Acrylic adhesive: characteristics and application

Acrylic glue has now gained universal recognition as a universal means for bonding most different materials. For each type of work, certain types of this substance can be used. To navigate the choice of this composition, it is necessary to consider in detail what acrylic glue is: characteristics and application in various fields.

The current acrylic adhesives are a suspension of certain polymers dissolved in water or organic compounds. In the process of gradual evaporation of the solvent with the polymer, some modifications occur, which leads to the solidification of the substance and its acquisition of special rigidity. Depending on the components included in the composition, this glue can be used in various fields for specific purposes.

The most common area of ​​application is construction, as the substance can bond most building materials, including metal, glass and even polypropylene surfaces. The main characteristics make it possible to use it in industrial production, as well as for domestic purposes, and the grip will be strong and reliable regardless of conditions.

The main advantages of acrylic adhesives.

• Easy to use. Uniform distribution over the entire bonded surface and fast setting.
• Very high adhesion to all materials. These properties allow the adhesive to be used on uneven surfaces.
• Moisture resistance, as well as ensuring a good level of tightness. Resistance to weathering associated with bad weather conditions is considered a huge plus.
• High level of elasticity.

In the process of working with various types of mixtures, the disadvantages of this glue were also identified. One of the most common disadvantages is the lack of thickness of the applied glue seam. It is important to understand that of all types, only latex acrylic glue is odorless and non-toxic. All other varieties are toxic to some extent and have a pungent unpleasant odor. Long-term use of adhesive without respiratory protection can damage the mucous membranes.

The glue in question is made from a synthetic substance - acrylic. Compositions based on it can be one-component and two-component. The first ones are already ready-to-use substances; in the second case, the composition must be diluted with water.

According to the basic substance and the method of hardening, acrylic-based adhesives can be of several types.

• Cyanoacrylate adhesive is a one-component transparent adhesive and can be used for a variety of materials. It is characterized by a very fast adhesion.
• Modified acrylic glue - a mixture of acrylic and solvent is widely used in construction.
• Acrylic compound that hardens only when exposed to UV waves of the required length. It is used when gluing glass, mirrors, screens and other transparent materials.

• Latex-based acrylic adhesive is the most popular substance, odorless, absolutely harmless and fireproof. This is the most versatile repair and assembly compound capable of interlocking any textures. Therefore, they use it when laying linoleum and other floor coverings. Due to its water resistance, it is used in bathrooms and other places with high humidity.
• Water-dispersive acrylic glue has the safest composition, hardening after moisture evaporation.
• Acrylic tile adhesive is used for fixing ceramic tiles, artificial flexible stone, quartz sand and other facing materials.

Acrylic-based adhesives can be sold as dry formulations and ready-made. Dry mixes are packaged in bags weighing from 1 to 25 kg. This product is mixed with water, brought to the required consistency and used as directed. The use time of this mixture is 20-30 minutes, therefore, the composition should be diluted in parts, depending on the area of ​​the treated surface.

Ready-made acrylic mixtures are much more convenient to work with, do not require dilution and mixing. Unused composition can be stored for a long period of time in a container with a tightly closed lid. Depending on the type of glue, ready-made formulations are sold in tubes, bottles, cans and barrels.

The most famous brands of acrylic compounds that have a lot of positive reviews include several manufacturers.

• DecArt acrylic adhesive - it is a universal waterproof substance that has a white color in a liquid state, and upon drying it forms a transparent film; applicable to all materials except polyethylene;
• Contact water-dispersion adhesive VGT designed for adhesion of smooth non-absorbent surfaces, including polypropylene and polyethylene;
• Adhesive mastic "Polax", having an acrylic water-dispersed composition, is intended for gluing plates, parquet and other facing coatings;

• ASP 8A adhesive has high internal strength and excellent resistance to various detergents;
• Universal mounting acrylic adhesive Axton securely fixes wood, plaster and polystyrene products;
• Acrylic glue "Rainbow-18" it is used for gluing almost all facing materials, including drywall, wood, concrete and other materials;
• Acrylic adhesive sealant MasterTeks designed for sealing a variety of materials, used for indoor and outdoor use.

It is necessary to purchase the composition based on the purposes and place of use. For household needs, it is better to buy universal acrylic glue. It has the broadest spectrum of action and is fairly easy to use.

In any case, the following factors should be taken into account when choosing:

• conditions for using the composition (for indoor or outdoor work);
• temperature parameters during installation, as well as the range of these indicators during operation;
• the area and structure of the surface to be treated (for smooth surfaces, the consumption will be less than for porous ones, for example, concrete);
• compliance of the properties of the glue used with atmospheric influences (moisture resistant, fireproof, and others);
• types of glued materials (the same or different).

The main requirement when using acrylic glue is to observe safety precautions, even if it is a harmless composition.

• The presence of personal protective equipment is a mandatory item for working with this substance.
• Surfaces requiring bonding should be prepared for the application of the composition, remove dust, dirt and other contaminants, that is, clean the old finish and thoroughly degrease with alcohol or solvent. The use of a primer is sometimes acceptable. In addition, the parts to be glued must be dry and tight, not contain loose elements. The glossy surface is treated with a fine abrasive.
• Works are carried out at a temperature of + 5º - + 35ºC, excluding direct sunlight.
• The dry mixture must be diluted in strict accordance with the instructions, preferably with water at room temperature.
• Excess mixture that appears on the surface should be immediately removed with a dry cloth, otherwise it will be very difficult to wash off the glue after drying.

How to use acrylic glue is described in the video.