Choosing glue for wood, plastic, metal and fabric
A practical overview of matching common adhesives to common DIY materials.
Materials & Know-How
Glue Types
Choose adhesives more confidently by understanding cure time, surface preparation and material compatibility.
What you’ll learn
These pages explain choice, properties, limitations, terminology and safety checks before you use a material, fixing or method in a practical job.
Guides
View all guidesClamping, pressure and glue squeeze-out
How pressure affects contact, squeeze-out and the quality of a small glue repair.
Drying time versus curing time
Why an adhesive can feel dry before it is ready for stress or full use.
Surface preparation before gluing
Basic cleaning, fitting and preparation before applying adhesive.
Why some plastics are hard to glue
Why certain plastics resist adhesive bonding and what to check before trying.
Glossary
View glossaryCure time
The time an adhesive needs to reach its intended working strength.
Cyanoacrylate / super glue
A moisture-curing adhesive that sets in seconds on close-fitting, non-porous joints—ideal for small, rigid repairs, not gaps, flex, or load-bearing work.
Drying time
The time before an adhesive or finish feels dry to the touch.
Epoxy
A two-part adhesive that cures through a chemical reaction.
Glue squeeze-out
Extra glue pushed out of a joint when the parts are pressed together.
Hot-melt glue
Thermoplastic adhesive melted in a glue gun, applied hot, and set as it cools—fast to use, but stick type, diameter, and temperature must match the job.
Open time
The usable time after applying glue before it starts to set too much.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one material or fixing is always best.
- Ignoring surface condition, age, moisture, heat or movement.
- Guessing strength or load capacity instead of checking the exact product and situation.