How to choose the right glue for your project
When it comes to deciding on the type of glue to use for a particular job there are two options that should more or less cover pretty much anything you’re working on, namely: PVA (or wood glue) and polyurethane glue (PU).
Both are extremely versatile with their own strengths and weaknesses – it’s not so much a question of which is best, but more a question of which is more appropriate for what you’re doing.
Wood glue (PVA) PVA Wood glue
As the name suggests, wood glue does exactly what it says on the tin – it sticks wood together, very powerfully and can even outlast the wood it’s holding together!
PVA is very easy to use and with a longer working time of around 10 to 15 mins*, you’ve got plenty of time to get everything clamped in place before it sets, giving extremely strong edge grain to edge grain bonding. It’s easy to clean off excess and you can even get waterproof versions for use outside.
On the downside PVA gives a weak end grain bond and (the clue is in the name here!), only works with wood. Plus, not all types are suitable for use outdoors or in wet conditions. I.E. D2 General purpose PVA’s.
The Tytex or Timbond PVA wood glue range is an excellent choice and comes in three types to cover all situations. It’s suitable for woodworkers, builders, and contractors alike and delivers the most consistent, highest-performing products you can find.
Polyurethane Glue (PU)
Unlike wood glue, you can use PU on pretty much anything: wood, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, concrete; you name it and chances are PU can stick it together.
As well as being extremely versatile, PU expands to fill joints and gives a very strong end grain bonding on wood.
It does, however, need moisture to cure and if the items being glued are not clamped in place sufficiently well, the expanding nature of PU can push the surfaces apart.
It also has a shorter working time which means there is a bit more pressure to get everything in place, which can often be an issue for larger jobs. You’ll also need to use paint thinner or a cleaning solvent to help clean off any excess.
PU has a short shelf life once opened, so it’s generally best to order in lower quantities than PVA wood glue unless you’re working with it more often.
Explore our range of PU glues which includes ranges such as Tytex and Timbond, well known and used across many industries including furniture, joinery, and timber frame.
So, which one should you choose?
For projects where you’re working with wood and are not gluing end to end then PVA wood glue is the right choice. For just about everything else? Polyurethane.
To find out more about polyurethane (PU) Adhesives or PVA Adhesives visit our online store at Adkwik today or contact us on 01223 412373.
