Glue
Different Types of Glue for DIY or Home Renovation
Types of Glue
Glue is used to secure the surfaces of two materials together. Often a combination of gluing and screwing systems may be used.
There are many types of glue or adhesives, many of them made for specific materials and conditions.
They come in many different forms such as solid, liquid or powder and may require mixing with another component of the glue such as water, a hardener or a catalyst to activate the adhesive.
Properties of the adhesive to consider are:
Strength
Curing or setting time
Some will be instant others may take 2 to 3 days to gain full strength.
Bonding
Does the system require clamping together until set? Or is it a contact adhesive.
Characteristics
How the adhesive reacts to the elements such as water and sunlight or chemicals and how well they age.
Common Types of Glue Include:
- Animal or Fish Glues – used mainly indoors in a stable environment
- PVA or White Glue – fast setting and doesn’t stain, often used for cabinet making in conjunction with screws.
- Epoxy Glues – are very strong and may be used to secure differing materials but may also dissolve some plastics. They will set at low temperatures and in wet conditions while other adhesives may not.
- Resorcin Resin – is strong and waterproof glue suitable for outdoor use.
- Contact Glue – forms a bond on contact, it doesn’t require clamping although pressure may be used to help the adhesion and is used often to bond sheet materials together such as laminates to substrates.
- Latex – which may be used for joining fabrics together.
A new form of glue is the Fast Setting Adhesive that sticks all sorts of materials together, including wood, metal, glass, plastic, ceramics and plaster. It doesn’t contain solvents and grips almost immediately and can be used as a modest filler if necessary.
Always confirm with the supplier as to its suitability.
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