Adhesives for Cabinet Markers

PVA - a.k.a ; Polyvinyl Acetates

 These two big words simply mean that it's a colorless, odorless material used in adhesives. It is best known as wood glue, white glue, carpenter's glue, school glue and Elmer's glue in the US. This glue is a type of thermoplastic, it belongs in the polyvinyl esters family.

Types of PVA; 

• ​PVA - Polyvinyl Acetate: This type of PVA glue is used for book binding, box sealing, and used in paints. It's typically white in color and dries clear. It's permanent and remains flexible after drying, rather than becoming brittle over time.
• PVA Wood Glue - This glue is a yellow-based glue, used for wood-to-wood joining. This type of glue absorbs into the wood you put it on. This glue holds even better if you clamp the wood while the glue is drying completely.
• PVA Water Resistant Glue- This glue resists mildew and moisture, which are two major benefits of using this particular type of PVA glue. Do not confuse water-resistant with waterproof. This glue, if submerged in water, will not work as well. However, because this work is water-resistant, it can withstand inclement weather of all types. Titebond II and III are good choices for this type of glue. 

Benefits: 

• Does not yellow over time.
• Remains flexible.
• It will not break down.
• It will not affect the PH balance of papers or anything it comes in contact with.
• It is not toxic unless you ingest it, so DO NOT eat it!
• It does not give off nasty or harmful fumes.
• It dries clear.

POLYURETHANE

What are the Advantages of Polyurethane Glue?

• It will stick to most things and can glue different materials together. It is successful in bonding non porous materials such as metal to wood, or mirrors to walls.
• Some compositions have a work time of 20 or so minutes. This allows for leisurely working and clamping time. Depending on the glue it can set quite quickly after clamping and allow the user to continue work as the glue completes its curing.
• A major advantage over many adhesives is its ability to set in high moisture conditions. IN fact it needs moisture to set and will cure faster in conditions where other glues, such as epoxy, cannot be used.
• It is waterproof. Some brands are more waterproof than others passing ANSI Type I & II water-resistance testing. Polyurethanes are generally not recommended for long term immersion in water or use below the waterline unless protected by paints or other protection.
• It requires no mixing or measuring and can be used directly from the bottle.
• It is available in several different viscosity.
• Polyurethane is available as a hot melt glue that sets and holds parts together without the need for clamping. Once the glue has cooled and sets, it continues to cure for several days to attain its full strength.
• Suitable for outdoor projects Polyurethane has good UV resistance.
• Does not contain solvents and is a low Volatile Organic Compound producer. 100% solids so it does not tend to crack and shrink as it sets.
• It can be sanded (non clogging), stained and painted. Cleanup of squeezed out extra glue can be chiseled off easily. Set glue is slightly flexible and not brittle.
• Food safe after curing.

Hide Glue

Hide glue is an adhesive made out of the connective tissues, bones and hides of animals (mainly cattle) that have gone to the slaughterhouse. It's extracted by "cooking" raw stocks to obtain glue liquors that are filtered, evaporated to glue solids and then dried before grinding. When you buy hide glue, it comes in hard yellow-orange granules or pellets.

Hide glue has plenty of uses. You can apply it to regular joinery.