Anyone who has ever repaired something at home or build something from scratch knows the importance of a good adhesive. We have all heard of Super Glue and while it is true that it will work in a variety of situations, there are times when it might not be the best choice.
Basic adhesive guidelines
- Before applying the adhesive, clean and dry both of the surfaces. If the surface is rough to touch then you may want to smooth it down with sandpaper to ensure proper glue application.
- Check the manual attached to the adhesive to make sure it will work properly with the surfaces you want to glue together. While reading, also take note of the drying time. For some glues, you will need to take a break from your project for as long as 24 hours.
- To assure proper application, hold down the glued surfaces using clamps or weights during the drying time and only take them down after you have made sure that the adhesive has bonded.
Construction projects
For woodworking and larger home repairs, a construction adhesive will probably be your best choice. This adhesive can be used for larger projects, such as attaching drywall, countertops, flooring, or tiles. Their biggest advantage is the ability to fill in the gaps on uneven surfaces so that even if you are working with rough-surfaced items they will be joined together properly and with no gaps. For heavy-duty projects, it is best to go with a trusted adhesive that will not break down over time.
Kitchen appliances
Repairs in the kitchen can be tricky because the glue you are using has to be free of harmful toxins that could be accidentally ingested with food. But you don’t want to buy a whole new appliance if your oven door fell loose or the coffee maker stand cracked. For these kinds of purposes, it is best to use a high temp adhesive that is heat-resistant. A silicone high temp adhesive is a popular choice that will hold even when exposed to 550-650 Fahrenheit. This adhesive will work perfectly in any kind of environment that often gets hot, such as a washing machine. It is also often used in car repairs.
Home crafts and DIY
For crafts, you need something strong that will adhere to different types of surfaces. A good choice is PVA glue (polyvinyl acetates) because it is colorless, meaning you will be able to see through it and it will not stand out even if it stains a part of your project. It is also odorless which is a big plus. This also makes it safe for children because there are no toxic fumes. A PVA glue is perfect for most types of crafts, especially if you are working with children. It can be used to glue a wide range of surfaces, including paper, wood, plaster, or fabric. If you are working with large surfaces, such as gluing a decorative fabric to a side of your new piece of furniture, consider using spray glue for faster application.