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Every DIY enthusiast needs an all-purpose glue, but which one is the best for your ever-growing list of projects? Read on to find out.
All-purpose glue — a glue for all occasions. Is this a case of a Jack of all trades but a master of none? Certainly not! In this guide, we show you how a universal adhesive can be the ideal glue for the job.
All-purpose glue can be used to repair broken lamp bases just as easily as broken plastic boxes
All glues have multiple uses, but some are better than others in specific circumstances. Things to consider are:
- materials to be bonded
- the cross-sectional area of the surfaces to be bonded
- the position and use of the object
A multi-purpose adhesive will work well with most materials of varying thicknesses and in practically any situation.
Multi-purpose glues come in all shapes and sizes — in tubes and small bottles, with or without an applicator. If precise gluing is required, you need one with an applicator that can be cut off to suit the thickness required.
As with any adhesive or sealant, read the instructions and safety precautions before you start, as it is hard to do it with sticky fingers! While most universal adhesives are solvent-free, methanol is released during application and curing, so ensure the area is well ventilated. It is always recommended that gloves be worn when applying general-purpose glue.
- Preparation of the area. Clear everything you don’t need out of the way. Lay out all the parts and materials so they are easy to reach.
- Preparation of the materials. Place the parts together to see how the joint will look. If necessary, roughen the surfaces by gently sanding them down and use an alcohol swab to clean any grease or dirt from the surface.
- Apply the all-purpose adhesive to one of the surfaces to be bonded. If possible, try a test area first to make sure the glue is compatible with the materials. Apply slight pressure and hold or clamp the surfaces together.
- Leave the object to set. All-purpose glue takes around 30 minutes for the initial set, so if you cannot clamp the surfaces, it’s a good idea to use masking tape to hold them together. Wait at least 24 hours before removing the clamp or tape.
- Clean up when you’re done. Remove any excess glue immediately using acetone or alcohol swabs. Make sure the top of the all-purpose glue is securely fastened and store away until next time in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
After applying the all-purpose glue, the two parts should be held together until the adhesive has hardened
If you need one glue to keep in your toolbox, you can’t go wrong with LePage Extreme Glue. This is a great general-purpose glue: strong, flexible, and water-resistant. It bonds to porous and non-porous materials and, being clear, is virtually invisible. It’s great for repairs, crafts, and even some of the heavy-duty DIY jobs around the house.
If you have a repair job that requires a tougher bond — perhaps it’s an outdoor item that will be exposed to the harsh Canadian weather — then grab a tube of LePage Extreme Gel. This glue is dishwasher safe, vibration resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures — perfect for any tough job outdoors.