Types of Glue Adhesive
Adhesives are substances that adhere to a surface. They can be found naturally or produced synthetically. They can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Some glues, like cyanoacrylates, release toxic fumes when they dry and should only be applied in well-ventilated areas. Other glues are non-toxic and are formulated to be safer for humans to use.
Cord Ends Glue
Glue is the most widely used adhesive for a wide variety of materials and applications. Glues vary in how they stick to different materials, how quickly they dry and whether or not they leave a residue.
Some glues, such as cyanoacrylate glues, release toxic fumes while they cure. These are typically best applied in a well-ventilated area and should only be used by professionals who understand their hazards and safety precautions.
Unlike screws and rivets, which destroy the surfaces of materials, adhesive bonds distribute forces over a larger area, which is beneficial for manufacturing operations that strive for consistency. Adhesive tapes also offer advantages over liquid adhesives, which can drip and spread onto surfaces and substrates, causing unwanted adhesion. They’re also messy and can leave marks or stains. In contrast, adhesive tapes don’t smear or streak when they dry.
Fabric Glue
Whether you’re patching up an old pair of jeans or creating something new from fabric, using the right kind of glue is essential. Fabric glues can create a strong bond between two surfaces that resists washing and high temperatures.
Alternatively, you can use fabric glue to add embellishments to clothes or accessories, such as a bow for a bag. For a more permanent decoration, you can also use it to craft wall hangings, dream catchers, or ornaments.
When using fabric glue, it’s important to test the adhesive on a small area first to ensure that it works with your project and fabric type. This will help prevent any costly mistakes and save you time in the long run. This is especially true for spray adhesives, which require careful application to avoid oversaturation. This can lead to stiffness or blotches in your final product.
Hot Melt Glue
Hot glues are used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes to bind together some of society’s most common goods. Magazine and paperback book printers rely on them to create flexible, durable bindings. Hygienic products such as diapers are assembled with them. Their ability to withstand temperature and moisture extremes makes them popular with manufacturers.
The polymers in hot melt glues give them their strength, flexibility and toughness. They are also what defines an adhesive’s tack, or stickiness. Tackifiers help glues adhere to materials and remain adhered to them long after the application of heat.
Hot glues are applied at a high temperature with glue guns. They are usually sold in sticks that are easily transported and stored as they’re solid before being melted in the gun. They’re ideal for high-speed production lines and dispensing machines.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy is a strong adhesive that can bond many different materials. It is often used to join metals, concrete, and wood. It can also be used in place of welding in structural applications. Epoxy can resist high temperatures and harsh chemicals, making it ideal for industrial applications.
One-component epoxy glues are cured at room temperature and provide strength, good metal adhesion, and chemical resistance. They are also able to resist shearing and peeling.
Two-part epoxy adhesives require a chemical reaction to set and cure. These glues are more expensive than other adhesives and take longer to dry. They are also more messy to apply and can cause harm if not used correctly. These adhesives are best suited for projects that require a durable, long-lasting bond. They are also suitable for projects that need to withstand vibration and movement.
Stretchable Glue
When you are shopping for glue, the number of different kinds can be mind boggling. Thankfully, many of these glues are specially formulated for particular types of materials and specific applications.
For example, fabric glue is a no-sew alternative for mending fabrics and other soft goods. This glue is designed to move and flex with the materials it adheres to, which helps to prevent fraying and keep the adhesive strong even when the material moves.
Gorilla Grab Adhesive is another example of a strong, flexible glue. This water-activated polyurethane formula expands and penetrates materials to form a powerful bond, and it is 100% waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures. It also dries clear and paintable. This is a great choice for slick materials like glass and beads. This adhesive comes with a precise dispensing tool to apply just the amount you need.
Washable Glue
Washable glues are ideal for children’s projects and art. They work well on paper, cloth, cardboard and other lightweight surfaces. They also have the added benefit of being nontoxic, which makes them safer for young hands to use. This school glue dries clear and fast for reliable results.
A 1-gallon white washable school glue provides a strong bond for paper, wood, cloth and other porous materials. It has a no-run formula for easy application, and it can be adjusted before it sets. This nontoxic glue is safe for kids and adults, and it cleans up easily from clothes and skin.
White glue is a traditional adhesive that’s used for everything from making paper collages to paper mache sculptures. It’s also great for repairing books or making slime. Carpenter’s glue, or yellow glue, is similar to white glue but works better on wood. It creates a stronger bond and can be sanded.
Non-Toxic Glue
Unlike regular super glue, which can irritate the skin, medically approved forms of cyanoacrylates can seal cuts without damaging living tissue. This new form of glue will allow for faster wound healing and reduce scarring.
Non-toxic glues are a great option for crafts and other projects around the house. Whether you need to glue paper, cardboard, or other materials, non-toxic adhesives are safe to use around children and pets. They are also safe for skin contact and emit fewer fumes than other types of glue.
Eating glue is not a recommended practice. Ingesting glue that is not intended to be eaten could cause stomach discomfort and potentially lead to serious medical complications. The best option is to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have consumed glue. Ingesting glue that is meant to be swallowed may cause a sticky feeling in the mouth or throat, but it will generally pass through your digestive system safely.
Reworkable Glue
A great choice for a variety of projects, this clear glue is washable and can be used with fabric, wood, metal, stone and glass. It also dries fast and can be tinted to match your project.
This one-component urethane adhesive bonds plastic substrates including ABS, PVC and polycarbonate. It resists humidity and temperature extremes for a longer shelf life, and its low viscosity allows for an open time of up to 4 minutes. It applies warm, from a Luer-Lok needle tip or a positive displacement or gear metering system that yields thin glue lines.
This flexible, washable glue is great for gluing ribbons, beads and rhinestones to fabric or leather. It’s also ideal for securing knots in fabrics and is water proof once dry. It comes in a convenient syringe and can be tinted to match your fabric.
Heat Resistant Glue
Heat resistant glue withstands high temperatures, which makes it perfect for projects requiring extreme durability. It can also endure split-second temperature shifts and works on both porous and non-porous materials. Heat-resistant adhesives are available in liquid or paste form and typically have higher strengths than other types of adhesives. You can use them to bond metal, ceramic, PVC, wood, glass, concrete, and plastic materials.
Hot melt materials are ideal for home, hobby and craft applications and can bond dissimilar materials. They typically come in cylindrical sticks of various diameters for use with a glue gun. They can be modified with color additives to match the surface you?re gluing. They offer fast set times and low to no odor. They also have low viscosity to deliver maximum strength without wasting material. They are easy to clean up and don?t emit harmful fumes during application.
Fast Drying Glue
Whether you’re a professional carpenter or just a hobbyist, having the right glue makes all the difference in a project. Some glues dry faster than others, making them better suited for quick tasks or emergency repairs.
Woodworking glues, like Titebond or LePage Express Quick Dry Glue, have a short working time and dry to a hardened state within about an hour. This allows you to clamp and sand your project before it’s fully cured.
Using a hot glue gun can help speed up the drying process. Likewise, blowing oxygen on the bond helps it reach its fully cured state even faster. The same goes for epoxy glues, which require a certain amount of heat to set quickly. Raising the curing temperature can cut this time significantly. So can spraying a glue accelerator at the adhesive. You can find these products online and at most hardware stores.