Can someone explain the differences in the various adhesives?

Dr KathyG
by Dr KathyG
As a DIYer I have used E6000 for most things. Right now I'm using Aleene's clear tacky glue. I use Liquid Nails to adhere terra cotta to other terra cotta-works well if I use enough. The attached photo is an example of what I make most often.

I've tried most adhesive including Elmer's and Gorilla Glue's . Gorilla glue worked well when I wanted to imbed a wooden dowel in a thin layer of sand, likely because of the way it exands.
  21 answers
  • First, great project! I would buy those for gifts!


    Glue is a huge subject. Here are a couple links to check out. Hope they help, even a little.


    http://www.adhesives.org/adhesives-sealants/adhesive-selection/types-of-glue-glue-tips


    http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-craft-glue.htm

  • Susan Ellis Yamakawa Susan Ellis Yamakawa on Nov 03, 2017

    I hate hot glue guns- tacky glue works fine for me

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Susan, Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help.

  • Liz Toone Liz Toone on Nov 03, 2017

    I love your creation!

    i read through this article and found it interesting and informative. I hope you do too.

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/glues/buying-guide

    • See 2 previous
    • Liz Toone Liz Toone on Nov 08, 2017

      I think an epoxy glue would be your best choice as it stands up to wet weather very well. Alternately you can use gorilla glue which is a polyurethane. Note that gorilla glue has to be cleaned up while wet with acetone and it expands a lot as it dries.

  • Lynne Webb Lynne Webb on Nov 04, 2017

    Thanks. Everybody raves about E6000 and I just bought some. Now I'm looking for excuse to use it. Liquid nails is just that. And Aleen's, it's it more for fabric? I remember her so well on Saturday mornings.

  • Bobye Bobye on Nov 04, 2017

    I use clear silicone. Gives a nice secure hold

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Bobye, Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help. I'll give silicone a try.

  • Candy Walsh Candy Walsh on Nov 04, 2017

    I love the E6000 and Liquid Nails.

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Candy, Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help.

  • Mahala Hady Murray Mahala Hady Murray on Nov 04, 2017

    Iuse E6000 it works great on pretty much anything


    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Mahala, Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help.

  • Eileen B. Eileen B. on Nov 04, 2017

    For projects that are going to be outside in the rain I use marine silicone.

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Eileen,

      Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help. Never thought of that product., Will give it a try.

  • Pg Pg on Nov 04, 2017

    so cute!!

  • Yolande cooper Yolande cooper on Nov 04, 2017

    Adorable

  • DeAnna Woeppel DeAnna Woeppel on Nov 04, 2017

    Using the right glue as recommended really makes a difference in your project

  • 27524803 27524803 on Nov 04, 2017

    Different projects require different types of glue. And hot glue is a wonderful thing... but works best as a temporary measure to hold a project until a more permanent adhesive sets... We use Gorilla glue for lots of things, it holds up to our Arizona summer temperatures, where other glues give out and give up (holding a project together) and AZ is definitely NOT a place to rely on hot glue.

    There are glues that are toxic for use with animals and in water situations like fish ponds.

    I love Aileen's Tacky Glue for craft projects, dries clear and holds well

    I Love Aileen's Ok to Wash It and Flexible Stretchable glues for any projects using fabrics.

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Marty, Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help. I'm not a lover of hot glue and I hadn't thought of the issue with animals and ponds.

  • Castrang17 Castrang17 on Nov 04, 2017

    Geez, I think you have the adhesives under control. I have learned a lot from you. As for differences, label read, is the best thing to do. Your purple pots are soooo cute and nicely done. Keep on DIY-ing!

    • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

      Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help.

  • Dr KathyG Dr KathyG on Nov 05, 2017

    Thanks for your response. I find I am learning so much with everyone's help.

  • Liz Toone Liz Toone on Nov 05, 2017

    Keep on doing what you love.

  • Chris Keating-Ingelse Chris Keating-Ingelse on Nov 05, 2017

    Glue guns are good for temporary fixes. Gorilla Glue has a new "non-expanding" formula that works well. I use Crazy Glue Gel for a lot of things (not runny so stays where you put it and dries in seconds). There are some great fabric glues, but most require heat setting (i.e. ironing) to complete the bond. If you go nuts in the glue aisle, it's no wonder! Just read the labels, and all should go well.

  • Gail@Purple Hues and Me Gail@Purple Hues and Me on Nov 06, 2017

    I'm a crafter, too, and I have a whole box of glues that are suppose to do this and that., but not really! I've concluded that you need different glues for different applications. I'm not a big fan of E6000, It's fine for somethings where you have to wait quite a while for it to dry, and usually you have to clamp in place, if that's possible. I like any type of glue that's a quick grab. For your cute little pot person, an outdoor clear silicone glue would be perfect! I love silicone glue and often use it indoors, too. It dries clear and is a quick grab and sets up fast. You can find different brands in hardware stores like HomeDepot. I also love Fabri-Tac for gluing fabrics. It's a quick grab and dries clear really fast.

  • KW KW on Nov 06, 2017

    I LOVE your pottery person!! I make pottery people, lighthouses, all kind of pottery projects as well as miniature fairy accessories. I made a turtle out of pottery saucers and small pottery pots (for the fee) for my sister. He sits on the porch. I used E6000 and Triple thick sealer and so far he has done well. I also use Marine Glue (available at Home Depot). Since it is for boats, it's weather proof. I think the sealer helps keep anything glued stay together better.

  • KW KW on Nov 12, 2017

    Thank you Marguerite!