The glue aisle at your local home improvement store can be a confusing place. Shelves are full of bottles in every shape, size, and color, proclaiming strength and durability. Although they all have the same fundamental purpose of holding things together, glues differ. From yellow and white glues to instant glues to construction glues, we’ll demystify the different glue types below to make your glue venture easier.
Yellow and White Glue
Yellow glue is a water-based adhesive used mostly for interior woodworking. You may see it advertised as “wood glue” or “carpenter’s glue.” A common example is Titebond’s Original Wood Glue, though the company also makes moisture-resistant and waterproof versions like Titebond II Premium Wood Glue and Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue.
It’s easy to use yellow glue. Just apply it to unfinished wood pieces and clamp them together. Clamp unstressed joints together for 30 to 60 minutes. Stressed joints need 24 hours of clamping.
White glue, a staple on school supply shopping lists, comes in professional-grade formulas. A bottle of Titebond All Purpose White or similar glue is perfect for crafts, light home repairs, and general woodworking. It does deliver less moisture resistance and can take longer to cure than yellow glue.
Yellow and white glues take about six hours to cure. They’re non-toxic, and you can clean them off with water and a damp rag, but you’ll need to sand unfinished work thoroughly before you finish it. Glue residue will prevent stains and clear finishes from penetrating the wood.
Instant Glue
Fast-curing glues, also known as super glues or instant glues, are useful for quick fixes and small repairs: dropped vases, stepped-on toys, and corners broken off of picture frames. Products like Titebond Instant Bond rely on cyanoacrylate for quicker curing times.
Don’t apply instant glue to foam, polyethylene, or polypropylene plastics. It’s also not useful for exterior applications and areas with continuous water submersion. A waterproof wood glue can help with these situations.
To apply instant glue, clean and dry the item so there’s no dirt or oil residue. The adhesive will set in about five to 15 seconds and cure between 30 and 60 seconds. The resulting bond is almost invisible on wood, rubber, and plastic substrates.
If you get it on your fingers, keep acetone-based nail polish remover on hand and rub the affected area until it removes the adhesive.
Also, instant glue dies out on a shelf. Store it tightly capped and marked in the refrigerator between uses. If you have young children, store the glue in an old childproof prescription bottle to keep it out of curious hands.
Polyurethane Glue
Polyurethane glue is a versatile waterproof adhesive for interior and exterior projects. It can bond foam, fiberglass, wood, brick, metal, stone, and almost any other surface. Some products, like Titebond’s Polyurethane Glue, also work on ceramics, most plastics, HPL, Corian, and other porous and non-porous materials.
Apply the glue and clamp the pieces together for 45 minutes for the best results.
Polyurethane glue’s shelf life is one year in an unopened container. Store the bottle upside down so the glue cannot solidify between uses.
Construction Adhesive
Construction adhesive is a thick, waterproof adhesive used for more demanding projects: hanging drywall, installing countertops, and attaching plywood and panels to framing. However, it’s also works for projects around the home. Products like Titebond Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive have a strong grab that fills gaps and irregularities and stays flexible permanently.
You’ll typically buy construction adhesive in tubes and apply it with a caulking gun. Cut the nozzle to the desired bead size, then apply the adhesive in a continuous bead or dollops based on your project’s needs. Press the materials together within the open time on the label. Tightly cap the nozzle between uses so the adhesive won’t dry out.
Other Products
The glues we’ve already covered work well for various household needs. However, these two specialty adhesives are best for specific applications.
Hot glue is a thermoplastic adhesive that comes in cylindrical sticks. It’s primarily used for craft projects and temporary bonds because of its rapid set time and ease of use.
To use hot glue, insert a glue stick into a heated glue gun. Once it’s hot enough, squeeze the trigger gently to apply the melted glue onto the desired surface. Assemble the pieces quickly before the glue cools and sets.
Hot glue doesn’t produce a strong adhesion or work well for load-bearing applications. Be cautious using it, especially around children. If you get it on your skin, the melted adhesive will cause a painful burn you won’t soon forget.
Contact cement is primarily used for bonding plastic laminates and veneers to plywood. It comes in solvent-based and water-based versions.
To apply it, roll or brush the adhesive on both surfaces, and let it dry for the recommended time before bringing the two pieces together. The cement bonds on contact, and you can’t reposition the pieces once you touch them. Use a rubber roller to press the two surfaces firmly together.
Wear a respirator and keep plenty of ventilation when you use contact cement—ideally open windows or garage doors. It gives off strong fumes that can irritate your nose and respiratory tract.
Glue Safety and Best Practices
Whenever you use glue, practice these safety tips:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing fumes.
- Wear gloves so your skin doesn’t come into contact with the adhesive.
- Keep glues away from heat sources—many glues are flammable.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions and safety labels.
- Store glues out of reach of children and pets.
Finally, remember that glue doesn’t last forever. Always check the expiration date on the container, and only apply it within the temperature range specified in the directions.
