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What are the Different Types of Adhesive Glue?
There are many different types of adhesive glues that all have varying strong and weak points, making some types of glue more useful for certain applications than others. For example, epoxy adhesives are particularly strong and are often used in construction and other applications where durability is a must. Rubber cement is a type of adhesive that can even be used non-permanently without damaging many types of materials. Additionally, glue guns melt solid plastic sticks of glue that quickly dry together whatever objects they stick to and can be kept in their solid form awaiting use for an extended period of time. Another type of adhesive glue, the glue stick, resides in an applicator as a sticky solid that can be applied without mess.
The glue gun is a type of adhesive glue applicator that draws cylindrical sticks of solid plastic into itself, gradually melts them, and emits them as a liquid glue out of a nozzle. One advantage to the use of a glue gun glue versus other types of adhesive glue is that the solid plastic sticks of glue typically have a very long shelf life, while other types of glue, such as liquids, may lose their effectiveness within a foreseeable amount of time.
Another type of adhesive glue is the glue stick. This type of glue is contained in a tube that is typically capped on the top and has a movable wheel on the bottom. Removal of the cap allows the solid stick of glue to be exposed, and movement of the wheel allows the stick of glue to be moved up and down within the tube. This type of glue is not particularly strong and is typically only used to glue paper and other very lightly weight materials. Despite its drawbacks, this type of adhesive glue is often used due to its ease of use and typical lack of mess.
Yet another common type of adhesive glue is epoxy, which can come in many different types, depending on the desired use. For example, some epoxy adhesives will bond quickly, while others are designed to bond more slowly. Epoxy adhesives can be used to bond almost any type of material. These adhesives are of a very high strength compared to many other types of adhesives.
Lastly, rubber cement is a type of glue adhesive that is often used in art projects because it can be easily removed without damaging many materials. This glue retains a firm bond, yet is somewhat flexible. It is often noted that this type of adhesive does not wrinkle paper, which is a problem with some other types of glue.
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![Carpenter's glue is used on wood.]()
By: chas53Carpenter's glue is used on wood. -
![Epoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive.]()
By: Andrzej TokarskiEpoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive. -
![Some construction adhesives are designed to permanently bond concrete, metals and other heavy materials.]()
By: Daniel NimmervollSome construction adhesives are designed to permanently bond concrete, metals and other heavy materials. -
![All-purpose white glue is often used for crafts and simple household repairs.]()
By: bergamontAll-purpose white glue is often used for crafts and simple household repairs. -
![PVC pipes are connected using a solvent-based adhesive glue.]()
By: auremarPVC pipes are connected using a solvent-based adhesive glue.
Discussion Comments
@stoneMason-- I think they're relatively safe when used according to the directions. There are actually different types of epoxy glues out there. An epoxy is composed of two substances: resin and hardener. They do have to be mixed in the right proportions to work well. But that's easy to do and the product will have specific directions about it.
There are now epoxy glues with different set times. So the idea is the same, the resin and hardener has to be mixed properly. But based on the exact product, the amount of time it takes for it to harden varies. So people can select the one that works best for them.
Are epoxy adhesive glues difficult to use? Do they need to be combined in the exact proportions to work? Are they flammable or do they create toxic fumes?
Rubber cement is very strong stuff, but that's actually a good thing when dealing with hard to glue materials.
I remember when I had to glue on a piece of wood to a metal and nothing worked. Wood glue failed, metal glue failed, then, I tried cement glue.
The thing with cement glue is that it actually works better when a small amount is used. And the materials also need to be held together for a little while to stick well. In my case, it worked great and I've used it a few more times after that. I have a small container but I think it's going to last me a long time.
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