Which adhesive should you use?
Have you ever looked for the right glue or adhesive to use on a DIY job and been baffled by the range of products? Here’s a simple breakdown of what to use for a few basic jobs around the home.
Traditionally, the word glue was used to refer to bonding agents derived from natural products, while adhesives were those with synthetic bases. But today, most glues and adhesives are synthetic-based, so the terms are interchangeable.
When purchasing an adhesive, it’s best to consider the two surfaces that need to be attached, then select one that bonds with both.
The main types of adhesives include epoxies, superglues, contact adhesives, polyvinyl acetates (PVA), polyurethanes, construction adhesives and specialty adhesives.
Adhesive for fixing furniture
When repairing a wobbly chair or any other pieces of furniture with loose timber joints, choose a PVA adhesive.
These need no mixing, they dry clear, are easy to sand and are water-based, so clean up easily.
PVAs are also fast setting, strong and versatile. Weldbond is fume-free and acts as a glue, bonding agent, sealer and primer.
It can be used on almost any surface from timber to metal and masonry.
You should also follow these rules for fixing timber furniture.
Adhesive for attaching skirting boards
To secure skirting, use construction adhesive. It’s multipurpose and heavy duty, and comes in a tube, cartridge or pressure pack.
Construction adhesives have great gap-filling qualities, so can bond smooth or rough surfaces, including timber, plasterboard, foam, concrete and glass.
Use Sika MaxTack for skirting or shelving, as after three seconds of applied pressure it bonds strongly, so there is no need to use nails or vices.