirror or painting, you need to take advantage of flexible adhesive. Gunther mirror adhesive is highly flexible compared to Loctite.
This adhesive allows you to move your mirror or painting until you are satisfied.
Loctite adhesive, on the other hand, stays rigid after application. For this reason, use Loctite adhesive for permanent projects such as bathroom mirrors and fixtures.
- Durability
The ideal adhesive for your project should last how long you want it to last. Loctite adhesive is perfect where there is thermal use. The adhesive is brittle if the metal surface to which it is applied is cold.
For permanent projects, use Loctite adhesive and follow all the manufacturer’s Gunther Mirror mastic adhesive flexibility, making it ideal for long-term projects.
- Dependability
How dependable a product is influenced by the ability to work through any mistakes. Gunther mirror offers a chance to manipulate the project. It does not dry up faster, and it is flexible. You can move the mirror around until you get satisfied.
Loctite adhesive, on the other side, dries up faster. There might be an issue if you try to manipulate the project.
- Ease of Use
Both adhesives are straightforward to apply. However, they differ in the application method. Loctite adhesive has a direct nozzle.
Pinpoint where you want to use the glue, clean the surface, and use the glue.
After the adhesive application, place the object you are attaching quickly on top of the adhesive.
Loctite adhesive dries up within 30 seconds.
The adhesive is clear. If you use the right amount of adhesive, you achieve a firm hold and a flawless project.
Gunther mirror mastic adhesive is also easy to work around. The adhesive has a pointed tip that helps regulate the tube’s adhesive. Press the mirror over the glue for a few minutes to allow it to stick.
- Cure Time
The main difference between Gunther adhesive and Loctite adhesive it’s the time needed to cure fully. Loctite is for fast and permanent projects. Once you attach the object, it takes 30 seconds to be fully cured.
Gunther mirror mastic, on the other hand, dries up slowly. You can move the mirror around until you find a suitable angle without needing extra adhesive.
It takes approximately 24 hours for Gunther adhesive to cure and seven days to cure fully. This is why Gunther is considered flexible.
- Compatible Materials
Since the two adhesives do not work similarly, you need to know where to use which glue.
Due to Loctite adhesive’s bonding strength and versatility, it is ideal for many projects. Loctite adhesive is Suitable for various porous and non-porous surfaces, including leather, metal, China wood, paper, porcelain, Wood, rubber, and rigid plastics, among others.
Gunther mirror mastic is not that versatile. It works well with glass, metal, acrylic, and Wood.
- Resistance
How well an adhesive survives under different conditions shows how durable it gets. Due to the fast-drying capability of Loctite, it is resistant to moisture, high temperatures, cold temperatures, solvent, and other environmental factors.
Gunther, on the hand, melts under high temperatures and cannot withstand heavy weight.
- Price
Both adhesives’ retails at almost the same price.
Which Adhesive Should I Pick for My Project?
Loctite adhesive and Gunther adhesive work differently for different projects. Which adhesive you pick is determined by what type of project you have.
If you have a hardcore permanent project you need to be done, Loctite is your ideal adhesive. This adhesive can withstand environmental conditions, sustains heavy objects, is clear, and dries up faster.
Gunther mirror mastic adhesive, on the other hand, is flexible. It allows you to manipulate the project before it dries up. Mirror mastic has a low odor, flexible in cold temperatures, and cures quickly at room temperature.
However, it does not have high strength and is not recommended for high-temperature situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Depending on where you are attaching the mirror, you can use Gunther or Loctite adhesive. If you are connecting the mirror permanently, Loctite is a suitable adhesive for you. Gunther works perfectly for mirrors but is not ideal for permanent projects.
Loctite works perfectly on mirrors. Loctite will easily do that if you want to mount your mirror permanently. Ensure you use the right amount of glue and clean the surface before applying.
Gunther mirror mastic takes approximately 24 hours to cure. It takes seven more days to cure permanently.
Compared to Loctite adhesive, mirror mastic is not that strong. Due to its flexibility, the adhesive is not ideal for heavy objects and hardcore projects.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to keep your mirrors safe and secure, then there are two options that you may want to consider. Mirror Mastic or Loctite adhesives are some of the best options available.
You’ll need to figure out which will work best for your needs depending on where you want to place your mirror. Mirror mastic is flexible and ideal for easy projects. Loctite is super strong, making it suitable for hardcore projects.