Types of Glue – Comprehensive Overview of All Types of Adhesives

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Today, there are many different kinds of glue for sale. In this article, we will be assisting you by giving you all the necessary information on all the different types of glue available. Also, we will be looking at what each one is used for. Now, get ready to explore the world of glues and stick with us to have all your questions answered.

 

 

Types of Glue

Glue is one product that is found in every home and is also used by professionals in various industries. In the home, it is used to stick paper together or for craft purposes. Professionals use it to join many elements or materials together. It is essential to first understand all the different types of glues that are available and also what the application of each one is.

 

Craft or White Craft Glue

This type of glue is common and can be found in every home and school throughout the world. It is the perfect adhesive to use for all porous materials like cardboard or paper. The glue is water-based, and its toxicity is very low, making it perfectly safe to use by children as well as adults alike. If you accidentally spill the glue, it is easy to clean off, even on your skin. Craft glue dries in a matter of minutes or 1 hour at the most. This is the principal or main glue that every arts and craft lover use every day.

 

Super Glue

The name super glue is derived from the exceptional quick bonding properties, which make it the perfect choice for anyone who has to join heavy materials together. This can include materials like glass, ceramics, metal, wood, or any other materials that are difficult to join, including leather.

Super glues are also referred to as Cyanoacrylate Adhesives, which is a chemical compound that is well known for its quick bonding properties combined with its capability of forming a very durable and strong bond. You are also left with a dry and clean finish.

Various adhesives today include Cyanoacrylate as their primary gluing agent, but the formation of each is different, which limits their specific application. On the other hand, super glue is an extremely versatile product and is found to be very effective in fixing broken jewelry, toys, or any item that has been damaged and needs to be repaired.

Warning! Be careful when using superglue, as it tends to dry very fast and you need to watch that you do not glue your fingers together in the process.   

 

Wood Glue

When you refer to the term wood glue, it incorporates all types of adhesives that are used primarily for bonding pieces of wood or wooden surfaces together. These may include various types of wood glue – like polyurethane glue, epoxy, hide glue to name but a few.

This type of glue application is for making chairs, tables, headboards, cupboards, wooden picture frames, and many more wooden items. There are, however, various types of wood glue that are meant for various uses. These are subject to the condition of the wood and also the purpose for which the wooden item is to be used. No matter what type of wood glue you use, they all need to have the following characteristics.

 

• Must be resistant to humidity, dampness, and moisture
• Have an excellent gap-filling capability, which means it must form a thin layer with no gaps left between the wood surfaces  
• Must have a high tensile strength

You need to understand that all wood glues take a long time to dry and set properly, from a few hours to a whole day. While this process is taking place, you will have to make sure both surfaces are firmly clamped together. This allows the glue to adhere properly. So, if you are a carpenter or love to work with wood, then wood glue is a must for you.   

 

Epoxy Glue

Epoxy glue is a type of glue that is created from a chemical compound known as epoxy.  These epoxy adhesives have various compositions that make them favorable for various applications like small household repairs to bonding objects in a tough outdoor location.

The epoxies are prized for their exceptional cohesive strength. This comes from its ability to fill any small surface defects on the objects that are going to be joined together.

Most of the epoxy glues are supplied in 2 separate containers and sold as one unit. The one container houses the resin, while the other container holds the hardener. Many epoxy types of glue are intended for multi-purpose use and others are formulated expressly for use on plastic, wood, marble, or other materials.   

 

Fabric Glue

Many of the different types of glue will not be very effective in bonding two pieces of fabric together, this is where fabric glue comes in. If you are trying to repair your torn jeans or mending your upholstery, fabric glue is excellent in joining together different types of fabric. However, there are several different types of fabric glue that you can purchase.

Some of the fabric glues come in a ready-to-use form and are similar to white crafting glue. Others come in a webbing form, which requires you to use a hot iron to first melt the paste, which will then enable the glue to stick.

The benefit of fabric glue is that they remain flexible even after they are dry and are also waterproof. This allows you to wash your garment with no concerns. However, you need to read the manufactures instructions on the container before you use it to avoid damaging your cloth. 

 

Hot Glue

The use of a hot glue gun for your projects is trending nowadays, as a matter of fact, many Facebook users are sick and tired of hot glue ‘posts’ that seem to be taking over their newsfeeds. However, that being said, using hot glue can make some amazing decorative objects.

The term hot glue is used for an adhesive that comes in a solid stick form, which needs to be heated before you can use it. Once heated, it melts and is then is similar to normal liquid glue. Hot glue is supplied in a transparent stick, which needs to be placed into the glue gun. At first sight, hot glue seems to be limited where you have the power to operate gun, but there are also cordless hot glue guns for mobile usage.

