Adhesives information

Adhesive information: At sometime in our daily lives, we all find something that we need an adhesive for, whether it be a repair or a hobby. Do you know which one to use for that particular project?

A large and growing number of adhesives is available on the market today. Some are specialized. For example, Resorcinol, because of its strong water resistance, is excellent for repairing boats and outdoor furniture. Others, such as PVA adhesives, commonly called white glues, are fine for general household use. Here is a list of the adhesives and the typical uses for each:

Acrylic-For fast bonding of wood, metal, glass, outdoor furniture. Also used for boat repair.

Acrylonitrile -For metal, glass, fabrics, carpets and tents, boat sails, not recommended for furniture joints.

Aliphatic-General purpose adhesive for furniture building and repair

Bolt-Locking Compound- For locking threads of bolts and screws, will harden in absence of air.

Casein glues-Traditional furniture glue, good for woods such as teak, will leave stains on redwood.

Cellulose, also known as Duco Cement-For wood, mold work and most fabrics

Contact cement-Weldwood Contact Cement- For bonding laminated plastic to countertops

Epoxy- Fiberglass evercoat epoxy-For wood, metal, china, glass.

Latex-Base Adhesive-fabrics, cardboard, paper and carpet.

Liquid Solder-Bonds aluminum, tin and other metals and materials, do not use to solder electrical connections

Silicone Sealant-One of the most popular adhesives used today in the home. Use for caulking sinks, bathtubs, windows, doors. Also bonds tiles, glass, metal and porcelain. Do not use in dishwashers and for aquariums.

Super Glue-Another favorite for a quick seal, this is great for projects such as plastics, metals, vinyl, rubber, ceramics. Do not use on paper, cardboard, wood or teflon. Water Base Epoxy- Can be used as a waterproof coating over masonry, as protection for chimneys.

Can also be used as a mix additive in cement.

In the past decade, epoxy compound has become one of the most popular all-purpose adhesives. It is exceptionally strong and will bond just about any material except rubber and certain plastics. It is also used to fill gaps and has great caulking abilities. Expoxy comes in two tubes, one containing a resin and the other a hardener. When mixed together, they have to be used right away.

If not, the expoxy will harden within minutes.

Instant Glues-The new super glues require an application of only a drop or two to make an instant bond of high strength. Be careful in using super glues, as they can bond your skin together.

Hot melt glue-Hot melt glue has only become popular with in the last 20 years as a household adhesive. You can buy this adhesive in a glue stick, then insert in a glue gun. This is used for many different crafts. Can be used on fabrics, glass, cardboard and wood projects.

Be careful when using this glue in a gun around children, the glue can become very hot and cause serious burns. Parental supervision is required when children are making crafts.

Tapes are another type of adhesive. There is carpet tape, tent tape, aluminum tape, Duct tape, clear tapes and masking tape. Each one of these tapes were designed for a specific project. Duct tape is the strongest of all of them. You can use Duct tape for practically every project. It holds metals, plastics, wood, ceramics, vinyl and glass.

Whatever your project requires, there is an adhesive to hold it together. If not sure, read the directions on the package first, or ask the manufacturer by calling or writing the company.