How to glue like an expert

Want to learn how to glue like a pro? The good news is: glue comes in many different varieties and can be used to fix almost anything. With these tips and tricks, you’ll know how to glue things back together quickly and easily.

• The many uses of glue
• How to use glue on anything
• How to glue with different types of adhesive
  

The many uses of glue

There are many different types of glue with different properties and drying times. Some glues dry transparently, while others dry white. Some glues cure instantly while others take time to form strong, durable bonds. Some glues, like super glues, are great for non-porous materials like metals, glass and plastics, while others are especially formulated for porous materials like ceramic.

This means that learning how to glue is as much about learning how to choose the right glue as it is about the application techniques. But the variety of glues available means that you will always find the perfect adhesive for the job. 

How to use glue on anything

First, read the product label to ensure that your glue is suitable for the materials you need to fix. You should also check what kind of conditions you can use it in and how r esistant the bonds are to water, different temperatures, shock etc. The next step is to follow the instructions of how to use the glue.

Regardless of the type of glue, there are a couple of basic steps that will always apply when learning how to use glue.

1. Make sure to clean the surfaces that you want to glue. Use a cloth and some warm soapy water to remove any dirt or grease and dry thoroughly. If using Loctite superglue, then the two parts needing to be bonded must be close fitting with no gaps. If not, use an alternative adhesive.
2. Apply the glue to one of the surfaces. Most of the time you don’t need to apply glue to both surfaces but check the instructions to make sure.
3. Put the two surfaces together and hold in place until the glue has cured or the bond can be handled (check instructions for the exact cure time).
4. Remove any excess glue immediately before it has dried.
5. Replace the lid so that you can use it again in the future.
6. Store the glue in cool dark conditions, protected from frost
7. Make sure that the glue has fully cured before you use the object

How to glue with different types of adhesive

For quick repairs on larger or mid-size repairs around the house, providing the surfaces are flat and close fitting, we recommend Loctite 60 Seconds All Purpose Glue. It is suitable for most surfaces and dries fast and super-strong. For repairs that require gap filling properties, an epoxy such as Loctite Extreme Epoxy will be more suitable

For instant repairs on different types of materials check out Loctite’s range of super glues, including Loctite Super Glue Glass and Loctite Super Glue All Plastics. And for those of you getting to grips with using glue in the first place, you can start with the practical Loctite Superglue Creative Pen with its nifty pen applicator. Or try Loctite Super Glue Pure Gel with its easy, repositionable formula. 

You can also remove spillages easily with the help of Loctite Glue Remover.