Homeowner’s Guide to Glue
Carpentry, Featured, Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security by Jerri Farris
Trying to find the right glue at your local home improvement store these days can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many to choose from, and picking the wrong one can lead to a really sticky situation. Or not, which could be even worse. The trick is to match the glue to the job at hand, but that’s not always as simple as it sounds. Here’s a breakdown of the different types that are available to help you get it right.
Yellow and White Glue
A kissing cousin to school glue, yellow glue is mainly used for woodworking. It’s available for interior use, as well as in moisture resistant and even waterproof versions. Work pieces have to be clamped, but the clamps can be removed in about an hour. White glue is similar to yellow but is less resistant to moisture and takes longer to cure.
Both yellow and white glues are non-toxic and can be cleaned up with water and a damp rag. Be sure to sand unfinished work thoroughly before finishing, as any glue residue will prevent stains and clear finishes from penetrating the wood.
Instant Glue
Sold under brand names like Super Glue and Krazy Glue, this is the one to keep on hand for household emergencies. Drop a vase, step on your child’s favorite toy, or break a corner off a ceramic picture frame, and you’ll be glad you’ve got a tube on hand. It sets up almost instantly and creates a nearly invisible bond on glass, metal, porcelain, fabric, wood and rigid plastic.
Since it can stick your fingers together in an instant as well, keep a bottle of acetone based nail polish remover on hand to free them. Instant glue has a tendency to dry out, so store it tightly capped (and clearly marked) in the refrigerator between uses. If you have young children, put the tube in an old childproof prescription bottle first to keep it out of curious hands.
Polyurethane Glue
Though it’s the new kid on the block, polyurethane glue has really taken off in recent years. Sold under the brand name Gorilla Glue, among others, it is waterproof and can be used to bond everything from wood, fiberglass, and foam to stone, metal, and brick.
Polyurethane glue expands as it cures, allowing it to fill cracks and gaps. The downside is that it tends to ooze out if you use too much, and the work pieces have to remain clamped for several hours. Storing the bottle upside down will help keep the glue from solidifying between uses.
Epoxy Glue
While a little messy and difficult to use, epoxy glue provides an extremely durable, waterproof bond for many materials including wood, metal, glass, stone, and certain plastics.
Epoxy comes in two parts, a resin and a catalyst, which produce a chemical reaction when mixed together. This makes it great for filling gaps, since it hardens into a solid mass. Epoxy comes in setting times ranging from a few minutes to an hour and is available as a dual-cartridge syringe, in tubes, or as putty. Equal parts of the glue are mixed with a clean plastic knife or Popsicle stick then quickly applied before it has time to set. Once cured, epoxy can be drilled, sanded, or painted.
Spray Adhesive
These aerosol cans of adhesive are great for attaching paper and fabric since it doesn’t soak through porous materials like liquid glue would. To use, spray a coat to the surface and wait a minute for it to become tacky before attaching the paper or fabric. For a stronger bond, spray the adhesive on both surfaces first.
Contact Cement
Used mainly to glue plastic laminates and veneer to plywood, contact cement comes in both solvent and water based versions. Roll or brush the adhesive on both surfaces and allow it to dry for the recommended time before carefully bringing the two pieces together. As the name implies, the cement bonds on contact and the pieces cannot be repositioned once they have touched. A rubber roller is used to press the two surfaces firmly together.
Construction Adhesive
While these thick waterproof adhesives are often used to attach plywood, drywall, and paneling to framing; they’re also suitable for projects around the home as well. Construction adhesives come in a tube and are applied with a caulking gun. Keep the nozzle tightly capped to prevent the glue from drying out.
Hot Glue
This thermoplastic adhesive comes in cylindrical sticks that are heated in an electric glue gun. It is applied by pulling the trigger on the gun, and the pieces must be quickly assembled before the hot plastic cools. While it can be used with a variety of materials, hot glue does not produce very strong adhesion and is mainly useful for craft projects and temporary bonds.
Use hot glue with caution, particularly around children. If you get it on your skin, it will cause a painful burn that you will not soon forget.
Glue Safety
Almost all the glues described here contain potentially dangerous and toxic chemicals, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Avoid contact with the skin, and work in a well ventilated area to keep from breathing the fumes. Some are highly flammable and should not be used without proper ventilation or around possible ignition sources.
Final Thoughts
The only thing worse than using the wrong glue, is using a glue that has lost its punch, so be sure and check the expiration date on the container and apply only within the temperature range specified in the directions.
48 Comments on “Homeowner’s Guide to Glue”
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September 4th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
WHAT DO I USE FOR CEMENT URNS THAT HAS BROKEN FROM THE WEATHER?
Ben Erickson Says:September 4th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I would try using polyurethane or epoxy glue on your cement urns. First clean the break well with soap and water, using a scrub brush or toothbrush. Then let it dry throughly before gluing.
