Top 10 best Glue products

All You Need To Know Before Choosing Glue

Glue, that exceptionally adhesive and endlessly useful bonding agent, serves as our ally in connecting objects and mending our broken possessions. When one thinks of glue, it's likely that superglue or craft glue immediately comes to mind, as these are the two most popular and commonly employed types of glue available.

What Is Glue?

Although it may appear to be a simple product, glue possesses a long and fascinating history that traces back as far as 10,000 years ago. Of course, back then, it didn't quite resemble the glue we recognize today, but it was, indeed, glue in its own right. The definition of glue is "a substance used to adhere objects or materials together." This means that theoretically, any substance that forms a semi-permanent to permanent bond between one or more surfaces is categorized as glue.

History of Glue

The history of glue can be traced back to the ancient Neolithic era, dating to around 8000 BC. Evidence has been discovered indicating that people of that time used resin from birch trees to affix spear and axe heads to their handles. Resin, a naturally occurring sticky substance produced by many trees when their bark's outer layers are damaged, was an early adhesive.

Around 5000 BC, during the time of Babylonia, Babylonian people concocted mixtures comprising animal blood, proteins, plant resins, and asphalt to construct their homes, temples, and structures. In fact, animal parts have continued to be used to make glue, and many have heard of horse glue factories, though they have largely disappeared in modern times.

Following the Babylonian period, the era of the Ancient Egyptians began. The Egyptians elevated the art of building structures to a whole new level, and many of their major landmarks still stand today as a testament to their ingenuity and advancement. In ancient Egypt, the very first professional title for a glue manufacturer emerged, known as "Kellopsos." Kellopsos directly translates to "adhesive maker," indicating that the craft of making glue must have existed for a considerable period before the emergence of such a profession.

By the time of the Roman and Greek civilizations, glue had become an integral part of life. It had evolved into a refined process, as evidenced by the discovery of a Roman oak box in 1886. This oak box had five gold coins affixed to its top using glue, which consisted of a mixture of chalk and protein. The glue created was so robust that four of the five coins, glued to the box over 2000 years ago, still remain firmly in place. This discovery may be considered one of the earliest forms of what we now know as super glue.

Types Of Glue

Glue doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all standard; in fact, there are various types of glue available, ranging from organic adhesives to synthetic ones. Each type of glue serves a specific purpose and is popular in different applications. One prime example of customized glue is organic and vegan adhesive. Since each type of glue is tailored for specific uses, this section will provide an overview of some common types of glue that you can purchase and their ideal applications.

1. Craft Glue:
   Craft glue is typically crafted from PVA and is commonly found in home, school, and workplace craft drawers. It has an opaque, milky white appearance and a distinct fishy odor, although it doesn't contain actual fish components. Craft glue is suitable for porous materials like paper, cardboard, and tissue, and it dries transparent. While its bond isn't exceptionally strong and may degrade over time, it's perfect for arts and crafts projects.
2. Super Glue:
   Most of us have encountered super glue at some point, often resulting in frantic attempts to unstick our fingers from whatever we were gluing. Contrary to popular myths, super glue wasn't developed during wartime but was initially used to seal wounds during the Vietnam War. There are no confirmed accounts of its use in World War I or II. Super glue was actually an accidental discovery during experiments aimed at creating a clear plastic gun lens.
3. Wood Glue:
   Wood glue, as the name suggests, is primarily used for bonding wood. Its consistency and adhesive strength are designed for porous surfaces like wood. Since wood is susceptible to environmental elements and insect damage, many types of wood glue incorporate anti-insect and waterproofing properties. Wood glue is commonly used in furniture manufacturing.
4. Metal Glue:
   Metal glue is formulated to create a durable and robust bond between metal surfaces. If you attempt to use regular super glue on metal, you'll find it doesn't adhere well. Metal glues are specifically engineered to create a strong bond on metallic surfaces. It's standard practice to roughen the metal surfaces with sandpaper before bonding to increase the surface area for adhesion.
5. Wallpaper Paste:
   Wallpaper paste is an adhesive that must be mixed with water to create a sticky glue used for hanging wallpaper. Despite its fishy odor, wallpaper paste has enabled us to decorate our homes and workplaces according to our preferences. Typically, wallpaper paste is first applied to the wall and left for about 10 minutes. Then, it's applied to the wallpaper, and again, left for the same duration before attaching the paper to the wall. As the water evaporates, the adhesive bond solidifies, permanently affixing the wallpaper in place.

