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What are the Different Types of Adhesive Product?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

An adhesive is a substance or material that can bond two items or surfaces together. Most adhesives have limitations, which mean that various types are needed to complete different types of projects. Example of adhesive products are glue, epoxy, and contact tape.

Glue is an adhesive product that is widely used. There are many types of glue and the variety is necessary because one type of glue is not usually sufficient for every task. For example, children commonly begin to use glue at a young age for craft and educational projects. It is not ideal, however, for them to use the same type of glue that is used to apply wallpaper.

Wallpaper paste may be used to secure wallpaper to a surface.
Wallpaper paste may be used to secure wallpaper to a surface.

The glue used to apply wallpaper is often toxic and would pose serious risks to young children. It can also be very resistant to cleaning, which means common childhood accidents would result in ruined clothes and furniture. Likewise, the glue that children use in school is not usually strong enough to serve the needs of a person hanging wallpaper.

Hot adhesives, sometimes called melt adhesives, also create bonds by changing forms. An adhesive product in this category is usually applied while it is at a high temperature that causes it to be in a liquid or semi-liquid state. The heating is achieved by a special glue gun. As the product cools it converts to plastic and a bond is created that holds two surfaces together. This type of adhesive product is commonly used for craft projects and manufacturing.

Contact tape is another commonly used adhesive product. Contact tape differs from other types of tape because it is sticky on both sides. This special property allows each side to attach to surfaces to act as a bond between them.

Epoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive.
Epoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive.

Contact adhesive is sometimes called contact cement. This type of adhesive product may contain flammable solvents, but there are also some water based varieties. Contact adhesives are commonly applied by rolling, but in some instances they are applied by spraying. This type of adhesive tends to be good for a task that requires a person to unite two non-porous materials.

All-purpose white glue is a non-toxic, water-based adhesive, often used for children's crafts and simple projects.
All-purpose white glue is a non-toxic, water-based adhesive, often used for children's crafts and simple projects.

Sometimes a person needs an adhesive product known as an epoxy. This type of adhesive product generally bonds and fills spaces. This is possible because an epoxy is in one form, such as a gel, when it is applied. As it dries, it changes forms to become a tight and secure solid. Epoxies are used for household and industrial tasks.

Discussion Comments

fify

I don't keep any kind of toxic glue at home because I have small children. Some adhesive chemicals are very toxic with lots of chemicals and they can be very dangerous for kids who may use them incorrectly. Even a glue gun is dangerous because the tip of it, as well as the glue, gets very hot and can cause burns.

So we only keep non-toxic all-purpose craft glue at home. It's the kind that's also used at schools.

ysmina

@discographer-- I glued together two materials like that before. I used cement glue. From my experience, there isn't anything that cement glue can't glue together. You just have to apply a little bit on both products and press them together and hold it like that for a few minutes.

Cement glue is very strong, so don't get any on your fingers or your fingers will get glued together too. Use caution and keep it away from children.

An epoxy glue would probably work for your purpose but I've never used one before.

discographer

Which adhesive product is best for gluing together wood and metal?

Most adhesives seem to be made for one specific type of material such as just wood, just paper or just metal. Gluing two different types of materials is a nightmare. I've tried every glue I have at home and none of them have worked, not even super glue.

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    • Wallpaper paste may be used to secure wallpaper to a surface.
      By: 3desc
      Wallpaper paste may be used to secure wallpaper to a surface.
    • Epoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive.
      By: Andrzej Tokarski
      Epoxy consists of two separate tubes which are mixed together to make an adhesive.
    • All-purpose white glue is a non-toxic, water-based adhesive, often used for children's crafts and simple projects.
      By: bergamont
      All-purpose white glue is a non-toxic, water-based adhesive, often used for children's crafts and simple projects.
    • There are several types of pipe glue available, including epoxy designed for bonding PVC to metal.
      By: auremar
      There are several types of pipe glue available, including epoxy designed for bonding PVC to metal.