If you’re using adhesive cement, you’re likely trying to build something sturdy and secure. The wrong adhesive can ruin a project, so it’s important that you understand exactly how the one you’ve chosen will work. Here are three things you should know before you glue.
We use adhesives every day for all kinds of jobs. We might even consider ourselves experts when it comes to gluing things together. But when we start a new project or begin repairing an old structure, we should take a minute to consider the best way to use adhesives. Selecting a good adhesive is only half the battle. Using it correctly will ensure that our projects are everything we hope they’ll be.
Before you reach for your adhesive, remember these three important points:
1) Know which materials will stick together and which won’t. Some materials cannot be joined by any kind of adhesive. If you’re working with vinyl or polypropylene, choose an appropriate solvent-based adhesive rather than a water-based one. Solvent-based adhesives work well with many plastics, but not all of them. It’s always good to check the label on your solvent to see what surfaces it works with best.
2) Read the instructions carefully before using an
1. Know your materials
Before you begin any glue project, it’s important to know the surface material on which you’ll be applying the adhesive cement. This might seem like a no-brainer, but many individuals have tried to superglue two pieces of wood together only to find that the bond didn’t hold up.
Wood is porous, and superglue doesn’t always work on porous surfaces (even though we’ve all seen those commercials where someone grabs their finger in a car door, then reaches for their pocket superglue). For woodworking projects, you’ll want to use a different glue that’s designed specifically for wood or other porous surfaces.
2. Heat and humidity
It may not seem like weather has anything to do with gluing, but the truth is that temperature and humidity can affect how well your adhesive cement works. For example, if it’s raining out, you won’t want to use spray adhesive on your outdoor project because the water will dilute the glue and cause it to be less effective.
3. Surface preparation
The last thing you should know before you glue anything is how best to prepare both surfaces involved in order to ensure a secure bond. Some adhesives require roughening of one or both surfaces before application
One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How do I glue this?” or “What kind of glue should I use?” There are many kinds of glue and adhesives available and it can be confusing. Which is why I created this blog.
Before you glue anything, you need to know what kind of materials you’re dealing with. Is it wood? Plastic? Metal? Glass? You can’t just buy a bottle of adhesive cement, slather it on, and hope for the best! What if the glue doesn’t stick to one of the surfaces? What if it’s too brittle? What if it’s not flexible enough and a crack forms as soon as you put any weight on it?
“But wait,” you ask, “can’t I just use a stronger glue?” Not necessarily. Many times a stronger bond means that the bond is more rigid. This could cause cracking or even breakage when applied to certain materials.
So how do you know which glue is right for the job?
First, figure out what material your workpiece is made from. Second, find out what material your workpiece will be connected to. Third, figure out if either of these materials will be exposed to harsh environments (water, sun exposure,
1. Pick the right adhesive for your needs
When choosing which adhesive to use, you need to consider a few things:
What are you gluing? What is the surface of the object like (i.e. is it porous)?
Do you need an instant bond or can you wait?
Do you need an adhesive that can withstand heat or cold? Will this piece be submerged in water? Does it need to remain clear and non-yellowing? Is the bond likely to be subjected to impact or stress?
2. Prepare your surfaces properly
For most materials, cleaning with soap and water or rubbing alcohol before applying glue will help your piece adhere better. Be sure to allow any solvent-based cleaners (such as acetone) to dry completely before applying glue. If you’re gluing metal, lightly sanding the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper will also help increase adhesion. Smooth surfaces are easier to glue than porous surfaces, though there are special glues for porous materials such as wood and cork. For a stronger bond, rough up smooth surfaces using abrasive paper or sanding block.
3. Apply your adhesive correctly
Read the directions on the packaging regarding how long the pieces should be pressed together and how
If you’re going to glue something, you want the bond to stay put. Here are tips for three types of glues.
“You want a strong bond,” says George Hoagland, a chemist at the product-development firm P&G Chemicals in Cincinnati. “But you also need the right product for the job.”
Different materials require different glues, so here’s what you need to know before you get started.
1. Where am I going to use this?
2. How long do I need it to last?
3. How much of it do I need?
If your answer to the first question was, “to glue a tile on my wall,” then you’re likely in the market for a multipurpose adhesive cement. These types of adhesives are typically all-purpose, which means they can be used for almost any job. Adhesive cements that are multipurpose are great because they have a strong bonding power and typically have a long shelf life before the product expires.
If your answer to the first question was, “to glue wood to wood,” then you’re probably looking for a construction adhesive cement. Construction adhesive cements are specially formulated for projects that require durability and strength over a long period of time. This type of cement is usually waterproof and will not release or peel off under most circumstances.
If your answer to the first question was, “to glue paper together,” then you’re probably looking for a crafting adhesive cement. Crafting adhesives come in many different forms: sprays, glues, tapes, and more! Crafting