Finding the right glue for the right material can be difficult. Choosing the wrong glue could be the difference between restoring an item to its former glory or having it fall to pieces. Before using any glue make sure surfaces are clean and free from dirt, dust, oil, grease, paint and wax and for metals, remove any rust or corrosion which has taken place.

Which Glue to Use for Glass

When choosing glue for glass it’s always best to use one which dries completely clear so you don’t have any unwanted marks showing up. Two types of glue tend to work well on glass, superglue or epoxy glue and both dry clear.

For fixing general smaller household items superglue should do the trick. However, if you want to use a stronger glue which provides a more permanent bond, an epoxy glue which comes in two parts (a resin and a hardener) will also work.

Which Glue to Use for Wood

Depending on what item you want to glue together e.g. furniture or a skirting board, there are a number of different glues for using on wood. The most common is PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) wood glue. There are different types of this glue e.g. water resistant, but they are all part of the PVA family and provide a good strong bond for using on wood.

Epoxy glue can also be used on wood and works well filling in gaps. For a stronger bond, a polyurethane glue activated with water known as ‘Gorilla Glue’ will hold your wood in place. However, if it accidentally gets on surfaces you don’t want it to it can prove troublesome to take off!

Remember when choosing a glue to use on wood make sure the glue has the right specifications for the job. A few features you might want to look for are:

• quick drying
• can be varnished
• can be painted on
• water resistant
• for both indoor and outdoor use

Which Glue to Use for Metal

Superglue and polyurethane glue can be used on metal, but are poor gap fillers. Metal epoxy glue forms a stronger more permanent bond on metal to metal and is usually the best option. However, if the metal will need to tolerate extreme temperatures it may be more appropriate to weld metal parts together instead of using glue.

Which Glue to Use for Loose Floor Tiles

The type of floor adhesive you use will depend on the surface type and need. To fix issues on tile, marble, stone or wood flooring we recommend the Fix-A-Floor Repair Adhesive which dries clear and creates a strong permanent bond, making your worn out floor look good as new.

When using glue, before glueing any pieces together, practice a dry fit and check the pieces will fit in place and take your time with precision. Try not to touch the area you want to bond with bare hands as oils from the skin can hinder glue from working properly. Also when using glue always refer to the manufacturer’s product usage and safety guidelines.

You’ve learnt about glues, now it’s time to learn about screws. Read about the reasons appliances have so many different types of screws.

Tags: DIY, Glue, House Tips, Superglue