Glue Packaging

The Aztecs, residing in South America, employed blood as an unconventional adhesive. While this choice might seem unusual for crafting a construction adhesive, it is the albumin within the blood that imparts its bonding prowess. Animal blood was blended with a cement-like base, resulting in a viscous cement that solidified when dried. Much of the Aztecs' architectural work endures to this day, offering us valuable glimpses into the rich history of their advanced civilization.

In more contemporary times, natural rubber had a significant impact on the adhesive industry. In 1841, the vulcanization of rubber ushered in the era of synthetic adhesives. Vulcanization entails a chemical process that involves the addition of substances like sulfur to create a more resilient material. The rest, as they say, is history, and the fascinating realm of adhesive production has evolved into a thriving industry worth billions of pounds, showing no signs of waning.

How To Choose The Best Glue

Selecting the most suitable adhesive depends on a variety of factors, including the materials being joined, the method of application, and the specific demands of your project. To assist you in making the appropriate choice, here are some steps to follow:

1. Identify the materials: Begin by recognizing the materials you intend to bond. These may encompass common substances such as wood, metal, plastic, fabric, glass, and ceramics. Different adhesives exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the materials involved.
2. Consider the application method: Determine the manner in which you intend to apply the adhesive. Some adhesives are available in tubes or bottles with applicator tips, while others necessitate the use of a separate applicator or brush. Assess the ease of application and the precision required for your particular project.
3. Assess bond strength: Evaluate the level of strength required for your project. Certain adhesives yield robust, enduring bonds, while others offer temporary or repositionable adhesion. Take into account the weight and stress that the bond will be subjected to.
4. Evaluate drying time: Take into consideration the drying or curing time of the adhesive. Some adhesives dry rapidly, allowing for a quicker project completion, while others demand lengthier drying periods. Factor in the available time and the urgency of your project.
5. Check for compatibility: Ensure that the adhesive is compatible with the materials you are bonding. While some adhesives are versatile and work well with a broad spectrum of materials, others are specifically formulated for particular types. To ascertain compatibility, refer to the product labels or consult the manufacturer's guidelines for guidance.

Secret Uses Of Glue

Beyond its primary function of bonding items together, glue holds a multitude of secret applications that can make your daily life more convenient. Curious to discover eight ingenious ways to harness the power of non-toxic PVA craft glue? Read on!

• Splinter Extraction: Forget the pain of digging out splinters with needles or tweezers. Simply apply a coat of PVA glue over the entry point of the splinter and let it dry. As the glue dries, it creates suction, pulling the splinter into its grip. When you peel away the glue, the splinter comes with it.
• Plant Wound Protection: Pruning plants can make them vulnerable to harmful infections. After cutting branches or stems, safeguard your plants by coating the open wounds with a layer of PVA glue. This creates a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
• Lace Restoration: Frayed shoelaces not only look unsightly but also wear out faster. Rescue your laces by twisting the frayed ends and dipping them in PVA glue. After drying, they'll be sturdy and good as new.
• Wall Repairs: No filler on hand for those unsightly wall holes and cracks before painting? PVA glue to the rescue! Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of glue over cracks or fill holes with small droplets using a pipette. For larger holes, blend tissue fibers with glue to create a paste for quick and efficient repairs.
• Nail Polish Remover: Mix one part glue with two parts nail polish and store it in an airtight container. When it's time to remove nail polish, apply a layer of the mixture to each nail, let it dry, and peel it off in one swift motion.
• Fix Loose Screws: When screws don't fit snugly into their holes, add a drop or two of glue and let it set for about 20 minutes. Once the glue has dried, you can securely fasten the screw into the hole.
• Crackled Paint Effects: Create stunning crackled effects on walls or painted surfaces. Start by applying a base coat of paint and allowing it to dry. Then, add a layer of PVA glue and wait until it becomes tacky. Apply the top coat of paint, and the crackling effect will appear. This works best with contrasting base and top coat colors.
• Craft Homemade Slime: Entertain your kids (and yourself) for hours with homemade slime. Mix PVA glue with liquid starch (like laundry starch) and add some food coloring for a cost-effective and fun slime-making experience.

Note: These innovative uses are intended exclusively for PVA glue. Do not attempt them with other types of glue, as they may lead to harmful chemical reactions and potential injuries.