Buying guide for best epoxy glue
Sometimes, a bottle of white school glue just won’t cut it, particularly if you have to glue items that are tough, nonporous, and exposed to different elements. Enter epoxy glue. It’s much stronger than other glues and much more difficult to dissolve. Because epoxy glues work for a variety of surfaces, they’re ideal for home DIY projects. From carpentry to jewelry-making, epoxy glues are a versatile part of any tool kit.
Before you add epoxy glue to your cart, consider some factors. What materials will you bind with it? When possible, it’s best to buy epoxy glues that are made for adhering to specific materials. Also consider the kind of epoxy glue you want (two components vs. one component), what you plan to use it for, and how quickly it sets. Regardless of your purchase criteria, BestReviews is pleased to help inform your purchase with our guide.
How to buy the best epoxy glue
History of epoxy glue
The active ingredient in all epoxy glue is epoxy resin. Epoxy resin was discovered in the 1930s by Swiss chemist Pierre Castan, then created synthetically by German scientist Paul Schlack in the 1940s. To make epoxy glue, epoxy resin is typically mixed with a hardener and other filler materials such as petroleum.
Epoxy resin is created from various epoxide groups. Epoxy resins have differing degrees of hardness, density, and flexibility. Because this powerful resin can be easily manipulated by manufacturers, epoxy resins have become ubiquitous. They’re found in common household products, and they’re used by the aerospace industry, metalworkers, and pretty much any field that constructs durable products for consumer use.
The white glue used by students and craftsters is polyvinyl acetate-based (PVA) synthetic glue. This glue, often known as school glue or carpenter’s glue, is water-based and popular for craft projects and woodworking projects. PVA glue dries fast and can be peeled. While it’s flexible, it sorely lacks the durability of epoxy glues.
The epoxy glue you can purchase may not be as powerful as the epoxy resin used in space, but it’s pretty durable nonetheless.
One-part vs. two-part
Epoxy glues can be classified into two-part and one-part models. Two-component epoxy glues are packaged as two canisters bound together, with one containing epoxy resin and the other containing hardener. As the substances are dispensed at the same time, they bond together to make a strong, versatile adhesive. Two-part epoxy glues are great for binding substances with dynamic movement.
Since you don’t need heat to bind two-part epoxy glues, they’re often preferred over one-part epoxy glues. One-part epoxy glue arrives in a single tube, no mixing required. Although technology is advancing and there are a few more one-part epoxies that don’t require high heat, many of them do.
How to use epoxy glue
To use epoxy glue for the surface of your choice, make sure you have everything you need prepped. The actual surface to be glued should be sandpapered down so the epoxy adheres as well as possible. The glue’s applicator tip should already be removed, and the table, countertop, or floor you’re working on should be covered.
To mix a two-part epoxy glue, you need some kind of disposable tray. Turn the epoxy glue dispenser tip up and plunge the syringe to remove the air bubbles, then dispense the epoxy resin and hardener into the disposable tray and mix them. Once they’ve hardened (usually after a few minutes), apply the glue to the appropriate surfaces. Keep a rag on hand to wipe away the excess.
Uses
In case you aren’t aware of epoxy glue’s versatility, there are more than a few home improvement and DIY projects you can use it for.
Wood/metal glue: As a wood or metal glue, epoxy glue can preserve rotting wood or rusted metal in a pinch. You’ll want to remove the rotted wood or sand the rusted metal before applying the glue and allowing it to fully dry.
Jewelry: Epoxy glue can be manipulated to make unique and beautiful jewelry. It’s best to use a clear-drying epoxy glue for jewelry so you can add any dyes you like.
Plastic: Epoxy glues are useful for most nonporous surfaces, plastic included. With so many household products made from plastic, it makes sense to have a plastic epoxy glue on hand. You never know when a PVC pipe might burst or a polyethylene chair might break.
Bolt reinforcement: Epoxy glues are useful for bolt reinforcement — mainly for heavy, vibrating machinery. This is a more industrial use compared to other household fixes, but in case you need to know, you can add epoxy glue to a pre-drilled hole before fully securing the machinery to the floor. The epoxy glue will help protect the bolt from corrosion.
If exposed to the elements, epoxy glue may turn yellow over time. This isn’t cause for alarm, especially if the glue has been on the surface for some time. A properly set and cured epoxy glue bond may last as long as several years.
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What features do epoxy glues have?
Color
A clear-drying epoxy glue is best. It blends better with the original material and the color can be easily changed as needed. Not all epoxy glues dry clear, however — some dry gray instead. Be sure to check the packaging to confirm if it’s a clear-drying glue.
Set time
Set time is a crucial consideration. An epoxy glue that dries too slowly isn’t convenient, and an epoxy glue that dries too quickly won’t give you the time to manipulate the glue as needed. Several epoxy glues on the market dry within five minutes. That’s usually enough time to adjust the joints or surfaces being glued. There are certainly epoxy glues that take longer than five minutes. Set time is typically indicated on the packaging, so double-check to verify that the glue will harden when you need it to.
DID YOU KNOW?
Generally speaking, epoxy glue shouldn’t be used on fabrics. It will turn fabrics stiff, change their color, and otherwise change the fabric in an undesirable way. Opt for a quality fabric glue instead.
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How much do epoxy glues cost?
Inexpensive
Household epoxy glues are fairly affordable. In this range, expect to pay up to $7 for a glue. Glues at this price range are likely to be packaged as a single set, with no more than one ounce of product, if that. Even at this price, you can find two-part epoxy glues.
Mid-range
Epoxy glues in the $7 to $10 range include more product — as much as five ounces. Many of these epoxy glues are professional-grade. Some brands sell packs of two or three glues at this price.
Expensive
If you have a larger surface to glue, the $20 and above range gets you epoxy glues in bulk. You can buy a gallon or more of epoxy resin and hardener. Some manufacturers may include additional accessories at this price range, such as a glue gun.
For two-part epoxy glues, don’t be too quick to mix your epoxy resin and hardener; otherwise, you risk a messy, sticky hardening process. The strength of the glue may even be compromised.
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Tips
- Keep things ventilated. Epoxy glues give off strong fumes. Make sure the area in which you’re working is well-ventilated.
- Protect yourself and your surfaces. If you’re using multiple applications of epoxy glue, it’s a good idea to have rubber gloves and a face mask on hand. Cover your surfaces with parchment or wax paper. Neither will stick to epoxy glue.
- Be cautious if you need to mix. Epoxy may seem thick, but it’s actually quite viscous. Check that surfaces are free from dust and debris, and take your time while mixing to prevent splashing.
FAQ
Q. Will epoxy glue work for metal to wood?
A. Yes. The highest-quality epoxy glues work on a number of different surfaces. Just be sure to check the glue’s label to confirm.
Q. How do I get rid of bubbles in cured epoxy?
A. To remove bubbles, reheat the resin using a heat gun (or hair dryer in a pinch). This allows the epoxy to thin enough for you to remove the bubbles and for it to cure smoothly.
Q. Can epoxy glue be removed?
A. Yes. It’s much easier to remove epoxy glue if it hasn’t cured (hardened) yet. For uncured epoxy glue, soak a clean rag with rubbing alcohol or acetone and rub it repeatedly until the epoxy residue is gone. For cured epoxy glue, you can do the same but with paint thinner or adhesive remover as the solvent. This should only be done in a well-ventilated area.