These hot glue sticks can be purchased in various sizes, which makes them fit for use on fine and rough surfaces. Once the glue cools off, it solidifies and keeps the objects you have glued together. Hot glue can be applied to most materials except for metal. It has 3 properties that make it suitable as a domestic adhesive:

• Easy to use
• Dries and sets quickly
• Very high tensile strength

 

Glitter Glue

Glitter glue is decorative craft glue that is a special favorite with kids, whether you are using it for a particular project or just having a fun activity with the kids at home or for school projects. Glitter glue will keep your kids and also yourself busy for hours. All you need is a few pieces of paper and some glitter glue adhesive and wait to see the creative ideas flow.

You can purchase glitter glue in a variety of vivid and bright colors, and some of them also give you a metallic finish. This creative adhesive is packed in plastic tubes that allow for easy handling, and it also dries very quickly. If you happen to spill some of this glue, no problems, just wait for it to dry and peel it off. Spilled some on clothing? Simply use an ordinary solvent to remove the stain. The price of glitter glue is cheap, but if you want to make your own, just add glitter to some liquid glue and have fun.

 

Polyurethane Glue

Polyurethane is a vital ingredient used in many types of adhesives, but you can also buy polyurethane glue marketed under various other names.

Similar to epoxy, you can buy polyurethane in 1 or 2 component forms. Polyurethane glue has an especially high tensile strength and is marine grade, which is completely waterproof once cured. It can be used to bond concrete, steel, aluminum, or most other types of material and will last a lifetime. Polyurethane glue is the answer to all your major bonding projects.

 

Spray Glue

Spray Glue can be used for various applications but is best suited for large surface areas. It is tough and long-lasting, but these properties can vary due to the material it is applied to. You can use spray glue for repairs to your house, at the workplace, or for everyday crafting. All you need to do is spray one surface, or if you like both surfaces, forming a thin adhesive layer and join them together.

 

Glue Pen

The adhesive contained in glue pens is a transparent liquid glue, which gives you a clean finish and dries very quickly. The pens come in various size tips that are perfect for gluing thin lines, filling small cracks, or repairing small objects.

 

Glue Dots

Glue dots are small double-sided adhesive dots of solid glue. These are supplied in rolls, dispensers, or sheets and just need to be peeled off the backing sheets and applied where you need them. They are usually clear and can be applied to virtually any clean surface. Also, if you need to remove them this is no problem, as they are easily detached. They are designed to bond lightweight objects and can last for a long time.

 

Glue Sticks

I am sure that everyone is very familiar with this type of adhesive, as we all have used them for school projects and many other projects around the house. The glue stick is a round soft spongy glue, which is in a hard tube container. You can then apply it straight onto the surface you want by rubbing it over a few times. This glue is fast curing once you have applied it and is easy to handle, clean, and is very user-friendly. If you use a good quality glue stick, it is fairly strong but over time you may notice the papers you joined together will start to loosen from each other.

 

 

Glue Application Tutorial

Many factors determine the performance and application of glue, some being the composition of the glue or different types of glue available. However, we have created a tutorial to guide and help you when working with glue.

 

Clean Your Items

Before you start, ensure that the surface you are going to work on is clean, with no moisture, dust, or grease, as this will affect the bonding properties of the glue.

 

Keep Some Clean Cloths and a Piece of Scrap Cardboard Nearby

We are all aware that working with glue is a messy job, particularly if you are working with the wrong applicator. So, keep the cardboard and cloth close at hand to clean up any accidental spills you may make straight away.

 

Make Sure Your Work Area is Properly Ventilated

There are certain types of glue that contain some harmful chemicals, which emit toxic fumes. Make sure your workplace is properly ventilated to avoid inhaling any toxic odors.

 

Sand Your Material Lightly Where Necessary

If you are working with materials like ceramics, wood, or metal, you need to give the surface a light sanding before you apply the glue. This action will assist the adhesive and provide a stronger connection.

 

Make Sure You Pre-Plan

Before you start, envisage the progress of your project, where you will dry it, or how you will secure it. There is nothing worse than when you are halfway with your project, and you are not able to hold it properly, or you have nowhere to hang it to dry and glue is everywhere.

 

Read the Instructions

No glues are the same, so make sure to read the instructions before you start and then follow them to the letter.

