What is Resin Glue and What is it Used for?
Whether you’re a woodworker, a DIY home remodeler, a jewelry maker, or another artisan, you will no doubt need to consider the best adhesive types to use for completing your projects. Resin glue is a type of adhesive that might come in handy. If you’ve never heard of it before, or don’t know what it’s for, you’re in the right place. This is one of the most common adhesives on the market today, but you may know it by a brand name. Most of us have been using resin glue for years. To help you know more about this versatile and effective adhesive, here is everything you need to know about resin glue.
What is resin glue?
According to the US Department of Forestry, resin glue sounds like a natural adhesive, but in modern times, it is a synthetic resin that is made from synthetic chemical compounds that are similar to natural resins. These adhesives are not referred to as synthetic resins, however. They are simply called resin glue. There are a lot of different types of resin glue on the market today. They are made under a variety of brand names and types. These include Rubber Resin Adhesive Clear Casting Resin Epoxy Resin Adhesive, Clear Resin, 3M Adhesive, and liquid adhesive, just to name a few.
What is resin adhesive?
According to Info bloom, the definition of resin adhesive is the same as the Forestry Department’s explanation with the addition of a closer look at what resin is. Resin is found in various plants and trees. It is a compound that is liquid and sticky, rich in minerals. It’s a substance that is secreted by plants and trees. Modern synthetic resins are mixed with compounds that harden when dried, creating a resin adhesive. The polymers that are used in this process are laboratory creations.
What is resin glue used for?
Resin glue is used for a broad range of different applications. The use depends on the type of resin glue. To help explain, we’ve broken down the used for each type of resin glue.
- Epoxy resin – This type of resin glue is generally used for the repair of things that are made out of leather. It has a decent level of resistance to moisture and can also be used for the repair of boats and other marine and watercraft. It is also used in the construction of boats as a bonding agent. Epoxy resin is also used in aeronautics for flying craft because of its strength to weight ratio.
- Urea – formaldehyde resin is commonly used for making fiberboard. It’s valued for its commercial use as a strong and durable adhesive that is resistant to humidity and other types of moisture. It resists shrinking and contractions and holds up well when subjected to UV rays. It’s widely used for underwater applications.
Other uses for resin glue
There are so many different types of resin glues that it’s wise to consult the label for the type and its recommended uses. Resin glues are widely used to bond plastic, ceramics, stone, glass, metal, wood, and more. They’re used to bond fiberglass panels and other composite materials. Resin glue is also used in construction to join a variety of building materials as well as to fill joints and strengthen unions.
Benefits of resin glue
According to Hunker, Resin glue is a versatile adhesive that can be used for bonding or joining almost any kind of material known to man. It comes in a variety of different forms including liquid, emulsion, powder, and spray. Resin glue takes a long time to cure. This is one of the benefits that woodworkers appreciate because it allows them to take their time in completing a project. Resin glue also provides a superior level of tackiness. Although it takes up to 10 hours to dry completely, it offers enough initial adhesive to hold items together during the drying process. It is valued by construction and woodworkers because it reduces the amount of clamping time needed significantly. Resin glue dries to a superior level of hardness over other adhesives.
Resin glue is also used in the creation of particleboard, and to bond thin sheets of wood together to make plywood. The glue is resistant to burning, weather, water, UV rays, and it offers superior adhesion over most other adhesives. Aliphatic resin glues are the yellow glues that are also called carpenter’s glue. In this form, it is useful for woodwork because it is fully sand able and it does not affect the quality of the finish of woodworking projects. It dries fairly quickly and is easy to clean, however, this type is intended only for porous materials.
Melamine resin is used for making hard plastic items that are molded including dishes, furniture, and even some Formica countertops. You may have heard of Melamine or Melmac dishes. These eating utensils are made from Melamine resin.
Final thoughts
Resin glue is an adhesive that most of us have already used at some point. The adhesive is sold under various brand names with a few different types available. All resin glues offer the same strength and durability and share similar characteristics. It’s one of the strongest adhesives on the market today and it’s used for joining or bonding almost any kind of material. There are some differences in the forms and formulations. Before you buy resin glue, it’s best to read the label for the recommended applications as some formulations of the product are made for specific purposes. Resin glue is a versatile adhesive that is not the best choice when you want to get a fast-drying fix, but it might be a better option if you can combine its use with a little patience and perhaps a few well-placed clamps. Resin glue is used to make the everyday products we take for granted including plates, bowls, cups, doors, countertops, and much more.