How to Glue Sheet Metal to a Wood Table

Measure the length and width of the wood table with a tape measure.

Put on wok gloves to prevent cutting yourself on the sheet metal edges. Lay the sheet metal onto a flat work surface and draw an outline of the table on it, using the measurements and a dry erase marker.

Cut along the marked lines with tin snips to trim the sheet metal down to size. Tin snips work very similarly to scissors but are much stronger so they penetrate the metal easily.

Look at both sides of the sheet metal to determine if one side is more attractive than the other. Some sheet metal has a protective film, which is typically the best side. Turn the desirable side face-down on the work surface.

Insert a tube of heavy-duty construction adhesive into a caulk gun. Snip 1/4- to 1/2-inch off of the end of the plastic tip with the tin snips.

Apply a bead of construction adhesive around the entire perimeter of the sheet metal. Then apply additional adhesive to the remainder of the sheet metal in a zig-zag pattern. Spread the adhesive over the surface of the sheet metal with a putty knife.

Grasp the edges of the sheet metal and turn it over so that the glue faces downward. Hold it over the surface of the wood table, visually aligning all of the edges. Set the sheet metal gently on the table and press it down firmly with your hands to remove any air bubbles under it.

Wipe the edges of the sheet metal with a damp rag to remove any excess adhesive that seeps out.

Install a table clamp on all four edges of the table to hold the sheet metal down while the glue dries. Place two to three heavy books or other weighty objects in the center to hold it down.