| DIY Basics: Glues and Adhesives |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-706 |
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Are things around your house coming unglued? Home-repair expert Brad Staggs provides useful information about the range of adhesives that are available, and their respective uses.
- The most common adhesive, and the one used for the most general applications, is the old standby -- ordinary white glue (figure A). It works great for such things as paper and fabric, but keep in mind that it is not waterproof. It is commonly available in regular and washable varieties. The washable type is great for kids working on school projects.
- For simple woodworking or wood repairs, use a carpenter's wood-glue (figure B), specifically designed to create a strong bond between pieces of wood. It's also great for applying molding and trim.
- Glass adhesive (figure C) can be used sometimes to repair a simple glass-break. Be aware that glass adhesive may not hold up in the dishwasher.
- Epoxy glue (figure D) is a great multi-purpose glue when a very strong bond is called for. It comes as two separate solutions that must be mixed in order to create the hardened bond. This glue bonds by chemical reaction, rather than simply "drying" like many ordinary glues. Keep a tube of epoxy handy for use on ceramic, metal and other hard surfaces.
- A glue gun (figure E) is a very handy tool for simple home repairs as well as a plethora of craft activities. They can be used to repair pottery, jewelry and many other materials. Glue guns inexpensive, and should be in every household tool collection.
- For adhering laminates, cloth or foam to wood, use contact cement (figure F). This adhesive is a little tricky to work with, so read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- For household construction projects, go for the "big guns" -- construction adhesives (figure G). These form a weatherproof bond and hold up in the outdoors.
- For plumbing problems, seek out plumber's adhesives or sealants (figure H). These can be useful for stopping minor leaks around sinks or other plumbing fixtures.
- For edge-gluing acrylics or plexiglass, there is a special glue made for those products. The adhesive actually chemically "melts" the two parts together. A needle-point applicator is used for applying the adhesive in precise locations.
Recap:
- Keep white glue around the house for small projects, but remember that it's not waterproof.
- A glue-gun is a versatile and useful tool for many types of projects.
- For advanced projects, use adhesives specifically designed for the type of materials you're working with.
RESOURCES :
HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores
by Steve Ettlinger
(revised edition 1998, Macmillan)
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
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