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How to Bond Portland Cement to Steel

Whether you are a professional contractor or an everyday do-it-yourselfer, there may come a time when you face a project that includes getting Portland cement (and concrete for that matter) to bond to steel. Portland cement is the binding agent within concrete and is used all the time in conjunction with steel for concrete reinforcement. Bonding this product to steel can be accomplished with the right materials and a little understanding of the relationship between the two.

Things You'll Need

  • Construction epoxy
  • Caulk gun
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check both the cement surface as well as the metal surface to ensure they are free from any dust or grease. These particles can limit the bond between the cement and metal and ultimately cause a failure of the joint. If you use any water or solvent, be sure to let this dry thoroughly before moving on.

    • 2

      Mark the final location on the cement where the metal object is to be installed. You may find it useful to use a tape measure and level for this task.

    • 3

      Open the epoxy and ensure that both plungers on the applicator are working correctly. This can be accomplished by squeezing a sample of epoxy onto a piece of scrap wood.

    • 4

      Apply the epoxy to the metal object and firmly press it to the cement surface. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for initial set time before removing any pressure.

    • 5

      Remove any waste material that may have come out when the object was pressed to the surface. It may be best to allow the epoxy to dry before scoring it with a utility knife and peeling away.