Woodworking adhesives — back to basics

M K
Mitol
Published in
3 min readDec 28, 2022
Every woodworking process needs a specific adhesive

Woodworking adhesives are a vital component of any woodworking project. They provide a strong and reliable bond that can withstand the stresses of everyday use, ensuring that your project will stay together for years to come. There are many different types of woodworking adhesives available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common woodworking adhesives, and how they can be used to achieve the best results in your projects.

There are many different types of woodworking adhesives.

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAC)

PVAC glue, or polyvinyl acetate glue, is the most popular woodworking adhesive that is known for its versatility and ease of use. It is a water-based glue that is easy to clean up and can be used on a wide variety of materials, including wood, paper, and fabric. PVA glue is also resistant to water, making it a good choice for projects that may be exposed to moisture. However, it is not as strong as some other types of adhesives and may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications. One of MITOL’s PVA brands is MEKOL.

Hot melt

Hot melt adhesives are a type of thermoplastic adhesive that are applied in a molten state and solidify upon cooling. They are commonly used in woodworking for bonding a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and fabric.

They are also typically strong and durable, making them suitable for a wide range of woodworking applications. Hot melt adhesives can be used for bonding wood parts in furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects. There are several types of hot melt adhesives to choose from, including EVA hot melts. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) hot melts are known for their flexibility and UV resistance. They are commonly used for bonding wood, rubber, and other flexible materials. High-quality hot melts based on EVA and PO polymers from the MITOL portfolio ensure superior bonding strength, zero-bond line appearance as well as resistance to heat.

Polyurethane

This type of glue is known for its strong bonding strength and water-resistant properties, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects or projects that may come into contact with moisture. Polyurethane glue is also flexible, which allows it to expand and contract with the wood without breaking the bond. This makes it a great choice for projects that may be subject to changes in temperature or humidity. A MITOL adhesive that falls in this category is MITOPUR E45, a one-component adhesive or MITOPUR A+B, a two-component polyurethane adhesive that are both perfect for any type of wood.

Cyanoacrylate

CIANOKOL PRO is perfect for model making

Another popular woodworking adhesive is cyanoacrylate glue, also known as “super glue”. This type of glue is known for its extremely fast drying time and strong bonding strength, making it a great choice for quick repairs or projects where time is of the essence. However, it is not recommended for use in structural applications as it may not have the same long-term holding power as other types of adhesives. MITOL offers a range of cyanoacrylate adhesives, like CIANOKOL PRO, that come in handy when fixing any small cracks in the wood or building boat or plane models.

PVAC is a water-based glue that is easy to clean up and can be used on a wide variety of materials.

To wrap up

In conclusion, there are many different types of woodworking adhesives available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. The right adhesive for your project will depend on the materials you are working with, the strength and durability required, and the specific needs of your project. By carefully considering these factors and selecting the right adhesive, you can ensure that your woodworking projects will stay together for years to come. For more information, you can always contact MITOL, the company behind excellent woodworking adhesives.

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