Most Common Glue Products for Household Use

Have you ever found an item you fixed with glue breaking apart again after a few days? You probably used the wrong glue. Each glue has its specific purpose and may prove ineffective when used inappropriately. In this article, you’ll learn about glue products that are most suitable for household use.

Here is a list of the common glue products you can use for DIY home projects.

• Acrylic glue
• Yellow glue
• Epoxy glue
• Hot melt glue
• Resorcinol
• Polyurethane
• White craft glue

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While there is a big range of glue products out there, acrylic glue is one of the most versatile. It works perfectly on metal, wood, and glass. The glue is also one of the most water-resistant household adhesives.

Acrylic is available in liquid and paste forms. Liquid acrylic is most suitable for fixing broken items, while paste acrylic lasts longer when used to join two materials. You can also use paste acrylic as an additive to liquid acrylic for stronger bonds. Acrylic glue takes about 5 to 10 minutes to set on a surface.

Yellow glue is appropriate for wood surfaces only. As its name implies, this glue has a yellowish color. Even though it has a creamy texture in its original state, it becomes rigid when you apply it on wood.

Your yellow glue will most likely set in about five minutes. That said, it is not as water-resistant as its peers. Once applied, yellow glue may take up to 1 hour to reach its full strength.

You can use epoxy glue to fix broken parts of any household material. Given its versatility, excellent strength, and impressive water-resistance ability, epoxy glue may be the best household glue available in the market.

Always ensure that your room is well-ventilated when applying your epoxy glue. The aromatic vapours of the glue may endanger your health if you use it in cramped spaces. When you spill epoxy glue on a surface, you can remove the stain with vinegar. The setting time for most epoxy glues is between 5 to 30 minutes.

Find some amazing DIY home projects using epoxy resin here.

Most gluemakers sell hot melt glue in cylindrical sticks known as guns. Hot melt glue is best for attaching fabric pieces, wood surfaces and leather items. This glue is easily detachable. When placed in hot conditions, the bond will melt and lose its adhesive effect. You can re-solidify hot melt glue by cooling it.

Because of its temporary effect, it’s best to use hot melt glue on basic items like picture frames. Keep your hot glue guns away from kids to avoid skin burns or electric shocks. Hot-melt glue sets immediately after application.

Resorcinol glues have two parts: a brown powder and a red syrup, which you have to mix before application. It is a great adhesive for fixing plywood, hardboard, and paper. This bond is highly waterproof. So, if you use the resorcinol to repair wooden items, they will retain their bond even in the rain. Resorcinol glue does not work well on its own. You must apply the adhesive with joints to create a permanent bond on broken items.

This glue has a longer setting time than most types of adhesives. The average resorcinol glue takes about 4 to 12 hours to set.

Polyurethane is appropriate for items made of wood, glass, metal, fabric and rubber. Most households use polyurethane for oily wood surfaces. Other adhesives often melt within a few days when you apply them to oily wood. If you spill wet polyurethane glue on an item, you can clean it with acetone. Rub off dried polyurethane glue with sand. Polyurethane glue takes between 15 to 30 minutes to set.

White craft glue is mostly used to attach decorations to craftwork on paper, cardboard and fabrics. After applying white glue on your craft, you may need to clamp on the glued material while it sets. White glue may take as long as 1 hour to set. You can use glitters on your glued decoration to create special effects on your craft.

Published in: Home advice | Author: Peter