PVA glue is perhaps the most popular type of adhesive composition. It is used by everyone - from schoolchildren and students to builders.The main component of PVA glue is polyvinyl acetate, from which the name comes. In addition to PVA, the glue contains a small amount of additional additives that improve the quality of the glue. It is a thick white or yellow mass.
Scope of application
PVA glue is used for construction and repair work- gluing wallpaper, linoleum and even tiles. PVA is often added to mortar, increasing the adhesive properties and adhesion of the mortar. This glue is also widely used in carpentry: it glues perfectly wooden joints furniture.
What can be glued with PVA glue:
1. paper;
2. cardboard;
3. wood and its derivatives (fibreboard, chipboard, etc.);
4. skin;
5. fabric;
6. metal;
7. ceramics;
8. porcelain.
PVA glue sets quickly, and in a few minutes the adhesive seam dries and becomes transparent. Thanks to this, you can glue even transparent products. After a day, the seam will finally harden.
Types of PVA glue
For ease of use, this glue is available in several varieties. They differ in slight changes in the proportions of components, drying time, frost resistance and other characteristics.
1. Household PVA glue
Widely used in repair work, in particular, for gluing paper wallpaper on wooden or plastered surfaces.
2. Universal PVA glue (PVA-MB)
It is used when gluing wallpaper, and also glues other surfaces - wood, fabric, leather. Added to construction concrete solutions, primer, putty.
3. Super PVA glue (PVA-M)
Bonds all listed surfaces and is also used for gluing ceramic tiles and linoleum.
4. PVA stationery glue (PVA-K)
This glue is familiar to every schoolchild. It is mainly used for gluing paper and cardboard, including photographs. It has good adhesive properties, but is less water-resistant, unlike other types of PVA glue.
5. PVA dispersion glue (polyvinyl chloride dispersion)
The strongest and fastest setting type of PVA glue. Widely used in production, including in the glass, shoe, textile industries, as well as in construction. PVA dispersion can be found in paints and varnishes and even in cigarette filters.
Working with PVA glue
The glue is applied in a thin layer to one of the surfaces. The surfaces to be bonded must be clean and free of grease. After this, the surfaces are connected to each other and pressed.
This type of glue received widespread due to its availability, versatility and safety. Work with PVA glue can be carried out without protective equipment, since it does not contain toxic substances. Therefore, scientists are not striving to develop new adhesives that could compete with PVA, but are only working to improve the existing recipe.
The most optimal type of joining two objects from an aesthetic point of view is gluing. It does not require making holes and, if carried out carefully, does not leave any marks at all.
PVA glue is the most recognizable substance all over the world, which is used for various household and industrial operations. It is easy to use, high level reliability and affordable price. It is used to glue many objects, from paper to ceramics.
Glue composition
The composition of PVA glue is quite simple. It contains an aqueous polyvinyl acetate emulsion and special additives that give the mixture plasticizing properties. One of the main features of the substance is the ability to withstand deformation without breaking. The adhesive seam will be elastic enough to make bends on paper glued with PVA. Many other brands crystallize once they dry, so any attempt to bend them will result in breakage.
This should be taken into account when choosing adhesive for certain type works The composition also includes so-called additives that improve the properties of the substance and allow it to maintain a liquid consistency in a sealed package. Before use, the glue must be shaken until a homogeneous mass is formed. A film often forms on the surface, which will have to be carefully removed and discarded, since it is not suitable for use.
Types of glue
There are several on sale different brands, which differ slightly in composition due to their intended functions. Each model has a corresponding inscription on the packaging indicating the possibilities of its use.
Main options for today:
- 1. Household PVA glue - used exclusively for working with paper and paper wallpaper. Can stick them to plaster, concrete or wooden surfaces. By appearance is a white or beige liquid with a faint odor. Old glue may appear yellow. It is suitable for use only if its components are not lumpy. This is easy to notice, since when you try to squeeze the glue out of the tube, only a yellowish liquid will flow. In this case, you will have to throw away the entire packaging. The glue can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius.
- 2. PVA office glue - used for joining paper or cardboard. The composition is more liquid than the brand from the first point, it also has white or beige shade. Unlike household glue, it does not have frost-resistant properties.
- 3. Universal PVA glue - used for working with paper, cardboard, wood, leather and glass. It has very strong adhesive properties, so it sticks well to slippery surfaces. Shows frost-resistant properties at temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.
