Adhesives are very helpful when it comes to DIY projects. They make it easy to assemble parts, leaving a clean and long-lasting appearance. With the right adhesive, you can bond almost any material, including plastic, rubber, glass, ceramic, wood, metal, etc. However, it is very important to use the right glue for the application and the right application method.
Epoxy is a good solution for your project, whether fixing holes, bonding items, or decorating a surface. But it may not turn out well if you don’t know the proper way to use the adhesive. Thankfully these tips will make it easier for you.
Store your glue well
As you may already know, your glue is likely to freeze if you don’t store it appropriately, especially in the winter. Even if you thaw it before using it, it may not be as effective as before. It is advisable to store adhesives at room temperature to avoid freezing. Additionally, you should close the package appropriately to prevent air exposure, which can dry the adhesive up.
Prep surface adequately
If you intend to use an adhesive to bond two or more parts, it is mandatory to prep the surface beforehand or the glue will not work. Whether a woodwork, construction, or decoration project, adhesives need a clean surface before application. If there is dirt, bits of old adhesives, and other blemishes on the surface, you should take some time to work on the surface before applying the glue. That ensures a clean, long-lasting bond that will not budge.
Apply evenly
The reason why you never seem to achieve a good bond, even when using the correct type of adhesive, is due to not applying it evenly. The secret to using glue appropriately is applying it in a pattern and then waiting for a while to distribute it evenly. It is also good to wipe off excess adhesive before joining the surfaces.
Always cover the adhesive immediately after use.
Some adhesives are prone to drying up if exposed to air, even in a matter of seconds. It is advisable to close your glue container immediately after application and then work on the parts you are assembling rather than the other way around. That maintains the quality of the adhesive and prolongs its lifespan.
Use a mustard bottle to store carpenter’s glue
If you love woodworking, carpenter’s glue is probably your favorite adhesive. Most of them come in decorative dispensers, and you can use the adhesive directly from the dispenser. However, the glue is likely to clog the dispenser’s outlet, rendering it useless the next time you want to use the glue. Luckily a mustard bottle comes in handy because it doesn’t get clogged when you use it to apply glue. You can transfer your carpenter’s glue to a mustard bottle for easy usage.
Rough up a surface before application
If you want to join two parts or achieve a long-lasting bond with an adhesive, try to rough up the surface before application. You can do that using sandpaper, especially if it is wood, or clean the surface with isopropanol to boost the strength of the glue.
Apply pressure when gluing metal
Even when using metal adhesive, bonding metal materials can sometimes be challenging. But the secret is applying pressure to create a strong bond. When applying the adhesive, you can use a clamp to hold the metal parts together, then wait until the adhesive is dry before removing the clamp.
The takeaway
Always read the manual on the adhesive package before using it. Some adhesives have specific hazards, and it is good to read the recommendations on handling and application beforehand.
