How to Choose and Use the Right Glue

(ARA) – It’s a sticky subject – not all glues are created equal. There are different types of glues for different surfaces and different applications. Using the wrong one may mean your project won’t hold together or, worse, you ruin what you were trying to repair.

So how do you know what type of glue is right for your project? James and Morris Carey, home improvement gurus and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio program “On the House with the Carey Brothers” offer some advice:

First, answer some basic questions about your project.

1. What type of materials needs to be bonded?

2. Is clamping feasible?

3. Will the project be exposed to moisture?

4. How much stress or weight will the object endure?

With answers in hand you can match the glue to the job, usually by just reading the label on the bottle.

The next equally important step is applying the glue properly, because again, failure to read and follow directions can lead to a sticky situation. This brief overview should help you get the job done right the first time.

Woodworking and Craft Projects

Wood glue is designed for carpentry, craft and hobby projects such as building cabinets and furniture and making wooden toys, cutting boards, dollhouses, birdhouses, etc. It is available for interior use, as well as in moisture-resistant and even waterproof versions for outdoor furniture.

Wood glue won’t adhere to surfaces that are already stained or painted, so only use it on “bare” woods that have been sanded or planed. Work pieces have to be clamped together until dry, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Most wood glues are non-toxic and can be cleaned up with water and a damp rag. Dried wood glue can be sanded and scraped just like the actual wood surface, so you can paint over the glue. Clean and sand glued surfaces thoroughly as leftover residue will prevent stains and finishes from penetrating the wood.

Polyurethane for Tough Building Projects and Repairs

Polyurethane glue is an extremely durable adhesive that can be used to bond a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, stone, foam, brick, concrete, ceramic and fiberglass.

It’s 100 percent waterproof, making it an ideal choice for building and repair projects indoors and out. This characteristic makes it a favorite among boaters, hunters and fisherman as well as do-it-yourselfers, builders and remodelers, who use it to attach or mount equipment, repair indoor or outdoor furniture, cement urns, fountains, decks and more.

Polyurethane glue expands as it cures to achieve a better bond, cosmetically filling in small cracks and gaps in the process. Because of this expansion or “foaming,” it’s important to use a clamp when gluing pieces together as well as wipe away any excess glue with a dry cloth in the first 10 to 15 minutes of set-up. Clamp time ranges from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on the brand. The bond is fully cured or set after 24 hours. Once dry, the glue can be sanded, painted or stained.

This type of glue requires moisture to cure, so be sure to dampen one side of the substrates being bonded. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands. The glue expands as it dries, so a little dab goes a long way. To apply the glue in small, hard to reach places, try one of the new applicators now available like the Gorilla Glue Precision Glue Pen. It provides added control, dries a white color and has a clamp time of just 30 to 60 minutes.

A Quick Fix

“Instant glue” is ideal for small “emergency” repairs, especially when clamping is not an option. Curing in less than a minute, this glue forms a nearly invisible bond on surfaces like rubber, metal, ceramics, porcelain and some plastics. Super glue performs best when the break is clean and tight fitting. Although a great solution for many applications, super glue has its shortcomings, namely, a reputation for being very brittle.

Gorilla Super Glue Impact-Tough Formula addresses the brittle problem with tiny rubber particles that give it impact resistant strength and reduce the chance of the repair breaking when the object is bumped banged or dropped. It works on wood, glass and plastic.

For more information on household glues and project tips, visit the Carey brothers’ Web site at www.onthehouse.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:

Quick Reference Glue Guide

Type of Glue: Polyurethane Glue
Best For: Bonding dissimilar surfaces, both indoors and out
Clamp Time: 30 minutes - 2 hrs.
Outdoor Use: 100 percent waterproof
Use On: Wood, metal, stone, ceramics, glass, some plastic, PVC brick, concrete, foam, fiberglass
Clean up: Wear gloves
Projects: Cracked fountain, broken lamp post, bricks, stripped screws, wobbly chair legs

Type of Glue: Wood Glue
Best For: Building carpentry or hobby projects using any type of wood
Clamp Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Outdoor Use: Water-resistant ANSI/HPVA Type II rating
Use On: Wood
Clean up: Water
Projects: Furniture, dollhouses, cabinets, cutting boards

Type of Glue: Instant “Super” Glue
Best For: Instant repairs on small indoor projects
Clamp Time: None
Outdoor Use: Not recommended
Use On: Wood, metal, stone, ceramics, glass, some plastic, PVC, paper, rubber
Clean up: Acetone-based nail polish remover
Projects: Broken shoe, picture frame, vase, costume jewelry, ornaments and collectibles, decorative tableware