Wood glue has been growing more and more popular over the years, people use it for crafting, making furniture, and other woodwork projects. Glue works by strengthening the bond in between two pieces of wood, and sometimes nails aren’t enough. There are different type of wood glues and they aren’t advisable to be used as a one for all. Check on Best Hand Planer for trimming.
Wood Glue Types
Aliphatic Resin Glue & PVA Glue
PVA stands for polyvinyl acetate glue, it’s usually used for craft projects and hobbies. They are easy to use and are non-toxic. Aliphatic Resin Glue is the carpenters glue, it gives the same strength of adhesion the PVA Glue gives.
This glue has a superior strength in bonding, it’s an ANSI type 1, and it is waterproof. It also stains because it works by combining the real wood in its formula. It could be used outdoors as it could resist heat, molds and even mildew.
This is an example of an Aliphatic Resin Glue. It sets fast and needs a very short clamp time. Just like the glue mentioned above it could be used outdoors because it could resist heat, mold, and mildew.
This glue is known because it needs a very very short clamp time and it sets really fast. It’s a water resistant ANSI type 2.
This glue offers 8 minutes of assembly time, thus being the best choice for people who are new in using glue or have never really tried it at all. This glue is safer but at the same time stronger, and easier to clean up.
Hide glues are one of the first type of glue used by man, they are made from skin or hides of animals. It’s non-toxic because it’s edible gelatin. This glue is still used today for musical instruments and replicas.
This glue allows precise assembly because it sets slowly. It is also the glue used to achieve crackling effects, or used to add character to a furniture by creating a weathered look.
You’d be able to buy this glue in powdered form. You mix it with equal parts of hot water, and you should be kept warm while it’s in use. This glue is preferably used in restoring cabinets and other things.
This is the glue that’s very known today, we often call it super glue, CYA, or Crazy Glue. It dries up very fast even on your skin so you have to be careful. This glue is plastic based and it flows freely, that’s why wood makers only use it in repairing small areas.
Epoxy, most of the time is sold in two parts. This type of glue sets on wild range of temperatures and doesn’t really need pressure when curing, this is ideal for filling gaps.
This glue doesn’t just bond wood but ceramic, glass, textile, sand, rubber, and metals too.
This is a polyurethane wood glue that only needs about 30 mins to be clamped. It would be cures by 24 hours and it dries in a natural color. It could also be used both indoors and outdoors. It’s an ANSI Type 2 water resistant.
Wood Glue Drying Time
For most wood glue, you would have to clamp for about 30 mins and allow it to dry up within 25 hours. But all varies now because there are those which set fast, and those that takes time.
Of course you can’t spread glue with your bare hands right? So you’d be using a brush. There are a lot of wood glue brushes available to buy but a lot of people suggests getting the silicone type because they are easier to clean and spread. You’d also need a comb and depending on your project maybe a glue bottle too to keep things neat.
What is the strongest wood glue?
Above is a picture of the PSI rating. According to it the strongest is the Type 1 PVA waterproof.
How do I remove glue from wood?
Depending on the glue you are using you could wipe it off with a damp sponge, you could let it dry and then scrape it off, but either way remember that you’d have to sand the area after to make sure there’s no residue left.
Does glue have an expiration date?
Yes they do have and they should be printed on the packaging. Make sure to always tightly close the cap to keep it from hardening before the expiry date.
Can the wood grain affect the strength of the adhesion?
Yes they can and most people aren’t aware of this. A long grain to a long grain joint would create the strongest joint because it has fibers that could hold the glue.
How do I ensure proper glue coverage?
One easy way to tell if you have covered the wood well is by checking the edges for beads, if there are beads then you have covered it well. But also remember to use a brush in order to evenly spread the glue.
Things to Consider
If you are planning to make furniture then go for a wood glue that has the highest psi. Most glues you’d find has a psi of 2000 to 4000, epoxy has 8000 and higher.
This one is another thing you have to consider, glue with high tack aren’t made for clamping.
If you know how to apply glues evenly, shrinkage wouldn’t bother you. But if you haven’t mastered that art yet, you should keep in mind that evaporative glue exhibits shrinkage more than the others.
The safety of your family and pets should always be put first, so if possible if you would be using it indoors go for non-toxic. But if non-toxic wouldn’t work then use low-odor and low-toxic types.
This is one thing to know when you are planning to use it outdoors. You have to have a glue that has moisture resistance if you are planning to use it outside.
There are wood stains available like PVA, otherwise glue lines aren’t pleasing to the eyes.
If you are new to using glue, the type of glue that takes time to dry up would be more advisable so you won’t feel in a hurry.
Basically, there are a lot of glue types available for different needs and capabilities. All of them are useful, there isn’t really the best, but there is the best for what you need. Now to get the best glue, you would have to get one for a specific project because like I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t work the same for every project. So keep that in mind when you are ready to choose which one to use for your project. Check this out for some reviews of Best Paint Stripper.