September 21st, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I have a question for you about hot glue. I have a pretty big christmas display and I want to attach strings of lights to the front of my house. I have aluminum siding and thought that the hot glue would work pretty well. But I’ve heard stories that the hot glue doesn’t do well in cold weather. I live in the Northeast (CT to be exact) and would like to know your thoughts on the cold weather and hot glue? If you could respond to my email that would be great! thanks, chris
September 28th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I need to glue up pressure treated pine to make sign posts. What is my best choice for glue? Thanks
Ben Erickson Says:October 4th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Chris,
I’ve read reports about hot glue not doing well in cold weather, but I’m afraid that here in LA (lower Alabama) we don’t have much experience in that regard. I will say that hot glue can be a pretty temporary fix at times, which can be a good thing, though not if your lights come crashing down on Christmas Eve!
October 7th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
I want to glue photographs to glass. Just a bit of glue to the corners of the glossy side. Any gluing suggestions?
Ben Erickson Says:November 7th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Charlie,
A clear glue stick (available at office supply stores) will hold photos to glass. But if it is applied to the face of the photo (so you are looking through the glass at it), it will make the photo look wet (as will about any other glue) where the glue was applied. If you are attaching the photos on the back side to glass, try using double stick tape.
November 8th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I would like to hang pre-lit garland around the stone and brick archway to my home. I do not want to use nails and tape is not an option. I was told by a christmas decorating company that they use glue if they can not use nails. I am located in the Dallas area. Any suggestions on what type of glue to use?
November 19th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
I have the same challenge and also live in the Dallas area. Have you come up with any acceptable solutions?
January 5th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
What glue would you use to adhere glass (those glass cube things that look wavy) to cork (as in a homemade bulletin board to cover the ugly glass cube things)
January 29th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Hello!
My name is Agustin Tristan and I work for the Alabama Productivity Center at the University of Alabama. I am doing research on better ways of attaching sheetrock, meaning, using adhesives as an alternating method to using screws. I was wondering what adhesive you would recommend that is very strong and also has a very fast curing time?
Thank you for your help.
Ben Erickson Says:January 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Agustin,
Construction adhesive is often used with screws to attach sheetrock to studs or ceiling joists, but I haven’t heard of it being used alone.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Ben,
Do you know which construction adhesives would be the best by any chance?
I did some research and it seems like we need to keep the screws around the corners of the sheetrock at least.
Regards
February 9th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
What kind of Glue can i use to stick a Polyurethan spoiler onto the rear winshield..
September 1st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I was wondering which glue would create the best bond between fabric and metal? (silk and chrome to be more specific)
Thanks in advance
John
Ben Erickson Says:September 2nd, 2008 at 11:36 am
Hi John,
Either spray adhesive, contact cement, hot glue, or epoxy should work between fabric and metal. You might want to sand the crome lightly so it won’t be so slick.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
i live in an old trailer, and it is leaking underneathe by the bathroom, causing water to stand. i just needed to knowwhat kind of glue to usem for plumbing. keeping a pipe from leaking or dripping water. is epoxy used for this? can you recommend something?
thankyou,
deni in nm
October 5th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Dear Sir/Madam
What kind of glue can I use to glue a Wood Frame Picture over in a center of a larger glass Background.
Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
October 9th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hi.
I recently got epoxy glue on my finger. It’s not much, about 1 1/2 square cm. Will this be toxic?
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Do you know what kind of glue will permanantly adhere glass to glass, dry clear and can be hand washed with dish soap.
Thank you for your help.
November 1st, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hi,
I have a granite tile backsplash over my stove. I would like to glue a metal hook to the granite in order to hang a ceramic platter. Can you suggest a glue that would sustain the hook and the platter. The platter weighs no more than a pound. I am concerned that over time the hook would fall off. Thank you.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
How do I stick a fabric sink skirt to a porcelain sink? I have tried crazy glue, but after a week, it falls off again. Is there an adhesive or something that will hold the fabric in place onto the porcelain sink? Thank you. I am desperate and aggravated.
Ben Erickson Says:December 12th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Hi Jennifer,
You might try using double stick carpet tape, hot glue, or contact adhesive.
December 21st, 2008 at 9:33 am
I bought at Ikea 3ft long plastic strips (1/2″wide) that conceal speaker wire to run up the drywall and across the top of the 4 ft wide entry opening between my living room and dining room and then down the wall to the floor so that the wire would not be running across the floor (thus risking tripping accidents). One removes the paper backing from the strips and sticks them to the drywall. However, after a couple of days, the strips running horizontally across the top of the opening start sagging down below the headboard into the entry. The vertical strips running up the sides of the entry opening have started to slide down, too. What is best adhesive to use to glue the strips to the wall so they won’t sag? P.S. About a year ago I had the headboard drywall repaired to remove nailpops. Is it possible that the drywall compound used causes the glue backing of the strips not to adhere to the drywall?
March 19th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I tried to krazy glue a clear plastic picture frame. It got inside the frame. Is there a way I can get it off the clear plastic without scratching the frame? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank You
April 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I have a customer that is in the produce busniess. He wants to put FRP on his walls and ceiling in his produce area. Problem is its is 37 degrees in these rooms. Do you know what type glue would work on this
May 6th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I would like to glue a metal plaque to a polished granite tombstone. What kind of adhesive would be best? It must weather Ohio winters.
