Glue and Construction Adhesive Buying Guide

Woodworking and construction call for an adhesive that works well with heavy and porous surfaces. The following adhesives are recommended for woodworking and construction use:

Wood Glue 
Wood glue is designed specifically to bond to porous surfaces, which are clamped together to set. Wood glue works best on bare wood. Most wood glues are nontoxic and can be easily cleaned up with water. There are fast-drying wood glues for quick assembly and slow-drying formulas that allow you to adjust the pieces before they set. Waterproof wood glues have a strong bond and can withstand weather.

Spray Adhesive 
Spray adhesive bonds to wood, concrete and metal and holds strong in high-temperature conditions. Heavy-duty spray adhesives offer an even distribution of the adhesive and have quick-drying properties for a secure bond. Some can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects and have a permanent hold.

Contact Cement 
Contact cement is used for construction projects, such as installing new countertops. It offers a permanent bond between materials such as laminate, glass, rubber and veneer. The application requires you to clamp both surfaces together, offering a tight grip for the adhesive to hold to. Though it won’t give wood the same security as wood glue, contact cement is universal for most surfaces.

Landscaping Adhesive
Landscaping adhesive is designed for use on pavers, retaining walls, stone, block and brick. It works well at different moisture levels and in extreme weather conditions.

Masonry Adhesive
Masonry adhesive is used for a number of projects like veneer and stone repairs, as well as securing landscape blocks. You can easily apply it with the help of a caulking gun, reducing the hassle of mixing and troweling. Also, use it for other non-structural fixes such as securing chimney caps, bonding tiles and repairing small cracks.

Paneling & Moulding Adhesive
Paneling and moulding adhesive is low odor and has a fast bond, which reduces the need for fasteners. It's typically applied with a trowel.

Tub Surround Adhesive
Tub surround adhesive is formulated to bond with most plastic bathroom and shower enclosures. It resists moisture, steam, heat and cold when fully cured. If used as directed, it won't harm or burn tub kit materials.

Multipurpose Construction Adhesive
Multipurpose construction adhesives can be used on interior or exterior surfaces ranging from concrete and plywood to brick veneers, treated lumber, tileboard and more. They're generally weatherproof and waterproof forming a strong, permanent bond. Read the tube carefully to ensure you're getting the right construction adhesive for your surface and project.

When it comes to flooring, you’ll need a heavy-duty adhesive for a strong, secure bond. The following adhesives are recommended for use with flooring:

Polyurethane Adhesive 
Polyurethane adhesive is often used for large-scale flooring projects. Flooring adhesives contain ingredients besides polyurethane that harden and fill for a secure hold.

Epoxy Adhesive
Epoxy adhesives have an amazing bond strength and can be applied to various materials for a water- and moisture-resistant hold. They’re excellent for use in residential and commercial areas and withstand damage from chemicals such as acetone, motor oil and ammonia. Epoxy is a popular flooring adhesive that provides long-lasting durability.

Everyday tasks, such as repairing broken items, wrapping packages or decorating, call for various types of adhesives. These types of adhesives are recommended for use at home and in the office:

Super Glue
Super glue is usually the best option for projects that require a quick-drying solution. Super glue comes in liquid and gel applications and works well with ceramic, rubber, plastic, metal and leather surfaces. If you have a broken vase or a shoe that’s separating at the sole, this glue can be very effective for repairing it.

Craft Glue
Craft glue and glue sticks are often used for decorations, collages and other crafting projects. They work well on dry surfaces and adhere lightweight paper material to other similar surfaces.

Multipurpose Tape
Multipurpose tape is ideal for hanging banners, signs or even Christmas lights. Choose packing tape for wrapping large gifts or preparing items for shipment.

Crafting can be a hobby or a career. Different projects can require a range of everyday glues and adhesives.

Glue Sticks & Craft Glue 
Glue sticks and craft glue are primarily used for small crafting projects. They allow you to secure lightweight surfaces and attach small items to your crafts. Use super glue on metal clasps, plastic adornments, paper and more for a great bond and quick drying time.

Hot Glue
Hot glue is a staple for crafting. It’s a quick and easy way to bond small joints, trinkets or trim with little to no drying time. It’s recommended for projects that won’t be subject to high levels of heat. If you expose the glue to high temperatures, it’ll revert to its liquid form and the bond will be lost. Apply it with a hot glue gun. Hot glue guns are available in various styles, including cordless options.

Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are great for making and repairing jewelry. The glue often comes in two parts: the resin and hardener. You have to mix the two right before you apply the glue. Epoxy usually comes in a small size for quick use. It’s recommended to roughen the surfaces before applying this glue for a better hold. A little goes a long way with epoxy, and you can use tools, such as a needle, to apply it to small spots in your crafts.

Spray Adhesives
Spray adhesives are convenient for quick jobs, such as mending fabric. This solution is sprayed over small areas and bonds quickly. Spray adhesive is messy and smelly, so it’s recommended to use it in an open area with a distance of at least 8 inches between the spray and the material. You can also use spray adhesive to handle small DIY repair projects around the home, such as furniture and upholstery repair.