- 4. PVA super glue - reinforced grade of the standard version. It has a special composition that greatly enhances the strength of the adhesive seam. This substance can even be used for laying ceramic tiles on the wall or linoleum on the floor. It has good frost resistance and does not collapse at temperatures down to -40 degrees, so it can be used in unheated rooms.
- 5. PVA construction adhesive - rarely used in its pure form. Mainly serves as a reinforcing additive in mortars for laying bricks, tiles and other materials. It has good frost resistance, so it can also be used for outdoor work. The amount of glue added to the solution depends on the type of work for which the mixture is being prepared. You can find out “cooking recipes” on construction forums or specialized repair sites.
It is worth considering the fact that it is the adhesive seam that has high frost resistance, and not the substance itself in a liquid state. It is manufactured at water based, so it freezes quickly in the cold, and after thawing it is no longer suitable for use. Therefore, manufacturers recommend choosing rooms where the temperature is not lower than +6 degrees Celsius when working with glue. Otherwise, the operation will be difficult and ultimate success is not guaranteed. You can view liquid and hardened PVA glue in the photo on the Internet.
Main Features
The technical characteristics of PVA glue can be summarized as the following list:
- - high resistance of the adhesive seam to frost and mechanical bending (elasticity is comparable to the elasticity of the paper itself);
- - excellent adhesive ability, which is comparable to analogues that are much more expensive and complex in composition and method of preparation;
- - the composition does not contain toxic substances, so the glue can be used in confined spaces, and it is absolutely safe for children;
- - does not burn or explode under any conditions;
- - dissolves well in organic acids, but cannot be returned “to life” after hardening, since it completely loses its adhesive properties;
- - a thin layer of glue will be completely invisible, which increases the aesthetics of crafts and allows you to use it in various handicrafts;
- - can be used at a relative air humidity of no more than 80%.
DIY PVA
As you can see, the glue has good performance parameters, which, coupled with its affordable price, has made it the most common model. Moreover, it can be prepared at home. Many people are interested in the question of how to make PVA glue? You can read about this on almost any website with home tips:
1. First, you have to go shopping to purchase everything you need. We will need the following list of ingredients:
- distilled water (one liter);
- photographic gelatin (one five-gram package);
- glycerin (four grams);
- wheat flour highest or first grade (100 grams);
- ethyl alcohol (20 milliliters).
2. When all the ingredients have been purchased, you can start cooking. At the first stage, gelatin is soaked in water and the mixture is left to infuse for 24 hours. No special conditions are needed, but it is worth taking a metal container for this purpose that has no food use.
3. After a day, you can begin direct gluing. Place the container with gelatin in a water bath and, stirring constantly, add all the components purchased in advance, except for alcohol and glycerin.
4. You need to cook the mixture until the consistency is a sour cream-like substance. By the way, it will also be similar in color to this dairy product.
5. Then you should remove the container from the heat and add the missing components to it. It is very important to mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is formed without lumps or solid impurities. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Like this in a simple way You can prepare PVA right in your kitchen. If everything is done in compliance with the specified technology, then its properties will not differ from the purchased model. It is also worth preparing in advance for its storage an opaque container with a hermetically sealed lid. Otherwise, you won’t be able to protect your glue, and it will simply harden in the open air.
If a larger amount of a substance is needed, for example, to carry out repairs, then you simply need to proportionally increase the consumption of components by the required number of times. The gelatin infusion time will not change.
When you hear the word “glue” mentioned, the first thing that usually comes to mind is PVA. It is this type of glue that has become the real symbol of this word; all of it has become a universal and irreplaceable type of adhesive for many - it is used both by schoolchildren and children to make crafts, and by carpenters, masons and other builders for use in their field. The secret to the popularity of this glue is very simple - it is quite easy to use, very affordable, and also has no toxic emissions. And all this because the composition of this substance consists of polyvinyl acetate, as well as an aqueous dispersion.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the properties and composition, technical characteristics and other parameters of PVA glue. After reading this article, you will know everything about this legendary adhesive.
PVA composition
Back in 1912, for the first time, the German scientist F. Klatt obtained a substance - polyvinyl acetate, and a few years later, the idea of the substance was picked up by another German entrepreneur, starting the production of PVA glue on a large scale. In fact, PVA glue is over 100 years old, and even today, this type of glue remains one of the most popular and widespread.
