Adhesives/Glue

Adhesives glue materials together. The glues we use fall into 2 categories. Non-Reactive and Reactive. Non-Reactive glues are a suspension of polymers (long molecules) that harden as the solvent (water) they are suspended in, dries. An example of this is white and wood glue. Reactive glues have a chemical reaction with materials and change composition.

The NUMBER 1 rule with glue is that the glue that you don’t see does all the work. Any glue that is not between two surfaces does nothing. For best results you should READ the directions on the bottle of glue before you apply it. Do not use a lot of glue.

Non Reactive

Glue Stick

UHU All Purpose Adhesive

Non Reactive

Glue Stick

Glue Stick: Glue stick glue is a non-reactive polymer (Acrylic Polymer) based glue that absorbs into pours in the surface of the materials being glued. When the solvent (water) drys the polymers harden pull both surfaces together. This glue works well with porous materials (paper, cardboard, ) but will not work with non-porous materials (acrylic, etc). It is not waterproof as water will dissolve it. Glue stick will compress between surfaces. It takes between 30-60 seconds set and cure.

White Glue

White glue is a non-reactive polymer (Polyvinyl Acetate PVA) based glue that absorbs into pours in the surface of the materials being glued. When the solvent (water) drys the polymers harden pull both surfaces together. This glue works well with porous materials (wood, paper, cardboard, etc.) but will not work with non-porous materials (acrylic, etc). It is not waterproof as water will dissolve it. White glue will compress between surfaces. It takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour to set and 18-24 hours to fully cure. You should clamp materials together for best results.

Wood Glue

Wood glue is also a non-reactive polymer (Polyvinyl Acetate PVA) based glue that absorbs into pours in the surface of the materials being glued. When the solvent (water) drys the polymers harden pull both surfaces together. This glue works well with porous materials (wood, paper, cardboard, etc.) but will not work with non-porous materials (acrylic, etc). It is not waterproof as water will dissolve it. Wood glue will compress between surfaces. It is also sandable and paintable. It takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour to set and 18-24 hours to fully cure. You should clamp materials together for best results.

Hot Glue

Hot glue is a non-reactive thermoplastic based adhesive in which a heating element melts the plastic so that it can be applied. Hot glue does not have a solvent. Hot glue works best with porous materials as the glue will fill pores in the material. Hot glue does not glue non-porous materials well. Hot glue is not compressible and should not be used to make tight joints between materials. It is best use it when speed is required or when quick prototyping. You have about 15 seconds of working time and it will cures within 2 minutes of application. Once cured the hot glue can only be removed mechanically. SAFETY- Do not touch hot glue while hot or the tip of the hot glue gun.

Silicone

Silicone is a non-reactive elastomer (elastic or rubbery) sealant which will create a waterproof but flexible joint. It is used to seal a joint against water. It is apply with a caulking gun in a continuous “bead” or line. Silicone is not compressible. Silicone will bond both porous and non-porous materials. When applied you have between 6-10 minutes of working time and 24 hours for a full cure. Once cured the silicone sealant can only be removed mechanically.

Spray Adhesives

Spray Adhesive is a non-reactive adhesive. It is generally used to attach large pieces of lightweight materials together. This glue would be a good choice when attaching a poster to at piece of foam board or cardboard. It cannot be used to attach two heavy pieces together. This product bonds in 15 to 30 seconds so you must work fast. Full cure time is 1-15 minutes. You must follow the directions on the bottle.

Reactive

Super Glue

Super Glue is a reactive glue made of cyanoacrylic acid. The glue essentially bonds with water to form long brittle polymer chains. Super Glue does not contain a solvent. It is waterproof and may be removed with a solvent (Acetone) from unwanted contact. Super Glue has a 10 minute set time and full curing takes 24 hours. Super Glue works well for acrylic to acrylic gluing. However, with Super Glue the secret is the old saying, “Less is More”. SAFTEY- do not glue skin to skin. If you get Super Glue on your skin whip it off with a paper towel.

Polyurethane Glue

Polyurethane glue is a reactive glue that expands when in contact with water. It will foam up and fill spaces in between gaps. It is waterproof but can be removed with a solvent (paint thinner) before it sets. After it has set it can only be removed mechanically. Do not use polyurethane glue to hold two pieces of flat material together as the foaming action will lift up pieces of material. Polyurethane glue works best for a joint between two pieces of material. It is also a good option of anything that you plan to keep outside. You need to make both sides of the material slightly damp before applying the glue. Set time is 1-4 hours and full cure time is 24 hours.

UHU All Purpose Adhesive

UHU all purpose adhesive is used for gluing all kinds of different materials together. I could not find out whether it was a reactive or nonreactive adhesive but I think it is reactive. Use this glue to adhere wood, acrylic, and porous to non-porous. This glue is a good choice when trying to adhere wood to acrylic. UHU all purpose adhesive sets in 1-2 and is cured in 24 hours.

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