Where two pieces of material ( wood, metal, stone, plastic, paper etc) are required to be joined then the best method of accomplishing this is with adhesives, in conjunction with screws, nails or other fasteners.
Adhesives come in many forms too numerous to mention
A few of the more common types of adhesives include:
Polyvinyl (carpenter’s wood glue). This is a white and creamy liquid and comes in plastic bottles. Primarily used for furniture, or woodworking, it sets in an hour, dries clear doesn’t stain but is vulnerable to moisture.
Resorcinol and formaldehyde. These are mixed just prior to using and can be used from two to four hours after mixing, it must be used at temperatures over 21 degrees C. Both the resin (powdered resorcinol) and the powdered formaldehyde that you mix with water are brown and will stain light wood. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. be careful using.
Contact cements. These are used to bond veneers or to bond plastic laminates to wood for table tops and counters. Coat both surfaces thinly and allow to dry out a little or get tacky before bonding. Align the surfaces perfectly before pressing together as this adhesive will not pull apart. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Epoxy. Epoxy is the only adhesive with a strength greater than the material it bonds. It resists almost anything from water to solvents. Epoxy can be used to fill cavities that would otherwise be difficult to bond. Use it in warm temperatures, but read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, since drying times vary and mixing the resin and hardener must be exact.
Tips on Bonding
- With the exception of epoxy, too much adhesive will weaken the hold of the materials you are bonding.
- Rough up smooth surfaces slightly (with sandpaper) before applying adhesives so they will grip more securely.
- Apply a thin coat of glue, clamp securely, and allow to dry the.
- Wipe away excess glue with a cloth immediately after clamping.
