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Selecting the right glue is key to the success of many D.I.Y. projects, ensuring a strong, lasting bond.
From quick fixes to heavy-duty jobs, the right adhesive can make all the difference. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you choose the right glue for your next project.
Super glue
What: Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is a fast-bonding adhesive perfect for small repairs. It dries quickly and forms an incredibly strong bond.
Why: Super glue is versatile and works well with a variety of materials. Different formulas are available for specific needs; some are better for bonding plastic, while others excel with glass or ceramics. Always check the packaging for the best match to your project.
Perfect for: Quick repairs, small plastic parts, metal, ceramics and glass. Super glue is ideal for tasks like fixing a broken mug handle or mending plastic toys.
PVA glue
What: PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue is a water-based adhesive commonly used for woodworking, paper, and general-purpose bonding.
Why: PVA is versatile and comes in both interior and exterior grades. While interior PVA is used in crafts and light repairs, exterior PVA is waterproof and suitable for outdoor woodwork. It’s a go-to adhesive for many D.I.Y. projects due to its ease-of-use and strong bond on porous surfaces.
Perfect for: Woodworking, paper crafts, and bonding materials like fabric, cardboard or wood. For example, use PVA when making paper-mâché or repairing a wooden chair.
Polyurethane timber glue
What: Polyurethane glue is a strong adhesive that expands as it cures, making it excellent for creating very strong bonds.
Why: Its expanding nature makes polyurethane glue perfect for woodworking joints exposed to stress. Polyurethane glue is waterproof and suitable for outdoor use, making it ideal for garden furniture or other wood exposed to the elements.
Perfect for: Timber joints and woodwork that needs to handle moisture or stress, such as chair legs or table joints. Polyurethane glue works wonders when repairing or constructing outdoor furniture.
Hot glue
What: Hot glue is applied using a hot glue gun, where heated glue sticks melt and dry quickly, creating a flexible but solid bond.
Why: Hot glue is great for lightweight materials and quick fixes. It’s easy-to-use and works well for temporary or non-structural projects, especially in arts and crafts. However, it’s less effective for heavier materials like metal or wood.
Perfect for: Craft projects, securing light materials, and temporary fixes like attaching decorations or repairing small household items like fabric seams.
Epoxy glue
What: Epoxy glue is a two-part adhesive that consists of resin and hardener. When mixed, it creates a strong, durable bond that can also be waterproof and heat-resistant.
Why: Epoxy is excellent for heavy-duty projects where strength is essential. It can bond a wide range of materials and is perfect for filling gaps between surfaces. Epoxy resins can also be paired with glass fibre mats or tape to reinforce repairs in areas like boats, cars, or even structural woodwork.
Perfect for: Heavy-duty repairs on metal, wood, and concrete, or for using with glass fibre in car and boat repairs. Epoxy’s strength makes it ideal for repairing tools or household items that experience stress.
Spray adhesive
What: Spray adhesive is a versatile glue dispensed from an aerosol can, making it easy to apply an even coat over large areas.
Why: Spray adhesive provides a light but effective bond for delicate materials such as fabric, paper or foam. It’s ideal for projects requiring a smooth finish without excess glue buildup, as it ensures thin, even coverage.
Perfect for: Upholstery, art projects, and securing lightweight materials like foam or fabric. Spray adhesive is commonly used when reupholstering furniture or creating D.I.Y. wall art.
Construction adhesive
What: Construction adhesive is a thick, heavy-duty adhesive often used in building applications.
Why: Construction adhesive is perfect for bonding large or heavy materials like wood, brick, concrete, and metal. Construction adhesives are generally applied using a caulking gun for precise application. They are commonly used in structural work where strength and durability are a must.
Perfect for: Securing framing, bonding masonry or concrete, and general large-scale construction work.
Contact cement
What: Contact cement (also known as contact adhesive) is applied to both surfaces, allowed to dry, and then pressed together for an instant bond.
Why: Contact cement creates a strong, flexible bond and is often used where traditional adhesives won’t work, such as bonding non-porous materials. It’s also great for materials like laminates and rubber, providing a reliable bond that can handle movement and stress.
Perfect for: Bonding laminates to cabinetry, repairing shoes, and affixing rubber, carpet, plastic, or fabric to various surfaces.
Tile adhesive
What: Tile adhesive is designed specifically for securing tiles to floors or walls.
Why: Tile adhesive is formulated to provide a long-lasting bond between tiles and substrates like concrete or plasterboard. Some types of tile adhesive are also suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens, offering waterproofing as well as a strong bond.
Perfect for: Installing ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.
Need more assistance with your D.I.Y. project?
By selecting the right adhesive, you can guarantee a strong bond that will stand the test of time.
If you need further advice for your project, please don’t hesitate to ask for a hand. Our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts and knowledgeable community members would be more than happy to assist you with selecting the right glue for your job.
