Do you work as a Carpenter, a Craftsman repairman, or something else entirely? If this is the case, then there is a good probability that you want to know how to bind something together, and if this is the case, then you have arrived at the correct location.
This afternoon, we will be giving you a comprehensive overview of wood glue, since that is the reason we are here.
There is a reason why this type of adhesive was used by carpenters; therefore, it is often called carpenter’s glue; however, yellow glue is also commonly used. Let’s get right down to business and provide you with all the knowledge you want about wood glue, so let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What exactly is wood glue, then? Two categories
Wood glue, also known as yellow glue and carpenters glue, is used to securely link together pieces of wood. This is probably something you already knew, but just in case:
It is true that the name of this adhesive says pretty much all you need to know about it.
However, despite the fact that the application of the glue is made clear by its name, the nature of the substance itself remains a mystery.
When we speak about wood glue, we are referring to one of two distinct forms of glue. Although there are many other types of glue that may be used to bind wood together, it is essential to remember that when we talk about wood glue, we are referring to a particular kind of glue.
PVA Adhesive
PVA glue is the first kind of adhesive that we are going to discuss in this article. The chemical name for polyvinyl acetate is “PVA.”
This is a synthetic resin that was made by polymerizing vinyl acetate. It was manufactured as follows: In case you were wondering, polyvinyl acetate is a sort of plastic; but, to tell you the truth, it is not one of the greatest plastics available; nonetheless, it does have its purposes, such as for the bonding of wood.
Just in case you were wondering, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) is a particular type of plastic. The term wood glue is frequently used despite the fact that another popular glue is widely used and, in my opinion, probably superior because it is more water-resistant. This may seem confusing since PVA glue is an emulsion based on water.
Resin that is Aliphatic
The second kind of wood glue that you should be familiar with is called aliphatic resin, and it is often referred to as carpenter’s glue. It is important for you to know more information about this type of glue. PVA wood glue and aliphatic resin wood glue are both suitable for use in outdoor settings; however, aliphatic resin wood glue is more resistant to heat and water than PVA wood glue.
PVA wood glue, on the other hand, can neither be sanded nor painted. After the aliphatic resin glue has hardened, it may be painted and then further cured.
In addition, one of the most significant distinctions between the two is that during the assembly process, PVA might be a little slick, while yellow glue or aliphatic resin glue has a greater initial hold. Having said all of that, the broad uses of each of them, as well as their total bond strengths, are quite comparable.
Essentially, both of these glues are quite similar; however, the aliphatic resin glue contains additional compounds that make it more robust, heat- and water-resistant, and heat-resistant. There is a great deal of similarity between ALIPHATIC resin glue and PVA glue in terms of its properties.
When was the first time that wood glue was used?
A scientist from Germany named Fritz Klatte first discovered polyvinyl acetate in 1912. Therefore, we are dealing with a substance that has been around for quite some time. During the last century, it has become quite popular and has been used in a variety of fields.
Although it is most often known for its role in the production of glue, polyvinyl acetate has a wide variety of other applications as well. One of them is in the manufacturing of automobiles. However, it is important to bear in mind that the usage of polyvinyl acetate as an adhesive did not begin until the early 1950s.
It is important to remember that carpenter’s glue, or aliphatic resin glue, which has a similar working principle to PVA glue, but with a few additional compounds to make it more dependable, did not come into existence until much later.
During the 19th century, the invention of aliphatic resin glue also called carpenter’s glue, took place. In the most recent couple of decades, aliphatic resin glue has attained extraordinary levels of popularity.
How the Adhesive for Wood Works
PVA wood glue and aliphatic resin wood glue can both be used. There is a similarity between both types of glue, which is an interesting fact to know. The fact that both forms of glue are water-based should not be overlooked. The mechanism that allows them to function is evaporation.
in a manner that is comparable to one another, which is an interesting fact to learn about both types of glue. It is important to remember that both forms of glue are water-based. Evaporation is the mechanism that allows them to function.
To put it another way, when the liquid glues have been removed from their tubes or containers, the curing process begins by allowing the moisture to leave the substance.
