Hot Glue
The melting and cooling of polymers provides the methods of delivery and adhesion for hot melt adhesives. Hot glue is most commonly applied using a glue gun and comes in low (250°F) and high (380°F) melting options. Many varieties and performances are available depending on the polymer type. Hot glue can be applied on porous and non-porous surfaces. Due to its high viscosity, it can bond uneven surfaces together and is great at filling gaps.
Hot glue is not typically used in high strength applications. And, it will not survive elevated temperatures near the application temperature. However, it provides a very quick setting option for a variety of crafts and substrates. It is a great all-purpose craft glue for quick set up and execution, but it is not for use by children.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)
Pressure sensitive adhesives are available in sheets and dots and can be used in a multitude of craft projects to include substrates such as lightweight paper, plastic, metal, and glass.
Epoxy Adhesive
Epoxies are generally two part systems designed for high performance bonding. While epoxies can be formulated to suit many applications, they are generally very hard, durable adhesives that bond to many substrates successfully in more extreme environments. Epoxy adhesives can exhibit a range of flexibility and clarity as well as cure speed.
Epoxies have excellent gap filling properties due to their high cohesive strength.
Polyurethane Adhesive
Polyurethane adhesives bond a variety of surfaces. They bond to textile fibers, metals, plastics, glass, sand, ceramics, rubber, and wood.
Polyurethane is a multipurpose glue that comes in one part and two part options.
Polyurethanes can work well on a wide variety of wood species, particularly on woods with high moisture content or on oily woods, where other glues are not as successful. Clamping is required until strength is built; a few hours. Full strength is achieved in six to eight hours for a very strong and tough bond.
Before completely cured, polyurethane adhesives can be removed using solvents such as mineral spirits or acetone. Dried glue can be sanded.
Super Glue (also Known as Cyanoacrylate Adhesive)
Cyanoacrylate adhesives bond very quickly and to a range of substrates. They form a very strong bond and dry clear. The surfaces to be mated must fit together well to achieve good bonding. You can buy super glue in a variety of viscosities which enable some leeway in gap filling performance. However, super glues can be finicky with respect to surface contact and coverage- too much or too little can affect the bond. Generally, super glues are not good for foamed plastic, unless specified on the bottle.
Cyanoacrylates work best in tensile applications that have low impact strength requirements. In their uncured state, you can use an acetone solvent wipe for cleanup. However, once cured, solvents can no longer dissolve the adhesive.
Cyanoacrylates work particularly well for balsa wood projects. Carpenters often use a two part cyanoacrylate to quickly bond mitered wood trim. Depending on formulation, it can set in seconds to minutes. It also dries clear and is waterproof.
To conclude, cyanoacrylates are good for projects involving: wood, metal, ceramic, leather, glass, and some plastic where bond line is very tight.
Spray Adhesive
A spray adhesive is a contact adhesive based in a solvent that is applied by spray. When using spray adhesives, it is important that you apply in a well-ventilated room. After spraying your project, allow the solvent to completely evaporate before mating for immediate bond. Once mated, you cannot reposition your substrates.
Spray adhesives can be used with paper, foam board, fabrics, photo, and felt. Specialty contact adhesives are also available in a can to roll or brush on for larger, more demanding projects that involve wood, metal, and plastic sheet laminates.
Fabric Adhesive
Fabric adhesive can be liquid white glues like polyvinyl acetate (PVA) types. A variety of products cover lightweight to heavyweight fabric bonding, so it is important to get the correct product to match the hand or drape of your project. Some versions are safe for washing and dry cleaning, but it is important to read the glue is label first.
There is an expanded selection of nonwoven tapes and fusing adhesives in rolled good form, which range from highly flexible to stiff for fabric and leather projects and garment construction. These can be found in sewing and fabric stores and can bond permanently without bleed through for a very durable craft.
Fabric adhesives can be used to fix a hem that is falling apart and for DIY projects like making headbands or constructing fabric/foam laminated computer sleeves.
White Craft Glue
White craft glue is the most common craft glue for porous lightweight materials such as paper, cardboard, cloth, and kids´crafts.
Water is the carrier, which means the glue is easy to clean up and has low toxicity, and also means that the glue should not be used in applications that require water resistance. Keep in mind that the glue must dry before strength is significant and the project often requires clamping to hold it in place until the glue is completely set and dry.
White craft glue dries clear and is somewhat flexible. Get creative and add fillers, like fine glitter, pigment, or water-based food coloring for decorative effects.
~1 hour set time, with final cure in 24 hours.
Yellow Wood Glue
Yellow wood glue is also water based and is made of the same vinyl acetate polymers as craft glue. It is designed to work with wood and is immediately tacky for better hold in the uncured state. It is also generally more rigid, hence it is easier to sand. Some wood glue can also be white and dry clear. Again, you can add sawdust or another powdered filler for special effects. Wood glues set in ~less than 1 hr. That said, it could take as long as 24 hours to reach full strength.
Three types of wood glues are available:
2. Type-II will perform better in exterior conditions. This kind of glue generally has a longer open time and can bond at colder temperature. Both types I and II can be used for exterior applications, such as outdoor furniture and trim.
3. Type-III is not water resistant and is designed for interior use only. Type-III is good for interior woodwork and trim projects.
Note: True water resistance for immersion in water requires a marine glue.
Glue Stick
Glue stick is great for kids! It is a low bonding adhesive, but provides a permanent bond on various types of paper to include cardboard, foam board, and poster board. Glue dries clear.
(This article is reproduced from Adhesives.org/Sealants.org.)