The type of glue you need depends on the material and structure of what is broken. This guide will walk you through all the options so you can find the right glue for your project.
Glue comes in so many varieties, it’s often not easy to pick the right one for a project. Here’s an overview of the different types of glue and when they can be used.
Most of us have been using glue since we were children, but it was actually invented long ago. In fact, the earliest evidence of glue is on cave paintings that are over 5,000 years old! Early man used natural polymers and tree resins to hold items such as basic tools and weapons together.
Since then, many types of glue have emerged, for all sorts of applications, including adhesives for repairing, creating and assembly, as well as protective coatings, and medical application solutions. But, for most of us, glue is primarily an irreplaceable tool for simple household repairs and construction projects.
Super glue really is “super”. A one-square-inch bonding of super glue can hold around one ton!
There are basically two types of super glues: gels and liquids. The job you have will dictate which is best for you.
In general, liquid super glues are ideal for bonding non-porous, smooth, close-fitting surfaces. Mending broken plates, cracked wood, or the exteriors of small appliances is easy with a strong liquid super glue. It even bonds leather, rubber and most plastics. The best about LePage super glue: it does all this and more. For example, thanks to special additives, LePage products will also bond porous surfaces like paper and fabric.
Super glue gels are especially useful when working on non-horizontal surfaces, because gels don’t drip or run. Choose a gel formula when bonding vertical surfaces that are overhead or those at a marked slant. So, whether you are working on a project involving polyester, wood, cork, steel, paper, concrete, tiles, or ceramic, a super glue is right for you.
A great multipurpose super glue is an essential tool to keep in your kitchen cupboard or workshop. Most multipurpose super glues will do the trick for bonding fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP), Styrofoam®, wood, cork, varnished surfaces, metals, glass, cardboard, leather, and even concrete and ceramic tiles. Be sure to find a glue that meets your project needs for moisture, temperature, and impact resistance!
For paneling, drywall, or plywood work, you’ll need this special construction adhesive. Look for water-based formulas that will be both non-flammable and environmentally friendly; no harsh chemicals to worry about. These adhesives bond to a variety of materials, so whether your wood is wet, frozen, or treated, the job gets done. Plus, with almost no odor, you can use it indoors as well as outside.
On occasion, one of your trusty machines, tools, or appliances breaks down and you need to repair it. When that happens, you might want to choose a specialty high-strength bonder. These adhesives typically consist of a resin and hardener, which combine upon application to make a truly powerful bond. There are some advantages to using bonders:
Damaging a prized possession, like an accessory, a priceless figurine, your child’s favorite toy, or mom’s trusty camera, can be more than a little disheartening.
To repair these cherished items, try a super glue (cyanoacrylate) adhesive designed for bonding plastic. It bonds a wide variety of plastics and usually dries transparent, so no telltale signs of repair are seen. It’s as if the item had never been damaged or broken! It sets in seconds with no clamping needed. Plus, with no mixing, it’s very easy to use.
Once in a while, you need to bond glass and only glass. The unique properties of glass demand an adhesive specifically designed for the job. Look for specialty glass glues, particularly ones that offer water resistance, clear drying, and, especially for dishes and glasses, a dishwasher-safe formula. Remember that glass glue is usually not food safe, though.
LePage truly provides a glue for every type of repair. The list includes, but is not limited to:
But which among these is the strongest? The answer is: it will always depend on the materials you are using for the project you are working on. To help you decide, here are some of LePage’s strongest glues available.
LePage Extreme Glue – this is the perfect multipurpose glue. Works on a variety of materials from wood to ceramic. You can use it for simple repairs, crafts, woodworking, and building projects. The LePage Extreme Glue can be used on porous and non-porous materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, concrete, ceramic tiles, glass, mirrors, wood, cork, paper, cardboard, and more.
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LePage-Multipurpose Wood Glue – a versatile woodworking adhesive that you can use to bond wood permanently to other porous materials. If dried properly, it can handle up to two tonnes of strength.
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LePage Super Glue Gel - great for vertical repairs and small gaps. This super glue gel sets within 15-30 seconds and is resistant to moisture, most chemicals, and freezing temperatures. Can bond virtually anything. Best used for repairing figurines, costume jewelry, cameras, toys, metal car parts, wiper blades, rubber seals, and O-rings. It could also bond leather, cork, paper, cardboard, wood, chipboard, fabric, metal, rubber, and more.
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PL Premium Max - the strongest and most versatile construction adhesive. The PL Premium Max can bond the most common construction materials such as wood, plywood, concrete, granite, marble, slate, drywall, metal, and more. It has solid durability, works indoors and outdoors, and can withstand all weather conditions.
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LePage Epoxy Steel - best for metal and concrete projects. High-strength epoxy that dries within 5-12 minutes, resistance to water, and impact. The LePage Epoxy Steel is best used for repairing, filling, and rebuilding all metal and concrete surfaces.
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If your project does not exactly fit in with the categories above, LePage still has a wide range of glues and adhesives for any task, for example the No More Nails All-Purpose construction adhesive and more.
Whatever your repair needs, LePage has a glue or adhesive to fit your job and your budget.