But, let's return to the substance that is part of PVA. Polyvinyl acetate is present in the adhesive in an amount of 95%. To obtain it, you need to mix in strictly specified quantities substances such as vinalon and synthetic fiber based on so-called polyvinyl alcohol. But the variance is obtained based on the purposes for which it is needed. So, it can consist of plasticizers that will provide plasticity and frost resistance to the film of dried glue. This may also include substances such as:
- d isobutyl phthalate;
- T rickresyl phosphate;
- Eh DOS and other chemicals.
Technical characteristics of PVA
Among the technical characteristics of PVA glue, the following features should be highlighted:
- uh then low glue consumption, which of course depends on the work, but in general it is approximately 100-900 g of glue per 1 sq.m. surfaces;
- To the pouring capacity of PVA is about 450 N/m;
- V The time for complete drying of PVA is up to 24 hours (depending on the surface area and volume of glue);
- With The shelf life of PVA glue is about 6 months (may vary, depending on additional components).
The PVA glue dispersion is absolutely explosion-proof and also fireproof, so the use of this chemical is safe. However, when using PVA glue based on plasticizers, a small amount of acetic acid and other chemical elements may be released into the air.
Using PVA at home
Today, PVA is used very widely - for example, it is used in a wide variety of fields of activity. If we take repairs or construction, then PVA is used as a means for wallpapering walls, as well as for laying ceramic tiles. Not infrequently, PVA glue is used for gluing wooden surfaces, so it is used both in carpentry and in construction. Of course, it is worth remembering that PVA is used in clubs, labor lessons and other extracurricular education activities - in this area, it is, in fact, the only glue used for this (a little less, superglue is used).
Well, if we put together the entire range of uses of PVA glue, we get the following picture:
- To PVA glue is used as wallpaper glue, which is used for washable and paper wallpaper with various surfaces;
- y universal PVA, which is used for gluing wooden and cardboard surfaces, leather products, and also included in putties or primers;
- ToPVA lei, which is used for installation floor coverings, as well as surface cladding with ceramic tiles;
- Tostationery PVA, which is used for gluing cardboard and paper, photographs and other items;
- With carpenter's PVA glue, which has high adhesion to wood materials, this glue is very waterproof;
- G homopolymer dispersion of PVA glue, which has a very high adhesive force and is used in the porcelain and glass industries;
- P VA glue, which is used during the installation of parquet or laminate.
PVA construction adhesive
Among the listed types of PVA glue, construction adhesive deserves detailed attention. It is used by both professionals and novice builders and craftsmen. When using this glue, the main and mandatory rule is to degrease the surface before applying the glue. In addition, it is also better to pre-clean the surface of objects from dust and other particles that may interfere with gluing.
This glue is applied with a roller or with a notched trowel, but not with a brush. After gluing the two surfaces, they need to be pressed very firmly together for up to 2-3 minutes. This, in turn, will ensure very good adhesion and further bonding quality.
Among the advantages of this type of PVA glue, it is worth noting its affordable price and environmental friendliness. This glue is non-toxic, so when using it there are no restrictions on the worker being in the same room with the glue, or any other restrictions. It is for this reason that this glue is so popular among the population. Let us note that today there is not even a need to invent other types of construction adhesives, since PVA copes with this task very well, plus, it has the ability to be improved, which can be done if necessary.
Tips for working with PVA construction adhesive
So, if you decide to use construction PVA to cover the surface of the walls with wallpaper, for example, you should know how to properly apply the glue. As we said earlier, the glue needs to be applied with a roller or with a notched trowel, but if you don’t have either, you can also use a brush, although in this case the work will be somewhat inconvenient.
Also, you should know that the glue mixture is correctly applied in the direction from the center to the edges of the wallpaper, and not vice versa (although everyone does it in their own way). To increase the adhesive bond, you can press the surfaces not for a short time with strong pressing, but with long pressing and with a little force. Here, you need to proceed from how much time you have for this. To get rid of any air bubbles that form, you need to smooth the wallpaper with a roller or a dry piece of cloth. It’s even better if you do this through a sheet of paper - then the bubbles will come out much faster and new ones will not form.
Reading time ≈ 3 minutes
PVA glue is an essential product that first appeared on the market around 1914. It is used in every area of human life and still has no worthy analogues, because the technical characteristics of PVA glue are amazing in their performance.
Types of PVA glue
95% PVA glue consists of polyvinyl acetate, to which plasticizers, thickeners and various targeted additives are sometimes added. The composition of such a product usually depends on its purpose.