Water evaporates from a substance, leaving only other components behind, such as an aliphatic resin or polyvinyl acetate, which, in essence, produces a layer of plastic. The two types of wood glue can bond to any type of wood, but it is important to note that what glue bonds more effectively to pieces of wood that are somewhat porous as opposed to those that are extremely smooth.
A wood glue made from aliphatic resin is recommended over PVA wood glue if you require a glue that is not only strong, but also waterproof, sandable, and heat-resistant. All of these desirable characteristics can be found in aliphatic resin wood glue.
A high relative humidity will not allow the glue to dry properly since it is a water-based glue that requires evaporation to cure. It is certainly advisable to keep this in mind.
The Methods of Treatment
To summarise what has been discussed so far, curing wood glue, regardless of whether it is Pve or aliphatic resin glue, necessitates the presence of dry air. Keep in mind that both of these glues are water-based, and they both dry and cure via the process of evaporation. As the water in the glue evaporates, all that is left behind are the remaining components, which are basically plastic.
PVA wood glue does really become quite firm as it dries, however, keep in mind that it does not attach well to highly smooth wood. For a strong connection to be formed, a little amount of texture is required. PVA wood glue and aliphatic resin glue, both of which are used in this situation, do not strive to cure extremely rapidly. That should be taken into account.
They have to be left out in the sun for a considerable amount of time in order to dry, which is understandable given that water takes some time to evaporate. After using the PVA glue or the aliphatic resin glue, you are going to want to clamp the components together for at least an hour before proceeding to use the clamps to hold them together.
In addition, the curing time for PVA glue may range from as little as twelve hours to as much as twenty-four, depending on the conditions in your location. Because of the lengthy drying period of this glue substance, it must not be handled until the curing process is finished. If it is handled too early, the bond’s strength might be compromised.
How Powerful Is the Glue Used for Wood?
While both of these types of glue are excellent for joining wood pieces, they are not quite as strong as one might hope. It is important to remember that glues such as these are not meant to be used for large structural applications or for enormous construction projects.
There is no doubt that wood glue is capable of forming a very strong connection with porous wood. Additionally, it is capable of sustaining a considerable amount of weight.
The difference between polyurethane glue, which can hold over 3,500 pounds of weight per square inch, and two-component epoxy glue, which can hold over 6,000 pounds of weight per square inch, is striking. Although PVA wood glue does not offer the same level of strength as epoxy glue, it can still support up to 300 pounds of weight per square inch.
In light of the aforementioned, aliphatic resin wood glue is much more powerful than traditional PVA wood glue. However, one very crucial fact to keep in mind is that while the wood glue hardens, it does not completely lose its flexibility. This is obviously quite significant since it indicates that there is a significant amount of impact resistance there. This is really crucial.
In the event that the dried-out wouldn’t glue become too rigid and brittle, and the wood was subjected to a forceful impact, the connection would simply break. You should be aware of the fact that PVA wood glue is not really waterproof, that it is not truly resistant to the effects of ultraviolet light, and that there are certain solvents that may also break it down. There are certain varieties of PVA glue that are touted to be water-resistant, but in general, using PVA glue for things that take place outside is not the best choice.
The type of wood glue you should use for outdoor applications is aliphatic resin glue rather than traditional wood glue. Aliphatic resin glue has waterproofing and temperature-resistance properties as a result of the addition of certain additives. As a result of all of the above, these two distinct forms of wood glue have almost identical bond strengths and capacities to support specific amounts of weight.
What is the Function of Wood Glue?
Okay, so just by looking at the name of this sort of glue, you should be able to figure out what it is that it is used for. And, you’re quite right, that denotes that this part is going to be really brief. In the end, this substance is known as wood glue, and we consider that name to be about as self-explanatory as it is possible to get.
It is true that wood glue is intended to bind two pieces of wood together. Having said that, inside the realms of carpentry and woodworking, there are a few distinct applications for which you can employ wood glue; therefore, let’s examine a few of these applications right now.
When bonding together thin pieces of wood, such as when you are applying a piece of wood veneer to an underlying piece of wood, wood glue is often utilized as the adhesive of choice. The reason for this is that wood glue may have a rather thin consistency, and as a result, it does not create gaps when it is applied. It enables the pieces of wood to be cemented together in a manner that is extremely snug and tight.
