How to Adhere Stainless Steel to Substrate for Countertops

Attach a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to the pad of an orbital sander. Sand the surface of the substrate with the sander until it is smooth to the touch. Wipe down the substrate with a damp rag.

Load wood putty on the blade of a putty knife, by sliding the blade across the top of the putty. Apply a thin layer of wood putty to all low spots on the substrate. Allow the putty to dry for 12 to 16 hours. Sand the surface of the substrate with the orbital sander. Wipe the sanding dust from the area with a damp rag.

Spray a degreasing cleaner on the back surface of the stainless steel. Wipe the degreaser from the metal with a clean, dry rag.

Sand the cleaned side of the stainless steel with the orbital sander. Continue sanding until the metal is dull and has evenly distributed swirl marks.

Distribute an even coat of construction adhesive to the sanded side of the stainless steel with a 1/4-inch square notch trowel. Ensure the entire surface of the metal is coated. Ensure no metal is visible underneath the ridges of the adhesive. Set the glued side of the metal on the prepared substrate. Roll a rubber roller over the stainless steel to spread out the adhesive and remove air trapped between the metal and the substrate.

Set multiple 20-lb. sandbags around the perimeter and in the center of the stainless steel. Remove the sandbags after 24 hours.