Whether you want to join together two materials temporarily, or create a strong, permanent bond, there is an adhesive out there that will do the job for you. Here’s what you need to know about adhesives.

What is an Adhesive?

An adhesive can be defined as a substance that is used to bond two or more surfaces together. The surfaces can be the same material or different materials. The adhesive can create a temporary bond (an example would be the adhesive used on sticky tape), or a permanent bond (such as bonding together elements of a piece of furniture). Adhesives can be made from natural or synthetic materials.

Types of Adhesives

There are several different types of adhesives that can be used for structural or non structural purposes. Examples of some common types of adhesives include:

• Epoxies
• Polyurethane adhesives
• Acrylic adhesives
• Cyanoacrylates or superglues
• Film adhesives (such as those on masking tape)
• Anaerobic adhesives (these work when no oxygen is present)
• Silicone adhesives

Adhesives have different strengths and properties, so it is best to look at the specific adhesive that you are purchasing to ensure that it is suitable for your purpose.

Uses for Adhesives

Adhesives are extensively used throughout the home. Just some examples are:

• In the manufacture of plywood
• To glue flooring to a substrate
• To attach benchtops
• In the manufacture of furniture
• In home building (mortar is an adhesive)
• To attach wallpaper
• In temporary applications such as masking tape when painting
• To attach architraves, cornices or other decorative elements
• As sealants (such as when waterproofing wet areas)

This is by no means an extensive list for the usage of adhesives, and in fact, they can be used in just about any element of the home that you can think of.