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| Glue tips |
| Choosing the right glue for a specific job is easy — when you understand how glues work. |
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When we need glue, most of us reach for the super-glue without thinking. Selley's, a market leader in adhesives, claims the incorrect use of super-glue is the biggest mistake made by their customers. Choosing the right glue for a specific job is easy when you understand how glues work.
Glue holds things together in two ways. Mechanical bonding is the first process, when the glue seeps into crevices in the material a mechanical bond is formed. The second process is chemical bonding, when the molecules in the glue bind with the molecules in the material, forming a chemical bond. Timber and porous materials are best bonded mechanically whereas non-porous surfaces like glass or ceramics need chemical bonding for maximum strength.
Glues are designed to meet specific needs so it is worth using the right one for the job. Many 'impatient' people tend to scimp on drying times, but the curing time is really the most critical part of the whole process. It is worth waiting the recommemded time.
GLUES AND THEIR BEST USES:
Super-glue: is terrific for small emergency jobs like fixing a broken toy. As long as you have all the broken pieces and they fit together, you will have no problem. To keep a tube of super-glue from drying in storage, clean the nozzle and fit a sewing pin in the hole. This will stop the nozzle from getting clogged and if you store it in a fridge, it is less likely to gum up. Super-glue also comes in gel form, which makes it easier to use. Nail polish remover (with acetone) will remove any super-glue from your fingers.
Contact adhesive (Kwik Grip): is a glue that will maintain a bond when flexed. If the sole of your shoe is lifting off or the laminate on your kitchen bench is peeling back this is the best type of glue to use. Other glues like super-glue will not work because their bond will crack quickly from the pressure of flexing or bending.
1 Make sure the surfaces you want to join are clean, dry and free from grease or paint. Remove any rough patches.
2 Cover both surfaces completely with a thin layer of adhesive.
3 Keep both surfaces apart for 30minutes or until they become touch dry and tacky.
4 Line up surfaces making sure they are perfectly aligned and press firmly together. Secure the bond by tapping a padded block over the entire area.
Liquid Nails: is a rubber contact adhesive. It is thick and non-runny and comes in both a tube and a caulking gun cartridge.
1 Apply glue to one surface.
2 Press surfaces together immediately and then pull apart.
3 Allow to dry for two minutes.
4 Line surfaces and press together, by lightly tapping along the joints.
5 This adhesive will need al least two-three days to cure.
Two part epoxy glue: is a waterproof glue that can be drilled, sanded or painted when set. One type of two part epoxy glue comes like a sausage with the hardener on the outside and resin on the inside. All it takes to activate the adhesive is a bit of kneading.
1 Break off a small amount and knead until it becomes a uniform colour.
2 Apply to the surface within two minutes of kneading. It will harden within 5-10 minutes depending on room temperature.
3 Wipe excess epoxy away with a damp cloth.
4 The glue takes an hour to cure.
Another form of two part epoxy comes in two small tubes labeled Part A and Part B. Two part epoxy binds rigid materials like plastic, metal and china.
2 Mix again before applying — this allows time for the chemicals to activate.
3 Apply to each surface and press together.
4 A piece of masking tape can be used to hold the pieces in place.
5 The glue will reach full strength in 3 days.
Solution PVA glue: is the perfect partner for wood. It is ready straight form the pack, it's non-toxic and water resistant.
1 Apply glue to one surface only.
2 Push the two surfaces together.
3 Leave to dry for 30 minutes.
NB: PVA dries clear so there is no need to worry if you use too much. If you want to clean it up, use a damp cloth before the glue dries.
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More Info
All glues are available from your local hardware store.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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