Today there are several main types of glue:
- Wallpaper. It is intended for fixing paper and washable wallpaper on any type of surface;
- Universal. This type of glue is intended for gluing all types of surfaces: wood, cardboard, paper, leather;
- Building. High-quality PVA construction adhesive is usually used when installing floor coverings, when laying ceramic tiles and for fixing various decorative elements;
- Clerical. This type of glue is used for gluing photographs, paper and cardboard;
- Carpentry. The composition of PVA glue for carpentry purposes usually includes various additional substances that enhance its properties and water resistance.
Application
The scope of application of PVA glue is very wide. It is used almost daily in everyday life, at school, at work, on industrial enterprises and warehouses, factories and offices, construction sites and during renovation work.
Technical characteristics of PVA glue
PVA glue is a universal product that has amazing properties:
- Low level of consumption, depending on the type of work varies from 100 to 900 g/m2. As evidenced by reviews of PVA glue, one bottle of such a product can last for a whole year, but, of course, everything will depend on the scale and type of work for which it will be used;
- Complete drying occurs after 24 hours;
- High adhesive capacity - 450 N/m;
- Fire safety;
- Explosion safety;
- Non-toxic;
- Elasticity (i.e., when hardened, it does not become too brittle, so it can fill gaps several millimeters thick);
- Shelf life - from six months to one year;
- Frost resistance - more than four cycles.
Advantages
The main advantages of PVA glue are its affordable cost, excellent technical specifications and versatility. As noted above, this product can be easily used on absolutely any surface! In addition, this glue is fireproof, so it can easily be used in any room and for any materials.
Flaws
The main disadvantages of PVA glue are its low water resistance and long drying time. However, such shortcomings are now eliminated with the help of special additives.
How to use PVA glue correctly?
In order for you to fully appreciate all the benefits of this product, you need to choose it wisely. PVA glue should have a thick structure, white And homogeneous mass. You can see a photo and video review of PVA glue right in this article! You also need to remember that a high-quality product cannot cost mere pennies.
By selecting good glue, do not rush to use it, because for this you need to prepare the surface very carefully. Work surface must be completely free of dirt and all kinds of dust. If the surface has a porous and uneven structure, then it must be carefully treated with a primer or sandpaper.
Before application, the glue should be shaken with a brush. It is applied in a very thin layer, and then the surfaces are carefully pressed against each other. As already noted, complete drying time is 24 hours, so for a good result, the surface should not be touched for 24 hours.
For those who are planning to do cosmetic repairs or radical alterations in an apartment or office, you cannot do without PVA glue. It is indispensable when working with paper, cardboard, wallpaper, and textiles. It is actively used both in industry and in everyday life to achieve quick and high-quality results.
Types of PVA glue
PVA glue is one of the most popular compounds used in everyday life and on an industrial scale for fastening leather, paper, wood, textiles and other materials.
The basis of PVA glue is an emulsion of polyvinyl acetate in water with various additives.
Highlight the following types PVA glue:
- Wallpaper, or household. Used for bonding paper products and surfaces made of wood, plaster, and cement.
- Building. Suitable for fixing various types of wallpaper on the wall. It is added to dry construction mixtures to increase adhesion.
- Universal. Allows you to glue various paper and fabric products to wood, metal or glass; it is added to improve performance in cement compositions, primers and putties. The properties of the universal adhesive make it possible to use it for installing tiles, cork, linoleum, and carpet.
- PVA super M. Necessary for gluing products made from vapor-permeable materials. Provides a strong adhesive seam.
- Clerical. Suitable for use with various types paper, cardboard, and photo paper. It is characterized by poor resistance to moisture and temperature influences.
- PVA extra E. Used for working with plywood, fiberboard, cardboard, wood, paper, and added to plaster and putty mixtures.
- PVA dispersion. Used as a component mortars, which are used in various industries industry, for repairing shoes, furniture, in printing, for gluing paper and cardboard, as well as wood.
Specifications
TO technical features PVA glue includes the following:
- good adhesive ability,
- frost resistance (withstands several defrosting cycles, except for office glue),
- seam elasticity,
- economical consumption,
- complete hardening within 24 hours,
- explosion, fire safety,
- elastic adhesive seam,
- moisture resistance,
- non-toxic.
PVA adhesives are sold in all office supply and construction stores, they are distinguished by their affordable cost and ease of use, therefore they are actively used on both a household and industrial scale.
- PVA looks like a milky-white homogeneous mass with a slight odor.
- After drying, it forms a transparent stretchy film.
- Waterproof compositions contain a polyvinyl acetate emulsion, which imparts increased adhesive properties.
- The seam is reliable and elastic.