Ben Erickson Says:May 7th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Hi Susan,
I would try a construction adhesive made for granite such as Liquid Nails Marble & Granite Adhesive.
June 7th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
What is the best glue to secure snaps to fabric?? It has to hold up when you pull the snaps off…
July 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Im looking for best glue for jewellry box. I got a lovely dophlin with space picture and need a good strong glue for plastic (table mat) Hard plastic against wood for glue. Can you find it for me and let me know.
Thank you.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:10 am
What is the best glue to stick a mirror to the bathroom wall. We tried NONails but mirror came down. The wall is not tiled thank you
Ben Erickson Says:August 6th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Hi Pat,
I would use a solvent based construction adhesive like Liquid Nails, but you might want to call a glass shop and see if they sell anything specifically for hanging mirrors. When we had a mirror installed in our bathroom recently, they used a mastic adhesive, then screwed up several small plastic brackets to hold it in place until the adhesive set. They told us not to take them down for three weeks until the adhesive had cured.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Hi
I hoping someone can help me. I would like to glue silk flowers and seashells to a square mirror. What kind of glue will work best?
This will end up being a center piece if I can pull it off. Thanks
Ben Erickson Says:August 14th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Hi Robin,
When you are gluing to a mirror, you are basically gluing to glass, so glues for glass will work, and you can also use a piece of scrap glass to practice on (check hardware stores or home centers that cuts glass for scraps). So possibilities you might want to try include epoxy, instant glue, contruction adhesive, adhesive caulk, and clear silicone caulk.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:28 am
The basin for my small water fountain has started to leak. What type of glue should I use to seal it?
September 27th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Great article, thank you. I am thinking epoxy would work in my situation. I’m attaching small pebbles and palm-sized pieces of driftwood to a large, hard plastic frame and to themselves. The bond needs to be extremely strong – at least as strong as the materials themselves in order to survive packing and shipping. Opinions?
Ben Erickson Says:September 28th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hi Michelle,
While epoxy works well on some plastics, it may not adhere to others, so be sure to test it first. Other options that might work for what you have in mind include gel-type instant glue or a dab of construction adhesive.
December 14th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I want to glue a photograph on a brick. Any suggestions?
Ben Erickson Says:December 15th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Hi Lois,
I would try hot glue or dabs of mounting putty for a quick stick you can remove in the future. Epoxy would work for a more permanent solution.
January 9th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
I am trying to glue a broken piece of a side mirror back on to my car. I have tried super glue but I live in South Carolina and the temperature is too cold here to cure properly. What types of glue would cure in cold temperatures but also retain a strong hold in the hot summer weather. The glue needs to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of driving fast down the interstate and be weather-proof if I drive in the rain or leave it outside overnight. Do you have any suggestions for a glue that could fulfill these requirements?
January 11th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
HELP !!!
I’d like to glue a wooden frame on to a mirror for a decorative look. The frame cannot be clamped because the mirror is already in place on the wall. Which glue product do you recommend and please share your suggestions on how I can hold the frame in place while the glue cures.
Thanks very much !!
Ben Erickson Says:January 12th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Hi Darlene,
If the frame is already assembled, and you’re gluing the mirror to it, I would recommend using construction adhesive.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I was looking for the best adhesive for metal to silk and saw the post. Good idea on the sanding, but I would really like to know the best bond. I’m trying to make an attachment that requires staying power through vigorous motion.
I also happened by the post of better ways to attach sheet rock. Keep in mind that using an adhesive for that application will only attach the sheet rock to the studs BY THE PAPER! You’re best bet is to consider improvements to the fastening method.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I just got my sticker to place on my license plate. When I went to put it on the plate, it fell right off. The sticker was not sticky at all. The directions said it would stick in temps as low as 0 degrees F and it was 40 degrees when I tried to put it on. The lady at DMV said it was too cold for it io stick and it will cost me $4.50 to replace it! Is there any kind of glue that I can use to put the sticker on the metal plate that would be secure? I just can’t bring myself to pay more to the state if I don’t have to!
Ben Erickson Says:January 27th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Hi Sean,
You might try applying a piece of heavy duty double sided tape to the back of the sticker. Some double sided tapes are made for inside use and don’t hold that well, but I bought some cloth backed double sided tape a few years ago from an online woodworking store (don’t remember which one) that was extremely sticky and strong. If it’s still cold, take the tag off, bring it inside, and allow it warm up for a while before applying it.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Hi Danny,
What would you use to seal and glue glass pane to concrete in a constant submersion situation (swimming pool)?
Ben Erickson Says:February 10th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Hi Lenny,
Epoxy glue is waterproof, though I’m not sure how well the bond to glass would hold up over time. Another possibility is 100% silicone caulking if you give it enough time to cure before submerging it.
Good luck with your project!
Ben
Ben Erickson Says:February 10th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Hi Lenny,
Epoxy glue is waterproof, though I’m not sure how well the bond to glass would hold up over time. Another possibility is 100% silicone caulking if you give it enough time to cure before submerging it.
Good luck with your project!