Different Types of Adhesives Available for Home Renovation

It is important for you to understand the types of adhesives available for home renovation projects. Adhesives are often designed for very specific uses. You will be much more likely to get the best results from each product if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Adhesives are used to bond two surfaces together. There are many different surfaces in the home including ceramic, glass, wood, metal, fabric, plastic and more. All these surfaces have their own individual properties. Adhesives are designed to suit the properties of certain specific surfaces. For example adhesives that work on metals make not be suitable for use on plastics.

To help you find the right product here is a simple overview of the main home adhesives available:

• Epoxy Glue – this is one of the most useful adhesives for the home as it can be used on many different surfaces. Epoxy glue can form high strength bonds on wood, glass, metal and plastics. This type of glue can be used for a wide range of different applications around the home from repairing broken toys to assembling flat pack furniture. Epoxy glues have a high heat resistance and offer waterproof bonds. These adhesives are typically sold as twin formulas. The glue will not activate until you mix the resin (epoxide) with the hardener (polyamine).

• Acrylic Adhesives – this is a quick setting type of adhesive (although they may take 24 hours to fully cure). Acrylic adhesives can create strong waterproof bonds on wood, glass and metal. As with Epoxy glue this adhesive is often sold as twin formulas. You will need to mix the liquid and powder elements together to activate the adhesive. Acrylic adhesives are useful for outdoors projects (such as fixing garden furniture) because they are resistant to water and varying temperatures.

• Tile Adhesives – there is a great selection of tile adhesives available. Thin-set mortar is one of the most common and offers a long lasting way to fix tiles to walls and floors.

• Cellulose Adhesives – this type of adhesive is designed for use on china, ceramics, glass, wood and some fabrics and plastics. Cellulose is waterproof but can be removed using acetone (nail polish remover). Cellulose adhesive is useful for fixing chipped pottery and crockery. It sets in around two hours but will take a further 24 to 48 hours to fully cure.

• Cyanoacrylate – this powerful and fast setting glue is often referred to as ‘super glue’. It forms a powerful bond in just 30 seconds and can fully cure in as little as 30 minutes. Cyanoacrylate glues are useful around the home for quick mending jobs but care must be taken not to get the product on the skin. This glue is highly toxic and can cause skin and inhalation irritation.

• Mastic – this powerful adhesive offers heavy duty bonding for larger home projects. This can include fitting windows and doors, tiling bathrooms, laying flooring and more.