According to GOST for PVA glue, the product should not contain toxic substances or strong odor. During use, the white color turns into transparent. Once dry, it cannot be returned to its original consistency.
Due to its safety and environmental friendliness, the composition can be used in children's institutions, clubs and sections for creativity and handicrafts. It is also valued for its fire safety, as well as ease of use - no protective clothing is needed during operation.
For wood
In the furniture industry, glue is used to glue joints. It not only holds surfaces together efficiently, but also does not become fragile over the years. Masters don't need any funds chemical protection, nor ventilation, since the product does not burn and does not emit hazardous substances.
After hardening, there is no significant shrinkage, and the gluing process itself takes only a few minutes. Simply open the package and apply a thin layer of PVA wood glue to the wood.
Experts classify PVA adhesives into the following types:
- D1 – for work in rooms with humidity no more than 15%, temperature no more than 50C,
- D2 – for work in rooms with humidity no more than 18%, short-term exposure to moisture is allowed
- D3 – approved for outdoor use, tolerates short-term wetness.
- D4 – not afraid of moisture, can be used both inside and outside. It is two-component.
But it is worth remembering that moisture-resistant compounds do not provide high strength of the adhesive joint, so they should only be used in conditions of high humidity.
AS A PRIMER
Many craftsmen and builders use cheaper, but no less expensive, primers instead of ready-made, expensive primers. quality option. To achieve good results, but affordable price can be used PVA glue as a primer.
A homemade primer will not only help you save money, but will also make the surface smooth. You won't have to apply multiple layers, which means the work will go faster.
To prepare the mixture you will need glue and water at a ratio of 1 to 2.
Received liquid mass It lays easily on the surface and is used sparingly. It is worth remembering that the product does not fill cracks and is not absorbed, but only forms a film.
It is better to prepare the mixture indoors in a warm place away from fire sources and the balcony. A bucket or some other open container is suitable for mixing. First, glue is poured, then water is gradually added. You can stir the mixture with a special spatula or stick. If necessary, builders add resins or chalk.
What is the average consumption of PVA glue per square meter
When it comes to repairs, for example, laying tiles or wallpapering, it is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of glue. On average by 1 square meter It takes about 100-900 g of adhesive, depending on the type of work performed.
The amount of glue will directly depend on required thickness glue seam. It is very difficult to apply it evenly, since there are always small irregularities on the surface, resulting in the formation of air bubbles and cracks.
To avoid peeling of the tiles, apply the adhesive with a notched trowel. Glue manufacturers usually indicate which one to use on the packaging. When applied with a spatula at an angle, the layer obtained is approximately 0.4 mm from the size of the spatula teeth. It is also worth considering differences in the base; they should not be more than 3 mm.
For example, it is known that with a layer of glue of 1 mm, about 1.3 kg of mixture is required for an area of 1 m2. If the tile size is 30x30 mm, it will require a layer of 4 mm. This means that the consumption will be about 5.2 kg per 1 m2. If you plan to lay tiles in 25 m2, then you will need about 13 kg (25x5.2). This value is approximate, but in general it will help to perform the correct calculation.
Those who are interested in the question of how long PVA-based glue takes to dry should know that it takes from half an hour to two hours for the composition to harden, and up to one day for complete setting.
VIDEO ON THE TOPIC
How to make it yourself
Those who want to learn how to make PVA glue need to stock up on the following tools and materials:
- 100 grams of sifted flour (preferably wheat),
- 20 grams of ethyl alcohol,
- 5-10 grams of finely divided gelatin,
- 5-10 grams of glycerin,
- coloring pigment.
- They start by diluting gelatin in water, which must be “infused” for about a day. If it turns out to be too thick, you can dilute it hot water and interfere.
- To prepare the mixture you will need two enamel bowls. Into the bowl smaller size pour a solution of gelatin and water, and into larger size pour water and put on fire.
- After the gelatin solution has boiled, they begin to add flour. The process is similar to preparing semolina porridge. It will take at least an hour to dissolve the flour in the gelatin solution, and the mixture must be constantly stirred.
- After the consistency of the composition is similar to thick sour cream, you can add glycerin, alcohol and dye. The resulting mixture must be kept in a water bath for about half an hour, stirring. Then the glue needs to be cooled and tested in practice. If everything is successful, the resulting composition can be stored for at least six months in a warm place and with the neck well sealed.
After the composition is ready:
- pour it into a convenient container, and pour the remainder into a small jar, which will be useful for small jobs,
- ventilate the room.