The use of adhesives and fixings

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)

used for wood joints, card making, fabrics joining

Advantages

• Produces strong bond when joining wood

• Can be used on cards/papers

Disadvantages

• Takes 24 hours to bond wood

• Requires clamps to hold work whilst hardening

Contact adhesive

used for applying formica and veneers

Advantages

• Good strength

• Quick dry time/instant stick

• Waterproof

• Can be used over large areas

Disadvantages

• Can be toxic

• No slip time to adjust work

UV Hardening Adhesive

used for glass repairs, dental applications, electronics assembly, jewellery making

Advantages

• Instant curing when exposed to UV light

• Bonds glass, plastics and metals

• No mixing required - ready to use

• Clear, invisible bond line

• Precise application control

Disadvantages

• Requires UV light source to cure

• Limited shelf life once opened

• Not suitable for opaque materials

• More expensive than conventional adhesives

• Surface preparation critical for bond strength

Tensol cement (Solvent cement)

used for applying formica, veneers

Advantages

• Joins thermoplastics

• Chemical weld (melts plastics together)

• Strong bond

• Quick drying

Disadvantages

• Lots of fumes

• Toxic to skin

• Must wear PPE (e.g. gloves) as it is harmful

Acrylic Cement

used for aquariums, display cases, acrylic furniture, signage

Advantages

• Specifically designed for bonding acrylic (PMMA)

• Creates molecular bond (welds materials together)

• Clear finish maintains transparency

• Fast setting time (typically 5-10 minutes)

Disadvantages

• Highly flammable liquid

• Strong fumes require ventilation

• Can cause crazing if over-applied

• Requires precise application (capillary action)

Epoxy resin

used for aircraft, boats, golf clubs, skis

Advantages

• Very strong

• Waterproof

• Heat and chemical resistant

Disadvantages

• Takes time to cure/harden

• Requires two elements (resin and catalyst)