Selecting the Right Adhesives for Home Do-it-Yourself Projects

If you take a trip though any Lowes or Home Depot you will notice a bewildering array of adhesives, which you can choose for your home do it yourself project. Often the correct choice of adhesive can make the difference between success and failure for a home improvement project. In this article we will take a look at all the common types of adhesives and the proper use and application of them.

The granddaddy of all adhesives is plain old white, or Elmer's, glue. This type of glue bonds porous services, and is often used for paper, fabric, and other craft projects. While I could imagine some limited applications, this sort of glue should really be avoided, as it just is not tough enough for most home improvement projects. This sort of glue is also not paintable since paint won't stick to it.

The next common type of adhesive that a do it yourselfer may need is yellow or wood glue. Good old fashion wood glue still has a very strong place in most home improvement projects. This sort of glue is specially designed to bond wood, and wood based materials. Weather you are trying to repair a wood chair, or working on re-gluing loose wood cabinets, wood glue is what you will need. Once wood glue sets and dries, the glue is often just as strong or stronger than the wood, which it bonds.

Another type of common adhesive is the so-called "crazy glues", or known by their scientific name cyanoacrylate glues. These "super" glues are idea for repairing pottery, or metal surfaces. These sorts of glues have the annoying tendency to bond skin instantly, so you will want to be sure to wear gloves when working with the material. Again, while this sort of glue might be useful on a project, it is mostly used for general home repairs.