Epoxy: This type of glue comes
in two parts, a resin and a hardener. The resin and hardener can
be either liquid in tubes or putty. Mix equal amounts of the two
components, apply the commpound to the joint and clamp. Setting
times vary from five minutes to an hour, and curing times usually
run a few hours to a few days.
Epoxies are good for most materals and
are particularly good at holding together dissimilar materals, such
as plastic and glass. Used properly, epoxy adhesives create an
extremely strong bond that can stand up to harsh weather and some
twisting stress.
Wood Glue: These glues, generally
yellow in color, are used in carpentry, furniture making and wood
repairs. they are squeezed directly onto the surfaces to be joined,
clamped and left to cure overnight. They form a rigid bond that can
take a little moisture but is not waterproof.
Instant Bonding Glue: Sold under
names such as Superglue and Krazy Glue, the scientific name for this
type of adhesive is cyanoacrylate. You squeeze a drop or two on the
surfaces to be joined and hold them tightly in place for a minute or
less. The glues cure in one to 12 hours.
Instant glues come in liquid form
for plastic, metal and rubber and gel form for porous materials
such as wood and leather. Wear gloves to keep from gluing your
fingers together. Never point an instant bonding adhesive toward
your face. Recently introduced forms don't set as quickly as older
ones, so they give you a little more flexibility to adjust the fit
before the parts are firmly bonded.
White Glue: Products such as Elmer's
Glue-All are polyvinyl-chloride based. They are cheap and easy to use
and clean up with soap and water. They're good for general interior
use on wood, ceramics and paper, but they're water-soluble and shouldn't
be used where they'll get wet. They set in about eight hours and cure in
a day.
Contact Cement: This type of adhesive
is used primarily for attaching veneers, such as attaching plastic
veneer to countertops or repairing wood veneers on furniture. A thin
layer of cement is applied to both surfaces with a disposable brush
and allowed to dry. The surfaces bond immediately when pressed together
and cure within two days.
Hot-Melt Glue: These glues come in sticks
that are melted in a glue gun. They're good for fast repairs on leather
and fabric and are sometimes used in crafts. The bonds aren't very strong,
though, so they might not be best for permanent household repairs.
Acrylic Glue: Acrylic glues can be used
to repair outdoor wooden furniture because they're strong and water-proof.
Acrylic is also a good choice for metal and glass. Acrylic glue usually
comes in two tubes; the contents of one tube go on one surface to be joined,
and the contents of the other tube go on the other surface. They set in about
five minutes and cure overnight.
Specialty Adhesives: Ceramic tile,
wallpaper and tire patches all have glues especially designed to hold
them in place. Follow package directions, including using the right size
trowel when one is needed.