 

 

Useful Tips on How to Use Glue

• Ensure you seal the container properly after use to extend the effectiveness of the glue
• When you are finished working with the glue, remove the excess glue that accumulates on the cap before you close it to avoid it sticking
• If you do not intend to use the glue again for a while, try storing it in the refrigerator to prolong its life, as unused glue tends to go hard
• Try not to apply too little or too much glue, but make small dots or beads in a line, which will give you the right amount of glue you need
• Glue does not adhere very easily to smooth surfaces, so you need to rub the surface with sandpaper to roughen it a little. This will give you the bonding you need and also allow the bond to last longer
• If your glue has not been supplied with the correct applicator, you need to find a tool that will allow you to apply an even coating
• Is the glue is taking a long time to dry? Use a hairdryer to dry it faster. Allow the hot air to blow across the join you have created
• When using super glue and you have accidentally spilled it on your skin, you can remove it with some solvent like acetone. Let the area affected soak in some warm soapy water first, then apply the acetone. If you do not have acetone available, then nail polish remover will also do the trick
• First, test the glue on a small corner of your project before you apply it, just to make sure it is the correct type of glue for your application

 

 

Popular Brands of Glue

 

Elmer’s Glue Brand

This is one of the most popular brands of glue around and I am sure we have all used it at some time or another, especially for school projects. Elmer’s glue has been on the market for over 60 years and millions of households have made use of it. Elmer’s is a glue brand that is popular around the world and is easily identified by the cow portrayed on the label.

Elmer’s manufacture glues for various applications like Multi-Purpose Glue, Display Boards, Craft Glue, Wood Glue, School Glue, Glue Sticks, as well as Wood Filler. If you are after an excellent Multi-Surface Glue we recommend Elmer’s ProBond Advanced.

 

Gorilla Glue Brand

Gorilla Glue is a brand that is trusted and favored by many and is used for various kinds of projects. Gorilla Glue originated from Indonesia and then came to America, it is now manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand is well known for its incredibly high tensile strength and exceptional bonding power, real tough glue. Gorilla Glue comes with these options; Gorilla Wood Glue, Gorilla Super Glue, Gorilla Epoxy, and Gorilla Original Glue.

 

Titebond Glue Brand

This brand of glue is also referred to as Woodworkers Glue is preferred by most of those working with wood. Titebond Glue is also supplied in a dark color that can be used when working with darker wood. Titebond Glue appears to be slightly stickier than many of the other wood glues on the market but is excellent when used on almost any type of wood. It is used extensively for dovetail joints and other fine woodworking. Titebond has been on the market for longer than 75 years.

 

Super Glue Brand

Super Glue is a brand that has been used and trusted by millions of people around the world. It is a multi-purpose glue well known for its quality, durability, strength, and fast setting time. It can be used successfully on rubber, metal, plastic, and any non-porous surface; it is easy to apply and bonds quickly. Super Glue is a great product to have around your home at your workplace or even in your car.

 

Bondini Glue Brand

Bondini Glue is a multi-purpose very efficient adhesive and is specially designed for use on oily and dirty surfaces and still supplies an excellent adhesion. It makes this glue a must in your workshop or garage where dirt and grime seem to collect. The glue is effective on almost all surfaces including nylon, brick, wood, ceramics, vinyl, and even works well on leather.

 

Crayola Glue Brand

Kids and Crayola go well together, which makes Crayola Glue an excellent choice of glue brand for kids. It is supplied in stick form as well as in glue bottles, which makes it a good choice for school purposes. Crayola Glitter Glue Sticks are a favorite with kids and adults alike and if you spill it is easily washable.

 

Testors Glue Brand

For all of those model building and craft project fanatics, Testors Glue is an excellent choice, as it is specially designed to bond plastics and related materials together. It has a very strong and durable bond and can be purchased in small tubes that make it easy to apply to your model cars, planes, and ships. If you would rather have a permanent bond, then their liquid cement is excellent as it virtually fuses the plastic pieces, giving you an almost indestructible bond.

 

Goop Glue Brand

Goop is a flexible and durable adhesive and one of those glue brands that stick anything, and everything together and once applied holds forever. Goop Glue is manufactured in a large range of formulas which will guarantee you will find the right glue for a particular project. The brand is supplied as a Household Glue, Craft Glue, Plumbing Glue, Automotive Glue, RV Glue, All Purpose Glue, Wood and Furniture Glue, Lawn, and Garden Glue, and Sport and Outdoor Glue. Goop Glue is an incredible adhesive that offers an effective bonding to nearly anything.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

For What Purpose Do You Use Glue?

You can use glue as a waterproof agent to stop water from entering into vehicles, boats, or buildings, which is referred to as caulk. There are some man-made materials like wood for example or pieces of material are bound together using glue.

 

What Two Main Types of Glue Are There?

The two fundamental adhesives that become solid when dry are; Polymer Dispersion Adhesive often referred to as Emulsion Adhesives, and Solvent-Based Adhesive. The Solvent-Based Adhesive is made up of Polymers, which are suspended in a solvent.

 

What Is Stronger: Super Glue or Hot Glue?

If applied onto a surface that is smooth, clean, and has been properly prepared, then Super Glue wins hands down and is by far the stronger adhesive.

 

What Are Adhesives?

There are some common adhesives used in the structural industry such as Cyanoacrylates, Epoxies, and several Acrylic and Urethane Adhesives. These types of Adhesives can support considerable stresses, which makes them excellent for use in structural applications.