What kind of glue is most often used for general crafts and other reasons, such as constructing birdhouses, little wooden pots for your plants, and other such little things?
In addition, wood glue is often utilized for fabricating furniture and cabinets.
On the same note, glue can also be used to repair minor cracks or chips or to repair pieces of board that have chipped off, as well as to rebond pieces of wood that have cracked in two. This is in addition to the fact that glue can be used to attach pieces of board together (although it would have to be a small piece of wood).
The use of wood glue with either nails or screws is common when building wood connections. Just keep in mind that porous wood is the ideal surface for applying wood glue.
Keep in mind that the majority of wood glues are not highly water-resistant, and as a result, their usage in outdoor applications is not recommended because of this fact. Using something like wood glue to construct something like a shed is thus not the best option.
The Most Well-Known Brands of Wood Glue
Of course, if you want the greatest outcomes, you’ll need the finest wood glue. To achieve good results from wood glue you must go for a wood glue that is of the best quality. There are actually a lot of different types of wood glue brands which are available on the market, but not all of them are made in the same way. Titebond, Gorilla Glue, Elmer’s, and Franklin International are just a few of the well-known and respected brand names that are available in the category of wood glue.
Tips on How to Remove Wood Glue
Although wood glue is not the most durable kind of glue available, it is rather easy to clean up, especially before it has dried completely. Due to the fact that this type of glue is water-based and cures by evaporation, it cannot dry or cure if it remains wet.
Since evaporation is the method by which glue cures, it is important to keep this in mind. To remove wood glue quickly, simply spritz it with water or dampen a cloth with water before it has had a chance to fully cure.
Also, if you are using a very simple PVA wood glue, soaking it in water and allowing it to soak for a few minutes until it no longer stays firm should soften the glue sufficiently so that it is removable even if the wood glue is completely dry. This is true regardless of whether it has dried completely or not.
If you find that the water does not sufficiently dissolve or soften it, you may always try dissolving or softening it with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Because it is not very resistant to high temperatures, wood glue may be loosened with the use of a hairdryer. This can be an effective method for removing wood glue after it has become soft enough to be scraped off.
Things That Are Wrong With Wood Glue
As you may have realized by this point, in the big scheme of things, while wood glue is good for attaching wood, it is actually not the ideal sort of glue, and it has quite a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to use it.
The typical wood glue is not at all water-resistant, thus it is not a good choice for use in outdoor applications.
In spite of the fact that this glue works well for fusing together a few thin pieces of wood, it is just not strong enough to support a significant amount of weight.
The typical wood glue is not resistant to the action of any of the several types of solvents. Even something as fundamental as the water we drink.
Because it is not resistant to heat, regular wood glue will lose its cohesiveness when exposed to higher temperatures.
This sort of group does not function very well on materials that are not porous.
FAQs
Is the glue used on wood toxic?
The PVA glue is safe to use.
Is eating wood glue a possibility?
Although it is safe to consume, the main components of wood glue is collagen extracted from animal skins. Despite this, we do not advise substituting any Elmer’s wood glue for hollandaise sauce.
Is the strength of wood glue comparable to that of screws?
When you are attempting to link two pieces of wood together, you may believe that mechanical screws would produce a stronger connection, but in reality, this is not the case. When compared to screws, the connection that is formed by wood glue is often far more robust.
Is it possible to screw it into the wood glue?
The bad truth is that the glue that is available does not have very much structural strength, which means that screws cannot be used to attach to it. It is unlikely that the wood glue will be able to keep the screw in place very securely.
How long should wood glue be allowed to cure before clamps are removed?
Clamping should be done for a period of thirty to forty-five minutes for the majority of different types of wood glue; however, if a stress joint is involved, you should clamp it throughout the whole twenty-four-hour curing time.
Conclusion
People, this concludes all you needed to know about wood glue, including what it is, how it works and other relevant information. If you are putting anything back together or repairing it, the likelihood that you will require wood glue is very close to one hundred percent.