Whether you’re embarking on a craft project with the kids or whether you need to carry out a repair around the home, you’re going to need to know the right type of glue to suit the task in hand. There’s no such thing as “standard glue”. Using a glue designed for use on paper to repair a broken vase is never going to work and, what’s more, will make a huge mess.
Luckily, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by reading this expert guide to adhesive types for every project. It’ll help you make the right choice so you get the right results the first time.
Starting With The Basics – PVA
If you’re crafting with the kids, the first type of glue you’re probably going to need is PVA. It’s perfect for all kinds of projects, from making cards to sealing papier-mache. Bear in mind, though, that PVA isn’t waterproof so you’ll have to be careful which projects you decide to use it on. This versatile adhesive looks white inside the bottle, however, when it’s applied to a surface it dries completely clear, so it can even be used as a form of varnish.
Adapted PVA – Wood And Fabric Glue
PVA forms the basis of some other popular adhesives, and wood glue is one of these. Stronger than PVA, it’s ideal for any heavy job that involves wood. Some wood glues are coloured to be less noticeable on a wooden surface. Fabric glue is also another form of PVA that has been created to enable materials to be glued together instead of stitched while still remaining washable. Fabric glue must be applied thinly or the fabric will become too stiff.
Simple Paper Glues
Whether you’re working on a papercraft project yourself or whether the children are doing a crafting project on their own, the simplest and safest type of glue is a regular paper glue. There are plenty of different options but the glue stick has to be the most convenient and mess-free. Easy to grip, hold and apply, it’s the perfect way to get any kind of simple sticking done. You can also find tubes of paper glue that can easily be squeezed to control the amount that is applied to the surface. These come in glitter formats that are perfect for card-making or seasonal projects.
Epoxy Resin Glue – A Heavy Duty Choice
If you’ve got a heavy-duty repair, epoxy resin glue could be just what you need. Designed to be super-strong and durable, this industrial-strength adhesive can be used for outdoor or indoor projects, forming a bond that’s not only incredibly tough but also resistant to water, heat and most solvents. It can also be painted, sanded or drilled, so absolutely no evidence of the repair will remain. It’s impressive stuff!
Choosing The Right Glue For You
Whether you’ve got an urgent repair to take care of, or whether you’re working on a project at home, one of these types of glue is sure to be the right choice. Read this expert guide and select the best adhesive to suit your needs and you won’t make a messy mistake again!